Cozy orange curd Recipe

Sunshine often feels hard to come by, but a jar of this bright orange curd brings that warmth right into my kitchen. It has become my favorite way to preserve fresh citrus flavor for weeks of satisfying breakfasts.

You might think making fruit curds at home is complicated, but this method proves just how simple it actually is. I find the process incredibly relaxing, and the result is a silky, sweet-tart spread you will want to eat by the spoonful.

The Magic Behind This Orange Curd

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy without being too sharp on the palate. I use a mix of orange and lemon juice to ensure the flavor pops in every single bite.

You can whip this up in less than twenty minutes, making it an ideal project for a lazy weekend morning. It requires only a handful of pantry staples that you likely already have on hand right now.

The texture sets into a luscious, velvety consistency that spreads like a dream over warm toast or scones. I love how it thickens naturally in the fridge without needing any cornstarch or artificial fillers.

If this citrus treat sparked your joy, you should definitely try my Cozy Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Cookies Recipe next, as the flavors would complement each other beautifully. For another rich and satisfying treat, the Hearty Brownie Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite that never stays in the jar for long.

What Goes Into This Orange Curd

Here is the short list of items you will need to gather:

• Oranges: You need fresh fruit here to get both the flavorful oils from the zest and the fresh juice.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds the necessary richness and creates that velvety mouthfeel without making the spread salty.
• Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the mixture and helps to achieve the right consistency as it cooks.
• Eggs: These act as the primary thickener to give the curd its structure and pudding-like texture.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of this adds a necessary tartness that highlights the sweeter orange flavor.

My Method for Perfect Orange Curd

Let’s get the stove ready and start making this beautiful spread.

1. Start by prepping your citrus to ensure you capture all the flavor. Use a zester or fine grater to remove the bright orange outer layer of the skin, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith, until you have about one tablespoon. Slice the oranges in half and squeeze them until you have a half-cup of fresh juice, then set both the juice and zest aside for a moment.
2. Grab your stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer. Beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about two minutes. You are looking for the mixture to become pale, fluffy, and thoroughly combined before moving to the next step.
3. crack the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time while the mixer runs. It is important to let each egg fully blend into the batter before you drop in the next one. This patience helps build a stable emulsion which is crucial for a smooth final texture.
4. Lower the mixer speed and slowly pour in both the orange juice and the lemon juice. Once the liquid is incorporated, stir in the orange zest you prepared earlier. Do not worry if the mixture looks curdled or separated at this stage; it is completely normal and will smooth out perfectly once the butter melts and the eggs cook.
5. Pour the entire mixture into a heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan and place it over medium heat. Whisk continuously for about 14 to 16 minutes, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of the pan so the eggs do not scramble. The curd is ready when it thickens noticeably and reaches 170°F, coating the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately and transfer the hot curd into a heat-safe bowl. If you want an extra-smooth finish, you can press it through a fine-mesh sieve at this point. Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate it for at least two hours until it is firm and chilled.

My Orange Curd Secrets

Constant whisking is non-negotiable because it prevents the eggs from scrambling at the bottom of the pot. I always keep the heat at medium or slightly lower to ensure the orange curd thickens gradually and smoothly.

Straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve right after cooking ensures you get that professional, silky finish. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it catches any stray zest or cooked egg bits for the best texture.

Don’t panic if the mixture looks separated or curdled before you start heating it on the stove. Once the butter melts completely and the temperature rises, the ingredients will emulsify into a beautiful, glossy orange curd.

Best Ways to Enjoy Orange Curd

My absolute favorite way to eat this is smeared generously over warm, buttered sourdough toast or freshly baked biscuits. It also makes a spectacular filling between cake layers when you want to add a bright citrus surprise to a dessert.

You can swirl a spoonful into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for an instant flavor upgrade. This orange curd also pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant evening treat.

Find plenty more inspiration by following me on Pinterest.

Creamy Homemade Orange Curd

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 2 hr 27 min
• Yield: 1 cup
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A velvety, bright citrus spread made with fresh orange juice and zest. Perfect for toast, scones, or cake fillings.

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Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 medium oranges (for zest and juice)

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Instructions

1. Zest the oranges to get about 1 tablespoon of zest, then juice them to obtain 1/2 cup of liquid.
2. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the orange juice, lemon juice, and zest on low speed (mixture may look curdled).
5. Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 15 minutes until thickened (170°F).
6. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill for 2 hours.

Notes

Strain through a sieve before chilling for an ultra-smooth texture.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Chilling Time: 2 hr
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tbsp
• Calories: 78
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: orange curd, citrus spread, homemade curd, breakfast topping, easy dessert filling