60 Delicious Uses for Lemon Curd

Lemon lovers, listen up! Do you have some store-bought or homemade lemon curd and aren’t sure what to do with it? Here are 60 delicious uses for lemon curd to help you out! Never wonder how to use up a jar of lemon curd again!

This post was originally published on July 4, 2018.

When life gives you lemons, make lemon curd.

And when life gives you lemon curd? There are soooo many possibilities!

You can enjoy the luscious, silky, tangy custard on scones or toast, by the spoonful, or as an ingredient in a huge variety of desserts and even breakfast foods.

What is lemon curd?

Lemon curd is a delicious, custardy spread made from just a few simple ingredients: fresh lemon juice and zest, sugar, butter, and egg yolks or whole eggs. A fine mesh strainer can remove lemon zest and any stray egg bits to make an even smoother consistency.

Curd can be used in many of the same ways as jam, preserves, or jellies, but differs in its inclusion of butter and eggs. While lemon curd is the most popular type, you can also make curd from other citrus fruits like Meyer lemons, lime, orange, or grapefruit (varying the amount of added sugar) or even other fruits like cranberries.

Check out my easy lemon curd recipe here!

What do I do with lemon curd?

If you’ve made or been gifted some lemon curd and aren’t sure where to start, here are some basic ideas of how how to use it. It’s so versatile!

• As a topping: On scones, pancakes and waffles, French toast, ice cream, cheesecake, other cakes (Vanilla/white/lemon/nutty), cookies (ginger cookies are a great match), or even plain toast!
• As a filling: Between cake layers, in a tart, in a crepe, or as a filling for macarons and other sandwich cookies
• With a spoon: Layered in a parfait, or literally by itself out of the jar
• In a recipe: See this whole list of lemon curd recipes below!!

What flavors go well with lemon curd?

Now you know what to do with it, but what flavors go well with lemon curd? Here are some common flavor pairings you’ll see.

• Fresh berries
• More lemon
• Cheesecake (or other mild creamy cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone)
• Almond or coconut
• Vanilla
• White chocolate

Recipes that Use Lemon Curd

You can wing it based on the suggestions above, or there are tons of delicious recipes that use lemon curd as an ingredient!

Parfaits and layered desserts

You can, of course, just eat lemon curd straight out of the jar, but you can also layer it into a parfait or other fancy dessert and still get nice spoonfuls of tangy goodness!

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Lemon Mousse with Fresh Berries

Not only do you get a nice tangy lemon curd bonus at the bottom of the glass, you also use lemon curd to make the mousse itself! It's a super easy recipe and great to make ahead!

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Strawberry Shortcake & Lemon Curd Parfaits

Recipe From https://www.therisingspoon.com/

An easy recipe for individual strawberry shortcake parfaits (also known as trifles) layered with bright lemon curd, macerated strawberries, buttery scone, and pillowy whipped cream. This dessert is absolute BLISS in every bite and it’s beautiful, as well!

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Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcake

Recipe From https://www.urbanfoodiekitchen.com

Similar to the recipe above, this one is not only topped with lemon curd, but also vanilla mascarpone. Yes, please!! And I love these adorable mason jars!

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Limoncello Tiramisu

Recipe From https://casualfoodist.com/

Bright, sunny days call for bright, sunny desserts and nothing brightens the end of a meal quite like a lemon dessert. Limoncello tiramisu is a citrusy take on an Italian classic, with limoncello soaked ladyfingers layered between clouds of an ethereal limoncello cream. Limoncello Tiramisu is a delicious no-bake dessert that’s both easy and elegant.

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Lemon Icebox Cake

Recipe From https://thetoastykitchen.com/

Lemon dessert lovers – you must give this lemon icebox cake a try. Golden oreos and sweet lemon mousse are layered and chilled until soft and cakelike.

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Lemon Curd Mousse with Biscoff Crumble

Recipe From www.justgimmefries.com

An easy, no-fuss recipe for the holiday season! Make this delicious lemon curd mousse made with ricotta & Biscoff crumble ahead of time.

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Tarts and pies

You can use lemon curd on its own it as a filling for tarts, or fold it in with various cheeses to create a tangy tart or pie filling!

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Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

If you've made your own lemon curd you may already have some egg whites left over for the meringue topping on these cuties! Great for tea parties, showers, and parties!

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Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts

Recipe From https://cookingwithcurls.com

All you need to make these cute little tarts is lemon curd and some frozen puff pastry to make the shell! 

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Mascarpone Cream Cheese Berry Tart with Lemon Curd

Recipe From https://www.aberdeenskitchen.com

An easy, quick, yet rich and festive dessert tart topped with fresh berries and drizzled with homemade lemon curd.

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Lemon Meringue Tartlets

Recipe From https://ourlovelanguageisfood.com

These lemon curd tartlets are made with a layer of pie crust, a silky smooth lemon curd filling, and topped with a fluffy layer of lightly toasted meringue. Mini lemon meringue tarts are an excellent spring and summertime dessert! Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any springtime or summertime party.

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Quick Lemon Curd and Raspberry Tart

Recipe From https://senseandedibility.com/

This lemon tart uses an easy graham cracker crust and homemade (or store-bought) lemon curd topped with a fresh whipped cream. Make early in the day.

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Grain-Free Red, White, and Blue Berry Fruit Tart

Recipe From https://whatagirleats.com/

This delightful tart uses a nut-based crust filled with a lemon curd-cream cheese mixture and is topped with fresh berries.

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Lemon Curd Mascarpone Tart

Recipe From https://annabanana.co/

Quick & easy recipe for lemon curd mascarpone tart. Vibrant, creamy and delicious dessert, perfect for warmer days. Ready in 10 minutes!

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Mini Lemon Tarts with Shortbread Crust

Recipe From https://livelytable.com

Sweet and tangy mini lemon tarts with buttery shortbread crusts and simple lemon curd filling are delicious and adorable spring and summer desserts!

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Bite-Sized Lemon Tarts

Recipe From www.garlicandzest.com

You know me, I can't resist a miniature food! This bite-sized lemon tart recipe is gorgeous and so easy to make! Perfect for parties, bridal showers and celebrations!

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Lavender Lemon Curd Tart

Recipe From https://frolicandfare.com

This lavender lemon curd tart is essentially a giant lavender shortbread cookie crust with lemon curd will make your taste buds sing.

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Cakes and cupcakes

Lemon curd makes an excellent filling! It’s great on its own between layers of cake, or you can mix it with ricotta or cream cheese for a more substantial filling. Here are a few examples!

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Almond Lemon Curd Cake with Ricotta & Berries

Recipe From https://www.chefsouschef.com

Just tell me you don't want to eat this luxurious almond olive oil cake layered with ricotta and homemade lemon curd!

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Lemon and Elderflower Cake

Recipe From https://annabanana.co/

Elegant and delicious lemon and elderflower cake, made with layers of light sponge, buttercream, lemon curd and ganache. Perfect summery bake!

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Lemon Layer Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Buttercream

Recipe From https://theunlikelybaker.com

Lemon curd is a delicious alternative to frosting between layers of a cake! Just look at that glorious lemon curd oozing between these layers. I can almost taste it through the screen!

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Lemon Meringue Teacup Cakes

Recipe From www.sugarhero.com

Lemon Meringue Teacup Cakes are elegant lemon cakes, baked right in teacups! Filled with raspberry and topped with lemon curd and toasted meringue, they are perfect for a special occasion!

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Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake

Recipe From https://peanutbutterandjulie.com

Filled with tart lemon curd and topped with fluffy marshmallow buttercream, this Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake is a feast for the eyes and palate!

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Spring In Bloom Layer Cake

Recipe From https://www.sugarhero.com

This Spring In Bloom Layer Cake is an extra-tall spring cake COVERED with gorgeous frosting flowers! It’s filled with lemon curd and raspberry jam, and bursting with bright and colorful buttercream blooms. It looks and tastes like spring!

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Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Recipe From https://senseandedibility.com

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is a creamy NY-style cheesecake made with the flavors of a classic lemon meringue pie with a ginger cookie crust.

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Deep Lemon Curd and Raspberry No-Bake Cheesecake

Recipe From www.tinnedtomatoes.com

This easy no-bake fresh raspberry and lemon curd cheesecake uses crushed ginger cookies as a base!

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Lemon Cupcakes

Recipe From https://www.confettiandbliss.com/

Lemon curd cupcakes are bright, sweet, and burst with vibrant lemon flavor. They boast a secret filling in the center and swirls of tasty frosting.

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Lemon Raspberry Cake (with Lemon Curd)

Recipe From https://www.theflavorbender.com/

This lemon raspberry cake is incredibly refreshing and tasty! Easy lemon cake with lemon curd in the middle and raspberry buttercream all over.

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Lemon Mug Cake with Lemon Glaze

Recipe From https://2cookinmamas.com

When you have no sweets in the house (horror!) and want something quick for dessert that tastes like you spent the afternoon baking? Mug cakes are always the answer! This one has lemon curd mixed right into the batter, and a quick lemon glaze on top! The recipe takes only 4 minutes start to finish & voila – instant dessert!

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Mini Lemon Cheesecakes with Lemon Curd

Recipe From https://www.abakingjourney.com

These Mini Lemon Cheesecakes with Lemon Curd Topping are the perfect mix between sweet, sour, creamy and crunchy – great for parties!

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Cookies

Whether you use it as an ingredient in icing, a filling in a sandwich cookie, or a topping on a bar cookie, fresh lemon curd will steal the show!

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Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Recipe From https://flouringkitchen.com

These lemon shortbread cookies are buttery, tangy, zesty, and filled with lemon curd. They have a melt in your mouth texture.

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Lemon Curd Coconut Macaroons

These Lemon Curd Coconut Macaroons are soft and chewy, filled with sweetened coconut and topped with an easy homemade lemon curd.

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Cream Cheese Filled Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Recipe From https://fussfreeflavours.com

Be still, my lemon-loving heart! These easy to bake lemon cookies filled with lemon cream cheese are delicious and sure to impress. Perfect for any time of day and egg free!

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Lemon Curd Yogurt Cheesecake Bars

Recipe From www.amummytoo.co.uk

While traditional lemon bars require a much thicker lemon curd topping than what you’d find in a jar, these lemon cheesecake bars are a great way to use up some lemon curd! They have a delicious and simple cookie base with a rich, creamy yogurt and cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet, zingy home-made lemon curd.

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Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Recipe From https://bakerstable.net

Soft, chewy lemon curd thumbprint cookies are simply the best cookie to bake this spring and summer! A simple lemon crinkle cookies are filled with a vibrant and silky lemon curd for a delicious treat!

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CRUMBL lemon poppy seed cookies with lemon curd filling

Recipe From https://lifestyleofafoodie.com/

These CRUMBL lemon poppy seed cookies are thick cookies that are filled with tangy lemon curd and glazed with a butter lemon glaze.

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Lemon Curd Cookies

Recipe From https://livetosweet.com

These Lemon Curd Cookies are soft, chewy lemon cookies topped with homemade lemon curd! The sweet-tart lemon flavor will brighten your day!

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Lemon Curd Jammy Dodgers

Recipe From https://somebodyfeedseb.com

Buttery and so delicate they melt in your mouth, these Lemon Curd Cookies are great both with a mid-morning coffee and your afternoon tea!

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Ice creams

The easiest thing you can do is put a big ol’ dollop of lemon curd on top of some white chocolate or vanilla bean ice cream! But if you want to get a little fancier with it, check out these homemade ice cream recipes that have lemon curd swirled right in!

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No-Churn Lemon Shortbread Ice Cream

Recipe From https://www.kitchensanctuary.com

No ice cream maker? No problem! I don't see how I could pass up a scoop or two of this no churn lemon shortbread ice cream! I love those swirls of lemon curd!

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Lemon Oreo Ice Cream

Recipe From https://tasteandsee.com

Lemon Oreo Ice Cream is an easy & churn-free delicious, lemony ice cream experience in every bite! Fresh lemons, lemon curd, cream, sugar, & lemon Oreos- YUM!

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Ultra Creamy Lemon Ice Cream

Recipe From www.theflavorbender.com/

Creamy lemon curd ice cream is creamy, tart and refreshing, and sure to be a summer favorite!

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Easy Lemon Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

Recipe From https://www.farmersgirlkitchen.co.uk/

Easy Lemon Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream is rich and creamy with the sharp flavours of lemon and raspberry contrasting with the sweetness of the ice cream.

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Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream

Recipe From https://cookingwithcurls.com/

This one looks so delicious! I'm not usually one for dairy-free ice cream, but this one uses cashew cream which sounds just delightful, and has regular dairy substitutes for those who aren't looking for dairy-free!

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Breakfast foods

Can’t wait for dessert to indulge in a lemon curd-filled treat? Never fear! You can have it for breakfast too!

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Lemon Ricotta Crêpes with Raspberry Sauce

These crepes are stuffed with ricotta and lemon curd and topped with a homemade raspberry sauce. Sounds good to me!

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Blackberry Lemon Curd Parfait

Recipe From https://brunchandbatter.com

This blackberry lemon curd parfait is layered with vanilla yogurt, blackberries, lemon curd, and crunchy granola for a healthy breakfast.

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Glazed Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls

Recipe From https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/

Tangy lemon curd and sweet blueberries make up the filling of this delicious breakfast treat. Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls are fluffy, creamy and comforting.

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Leftover Lemon Curd Parfait

Recipe From https://basilandbubbly.com

An easy, refreshing spring breakfast that uses leftover microwave lemon curd. These lemon curd yogurt parfaits can be mostly made in advance, and topped with granola right before serving.

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Lemon Curd Cake

Recipe From www.supergoldenbakes.com

This lemon curd loaf cake is deliciously tangy, buttery, and moist and uses lemon curd in the batter. Super easy to make all in one bowl!

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Lemon Curd Muffins

Recipe From https://alpineella.com/

These lemon curd muffins are extra soft and fluffy! They’re filled with lemon curd, made in 1 bowl and you need just 10 ingredients.

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Dutch Babies with Lemon Curd and Blueberries

Recipe From www.closetcooking.com/

Light and fluffy, cloud-like Dutch baby pancakes are filled with lemon curd and fresh blueberries for a bright and tangy breakfast!

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Braided Lemon Bread

Recipe From https://thefeatherednester.com/

Make easy lemon stuffed braided bread with lemon curd and cream cheese filling. Everyone will love this zesty, lemony sweet bread loaf braid.

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Lemon Curd Yogurt Parfaits (Starbucks Copycat)

Recipe From http://chicagojogger.com

For more of an on-the-go breakfast you can make these parfaits in advance! Just keep the granola separate until you're ready to eat it so it stays crunchy!

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Lemon Pop Tarts

Recipe From https://www.confettiandbliss.com/

Make these lemon pop tarts from scratch or with refrigerated pie crusts and a jar of lemon curd. Decorate with frosting and sprinkles!

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Blackberry Cheese Danish

Recipe From https://quichemygrits.com/

Blackberry Cheese Danish is filled with lemon-thyme cream cheese, then topped with fresh blackberries on a buttery puff pastry crust. It’s finished with a delightful sugar glaze!

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Lemon Curd Coffee Cake

Recipe From https://borrowedbites.com/

Lemon Curd Coffee Cake is a moist cake with a bright and tangy lemon curd layer under a crisp buttery crumb topping. Perfect for any weekend breakfast!

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Other sweet treats

Because lemon curd is so versatile it cannot be limited into the above categories, here are some miscellaneous uses for lemon curd you won’t want to miss either!

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Mini Pavlovas with Lemon Curd

Recipe From https://asideofsweet.com/

Easy recipe to make gorgeous mini pavlovas with lemon curd. Plus, the best lemon curd recipe to go on top! Pavlovas are meringues with a marshmallowy center. Really, this one should be at the top of the list! Light, airy pavlovas are the perfect match for a big dollop of lemon curd, some fresh berries, and homemade whipped cream. A perfect summer dessert!

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Coeur à la Crème au Citron et Lavande (Lemon-Lavender hearts with cream)

Recipe From https://cocoaandlavender.com

I've never seen a recipe like this! From the description, I envision it almost as a light, fluffy crustless cheesecake infused with tangy lemon flavor and lavender – served atop homemade berry sauce. This recipe requires special equipment (these heart-shaped molds with holes in the bottom, (affiliate link) or any mold with holes in the bottom!) but the result looks sooo worth it!

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Lemon and Raspberry Blondies

Recipe From https://somethingsweetsomethingsavoury.com/

These lemon and raspberry blondies are simply delicious! Lemon blondies with white chocolate, fresh raspberries and lemon curd swirls.

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Microwave Lemon Sponge Pudding

Recipe From https://feastgloriousfeast.com

This Microwave Lemon Sponge Pudding is a 10 minute wonder – it’s as tart as it is sweet and a great way to use up a jar of lemon curd. You’d never know it isn’t a traditional steamed sponge pudding either.

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Lemon Curd Chicken

Recipe From https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/

While not a sweet treat, I couldn't help including this unique recipe for lemon curd chicken! This Asian-inspired dish features crispy pan-seared chicken topped with a lemony sauce. Not only does using lemon curd in this recipe save time, but it gives this easy entree a luscious lemony flavor.

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Yogurt Fruit Dip with Lemon

A quick and easy Yogurt Fruit Dip made with vanilla yogurt that tastes just like creamy Lemon Cheesecake! Please give me strawberries, skewers of blackberries and raspberries, vanilla wafers, and graham crackers to dip in this glorious concoction. Perfect for parties, shower, and brunches!

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Lemon Curd and Coconut Marshmallows

Recipe From https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/

I want you to read that title one more time. Lemon curd. And coconut. Marshmallows. Yes, that's right. Just try and stop me from devouring the whole batch. Homemade Lemon Curd and Coconut Marshmallows that taste EXACTLY like those really expensive ones you get at farmers markets and fairs. Light and fluffy, these marshmallows make an amazing homemade gift!

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These are just a few of the many ways to use lemon curd to brighten up your desserts (and breakfasts)! 

What’s your favorite way to use lemon curd? Let me know in the comments!