Strawberry Curd

There’s something magical about a bowl of Strawberry Curd that transforms an ordinary day into something special. This vibrant, fruity treat brings back memories of sun-kissed strawberry fields and sweet, juicy bites. Whenever I find myself with an abundance of fresh strawberries, I can’t resist whipping up this delightful curd. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of spring’s finest treasures. The moment I take a spoonful of this silky curd and let it melt in my mouth, I’m reminded of the simple joys of homemade goodness. Whether spread on a scone or swirled into yogurt, this Strawberry Curd turns any occasion into a special event.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Curd

Creating the perfect Strawberry Curd hinges on the quality and freshness of the ingredients you choose. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that creamy, tangy, and sweet profile we all love. Let’s explore the key players in this delightful recipe.

• 1 pound fresh strawberries – The star of the show! Their natural sweetness is the foundation of the curd.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – This balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A splash of acidity brightens the overall flavor.
• 2 large eggs – These help create a smooth, creamy texture.
• 3 large egg yolks – More richness and a deeper color.
• 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into 1-tbsp pieces – Adds a luxurious creaminess to the curd.

Step by Step Guide for Strawberry Curd

Making Strawberry Curd is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of strawberries. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and creamy curd that you’ll be proud to serve.

1. Start by rinsing, de-stemming, and roughly chopping the fresh strawberries. This initial step prepares your fruit for blending, ensuring an easy purée.

2. Next, place the chopped strawberries into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. You want to achieve a silky consistency that will form the base of your curd.

3. Once puréed, transfer the strawberry mixture to a medium saucepan. Add in the granulated sugar and lemon juice, stirring to combine. This mixture will now be heated to bring out the flavors.

4. Cook over medium heat, whisking regularly. You’ll want to simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it has reduced by half and thickened slightly. You’ll notice a rich color developing.

5. After simmering, use a spatula to press the strawberry mixture through a sieve into a clean bowl or saucepan. This straining step ensures a smooth curd, free of any seeds or pulp.

6. Let the strawberry mixture cool to room temperature. This is important as hot mixtures can cook the eggs prematurely when added.

7. In a separate clean saucepan, add the cooled strawberry mixture. Then, whisk in the eggs and egg yolks until fully combined, creating a rich, creamy base.

8. Place the saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, whisking constantly. Watch for the curd to thicken, achieving a custard-like consistency.

9. Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the butter pieces one at a time until fully incorporated. This step adds that luxurious creaminess we all adore.

10. Finally, transfer the hot strawberry curd to sterile canning jars or a heat-proof bowl. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap onto the surface while it cools.

11. Cool the curd to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before using. Once chilled, you can remove the plastic wrap and enjoy!

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Strawberry Curd, there are countless ways to enhance or change it up! Here are some variations and tips to experiment with.

• Storage: Store any leftover strawberry curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze strawberry curd in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before using.
• Pairing: Try pairing your strawberry curd with scones, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries.
• Flavor Additions: For a twist, consider adding a hint of mint or basil to your strawberry curd for an exciting flavor profile.
• Texture Variation: If you enjoy a chunkier texture, reserve some chopped strawberries to fold into the curd before chilling.
• Serving Ideas: Use strawberry curd as a topping for cakes, ice cream, or drizzled over yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Curd

When it comes to serving Strawberry Curd, the options are endless, and they can elevate your dishes in delightful ways. Here are some pairing suggestions and ideas to make the most of your curd.

• Breakfast Treat: Spread strawberry curd on warm toast or English muffins for a delightful morning boost.
• Sweet Scones: Serve strawberry curd with freshly baked scones during brunch, making for a lovely seasonal touch.
• Decadent Cakes: Use strawberry curd as a filling between cake layers or as a topping on cupcakes for a pop of color and flavor.
• Refreshing Parfaits: Layer strawberry curd with yogurt and granola in glasses for a beautiful and delicious parfait.
• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle strawberry curd over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert that celebrates the fruit.
• Seasonal Events: Perfect for spring celebrations, strawberry curd can be a unique addition to your dessert table at gatherings.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Curd stands out as a vibrant, flavorful addition to any dessert table. Its creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor create a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it be a cozy brunch or a festive gathering. I encourage you to try making it; you’ll find that the homemade version is not just delicious but also incredibly rewarding. Enjoy the sweet taste of spring with every spoonful, and share it with your loved ones!

Strawberry Curd

Looking for a delightful and easy treat? This Strawberry Curd is the perfect balance of sweet and tart! It’s creamy, vibrant, and ideal for any occasion. Try it tonight to elevate your dessert game!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup salted butter cut into 1-tbsp pieces

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Blender
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Start by rinsing, de-stemming, and roughly chopping the fresh strawberries. This initial step prepares your fruit for blending, ensuring an easy purée.
2. Next, place the chopped strawberries into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. You want to achieve a silky consistency that will form the base of your curd.
3. Once puréed, transfer the strawberry mixture to a medium saucepan. Add in the granulated sugar and lemon juice, stirring to combine. This mixture will now be heated to bring out the flavors.
4. Cook over medium heat, whisking regularly. You’ll want to simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it has reduced by half and thickened slightly. You'll notice a rich color developing.
5. After simmering, use a spatula to press the strawberry mixture through a sieve into a clean bowl or saucepan. This straining step ensures a smooth curd, free of any seeds or pulp.
6. Let the strawberry mixture cool to room temperature. This is important as hot mixtures can cook the eggs prematurely when added.
7. In a separate clean saucepan, add the cooled strawberry mixture. Then, whisk in the eggs and egg yolks until fully combined, creating a rich, creamy base.
8. Place the saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, whisking constantly. Watch for the curd to thicken, achieving a custard-like consistency.
9. Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the butter pieces one at a time until fully incorporated. This step adds that luxurious creaminess we all adore.
10. Finally, transfer the hot strawberry curd to sterile canning jars or a heat-proof bowl. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap onto the surface while it cools.
11. Cool the curd to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before using. Once chilled, you can remove the plastic wrap and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: The color of your strawberry curd will reflect the color of your strawberries. For the deepest curd, use ripe off the vine strawberries when you can find them.
• Tip 2: You can also cook down your strawberries with the lemon juice and granulated sugar without puréeing them. Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooked mixture to a blender to break down any pieces that are still there after cooking.
• Tip 3: Taste the strawberry mixture after the initial cook time (before straining and adding the eggs) for sweetness. If your strawberries are not as ripe, you may want to add more sugar.
• Tip 4: Since we’re heating the eggs and cooked strawberry mixture from room temperature, the eggs will not curdle or scramble. Do not add the eggs to the strawberry mixture while it’s still hot.
• Tip 5: Passing the strawberry mixture through a sieve will help cool down the mixture quite a bit.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.