Lemon Curd Makes Everything Better

We changed the mixing method of our favorite lemon curd, then cooked it in the microwave. The results? Buttery rich and smooth as silk, every time. 

Quick and Easy Lemon Curd 

Step One Grate zest from 6 lemons to equal 2 Tbsp. Cut lemons in half; squeeze juice into a measuring cup to equal 1 cup. 

Step Two Beat 1/2 cup butter, softened, and 2 cups sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add 4 eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Gradually add lemon juice to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition; stir in zest. (Mixture will look curdled.) Transfer to a 3-qt. microwave-safe bowl. 

Step Three Microwave at HIGH 5 minutes, stirring at 1-minute intervals. Microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals, 1 to 2 more minutes or until mixture thickens, coats the back of a spoon, and starts to mound slightly when stirred. 

Step Four Place heavy-duty plastic wrap directly on warm curd (to prevent a film from forming), and chill 4 hours or until firm. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Makes 2 cups 

Stove-Top Method 
Prepare as directed through Step 2, transferring mixture to a heavy 4-qt. saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 14 to 16 minutes. Proceed as directed in Step 4. 

Five Other Uses for Lemon Curd: 

Cake Drizzle Top warm gingerbread or toasted pound cake with scoops of dulce de leche ice cream and lemon curd. 

Cloud Cake Bake your favorite white cake batter in a 13- × 9-inch pan. Cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes. Pierce top of cake every 1½ inches, using the handle of a wooden spoon. Spread 2 cups lemon curd over cake. Cool completely; cover and chill 4 hours. Frost top of cake with sweetened whipped cream. 

Magic Filling Fill layer cakes, cupcakes, or miniature tart shells with lemon curd. 

Lemon Eton Mess Layer lemon curd, coarsely crushed meringue cookies, fresh berries, and sweetened whipped cream in vintage parfait glasses. 

Better Than Butter Spread lemon curd on hot biscuits, fresh blueberry muffins, or a basketful of icebox rolls.