Print

Italian Lemon Spread Delight

Italian Lemon Spread Delight
Print Recipe

Italian Lemon Spread Delight is a bright and zesty sweet spread with a luscious creamy texture that beautifully balances fresh lemon acidity and sweetness. Perfect as a versatile spread on toast, a dessert topping, or a filling, this traditional Mediterranean recipe uses simple, all-natural ingredients to deliver authentic homemade charm and long-lasting freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–5 Fresh Lemons (zested and juiced for about 1/2 cup juice)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 4 Large Egg Yolks
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly and zest them carefully using a fine grater. Then, juice enough lemons to yield about 1/2 cup of fresh juice, ensuring no seeds get into the mix.
  2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, signaling well-incorporated air and sugar.
  3. Combine and Cook: Slowly add the lemon juice and zest to the egg mixture. Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water (double boiler), stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in cold butter in small pieces until fully melted and incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract if desired to elevate the flavor subtly.
  5. Cool and Store: Allow the spread to cool at room temperature, then transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate. The spread will continue to thicken as it chills.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: The fresher the lemons, the brighter and more vibrant your spread will taste.
  • Constant Stirring: Prevents scrambling the eggs and ensures smooth consistency when cooking the mixture.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Pull the mixture off the heat as soon as thickened to keep it silky and not grainy.
  • Strain if Needed: Pass the spread through a fine sieve to remove any zest bits or cooked egg clumps for perfect smoothness.
  • Chill Properly: Cooling the spread completely in the fridge improves texture and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian lemon spread, lemon curd, citrus spread, Mediterranean dessert, homemade spread, lemon dessert topping

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/italian-lemon-spread-delight/