How to Make Easy Lemon Curd for Scones (Step-By-Step Guide with Short Videos)

If you love warm scones at afternoon tea, this easy homemade lemon curd is one of the simplest ways to make them feel extra special. It's silky, bright, and made with basic ingredients you likely already have at home.

This is a house recipe from The Tea Trolley, a Victorian-style tea house in Delta, Pennsylvania, where we serve traditional afternoon tea with fresh scones and homemade accompaniments.

Lemon curd is a tangy, fruit-forward spread made with eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. To make lemon curd, whisk eggs and sugar, add lemon juice and zest, then cook gently while stirring until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.

Ingredients for Lemon Curd

Use this as a flexible base recipe:

• Eggs (or egg yolks for a richer texture)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Sugar

• Citrus zest (lemon zest is ideal; orange zest also works)

• Butter (optional, but adds shine and richness)

• Vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Curd

Step 1: Start the Base

Whisk the eggs, sugar, and citrus zest together until the mixture looks smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice Gradually

Slowly add fresh lemon juice while whisking so everything blends evenly and stays smooth.

Step 3: Cook Gently

Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low to medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Keep the heat gentle to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Step 4: Finish and Enrich

Once the lemon curd thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat. Stir in butter and a little vanilla (if using) for a glossy, rich finish.

Texture Tips

• Too thin? Keep cooking on low heat and stir constantly for a few more minutes.

• Too thick? Whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen it.

• Lumpy lemon curd? Strain through a fine mesh strainer while still warm.

• Best consistency for scones: Thick enough to spoon, smooth enough to spread.

How to Serve Lemon Curd with Scones

For a classic tea service presentation:

• Serve lemon curd in a small ramekin or curd jar

• Split warm scones and spoon lemon curd over the center

• Pair with jam or lemon curd for extra flavor

• Add fresh berries for a lighter finish

This lemon curd is best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and serve chilled or gently warmed.

Final Thoughts

Homemade lemon curd may sound fancy, but it's actually one of the most forgiving tea-time recipes once you keep the heat low and stir patiently. It's a lovely way to elevate a simple batch of scones into something that feels truly special for guests, celebrations, or a slow afternoon at home.

If you'd like more tea-time inspiration, explore our afternoon tea guides or reserve your afternoon tea at The Tea Trolley.