This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Key Lime Curd Recipe – tangy, rich and sweet, this key lime curd is easy to make and perfect for pancakes, toast, macarons or to just eat it with a spoon.Key Lime Curd buttery, tangy, rich, sweet curd in a white ceramic bows, with a ceramic spoon and key lime slices next to it. Great for filling lime macarons.

Lime, key lime or lemon curd – I love them all. Honestly, I find no difference between lime and key lime curd.

But since my local grocery store always carries bags with key limes, I have the option to use these cuties instead of big old limes.

What is a curd?

Fruit curd is a dessert or topping, made usually with citrus.

Basic ingredients usually are beaten egg yolks (or eggs), sugar, fruit juice, zest and butter sometimes.

Ingredients are cooked together, until thick, usually over a double boiler.

After the curd is cooked, it is a good idea to strain it so it is extra smooth.

Curds are flavorful, soft and delicious.

I used lime curd for these Meringue Nests With Lime Curd And Cherries.

What ingredients do you need to make a key lime curd?

  • sugar
  • key lime juice
  • key lime zest
  • egg yolks
  • salt
  • butter

Should you use key limes or regular limes for this key lime curd?

If you can not find key limes, you can use regular limes instead.

We need both juice and lime zest.

Of course you can buy lime curd at the store.

But is is so easy to make it at home, too.

How to make this easy key lime curd?

Just follow these simple steps.

  1. In a heat proof bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, key lime zest, key lime juice and salt. Whisk to combine.
  2. Place bowl over a double boiler and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until thickened. It takes about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until smooth. Place in a jar. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Why should you make citrus curd at home?

It is a lot less expensive to prepare it at home.

All you need is a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes.

I made this key lime curd as a filling for my lime macarons recipe.

Since I had some left over egg yolks, I used egg yolks in it.

If you don’t have left over egg yolks, you can use whole eggs instead.

The difference in taste, texture and flavor will be minimal for the amount of curd that this recipe makes.

Key lime curd as a key lime macaron filling. Lime green macarons, filled with tangy lime curd.

 

What to use this key lime curd for?

This key lime curd is just the perfect filling for lime macarons.

I’ve been obsessed with key lime flavor this summer.

You can also check out this Key Lime Pie – Lightened Up, it is the best key lime pie I’ve ever had.

Curds are also great as a cake filling.

A while back, I made this tangerine curd and used it in this Tangerine Layer Cake.

It was perfect for Christmas.

If you are not into cakes, use this key lime curd to top pancakes, crepes, waffles, toast, scones or muffins.

 

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Key-Lime-Curd-buttery, tangy, rich, sweet curd in a white ceramic bows, with a ceramic spoon and key lime slices next to it. Great for filling lime macarons.
5 from 7 votes

Key Lime Curd Recipe

Key Lime Curd Recipe - tangy, rich and sweet, this key lime curd is easy to make and perfect for pancakes, toast, macarons or to just eat it with a spoon.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp key lime zest
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp butter

Instructions 

  • In a heat proof bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, key lime zest, key lime juice and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Place bowl over a double boiler and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until thickened. It takes about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until smooth. Place in a jar. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 183mg, Sodium: 123mg, Potassium: 39mg, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 465IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Tried this recipe?Mention @cookinglsl or tag #cookinglsl!

You May Also Like:

Classic Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust

Thick and tangy classic lemon bars, perfectly cut on top of each other, dusted with powder sugar

ย Berry Lemon Tartlets

Lemon Curd Tartlets
Lemon Curd Tartlets

 

Key Lime Pie Recipe {Lightened Up}

 

Easy way to lighten up Key Lime Pie Recipe. Made with Greek Yogurt, lime curd, homemade graham cracker crust. Flavorful summer dessert. Perfect slice of key lime pie on a plate with a fork.

You May Also Like:

Hi! I'm Mira.

I share simple, mostly low-carb and Keto recipes, that don't take a lot of time to make and use mostly seasonal, easy to find ingredients. I'm a supporter of healthy eating, but you'll also find some indulgent treats too.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

19 Comments

  1. Just made this! Easy and very tasty. I’m making a key lime pie ice cream, so this lime curd will be added to that along with meringue and graham cracker crust. I’ll let you know how it went once it’s done churning. Thank you for a recipe that conveniently uses the exact number of leftover yolks I had!

  2. This recipe says it makes 6 servings, but how big is one serving? I’m looking forward to making my own curds for thumbprint cookies and am trying to figure out how many recipes will equal 10 oz. TIA