Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the bubbling apples on the stove, the sweet, comforting aroma filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy autumn afternoon. This Easy Apple Curd recipe turns everyday apples into a deliciously simple spread that elevates your breakfast game and satisfies your craving for something homemade. Perfect for slathering on toast or jazzing up pancakes, this delightful curd is not only effortless to whip up with just six ingredients but also offers a creamy texture that’s irresistibly smooth. You’ll find it’s the perfect pairing for any dish, and the best part? It’s lower in sugar than many store-bought options! Are you ready to transform your morning routine with this apple-inspired delight? Why is Apple Curd a Game Changer? Simplicity: This recipe requires only six ingredients, making it incredibly easy for everyone to recreate flawless apple curd at home. Flavor Burst: The rich apple flavor paired with a hint of lemon creates a delightful symphony of taste that elevates any dish. Versatility: Enjoy it as a breakfast spread on toast, dolloped on pancakes, or even stirred into yogurt for a creamy twist. Lower Sugar Option: With the ability to adjust the sugar content, it’s a healthier alternative to many commercially available spreads. Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it as part of a brunch or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar, everyone will love this apple treat! This recipe is your ticket to a cozy autumn experience any day of the year. For a sweet twist, try adding some raspberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon! Apple Curd Ingredients • Get ready to create your very own homemade apple curd masterpiece with these simple ingredients! For the Base Apples – 6 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped. Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a vibrant flavor boost in your apple curd. Water – ¼ cup. This ingredient helps in softening the apples while cooking. Lemon Juice – 4 Tbsp (or juice from 1 lemon). This adds acidity and balances the sweetness beautifully. For Sweetness & Creaminess Sugar – 1 ½ cups. Adjust this to taste; feel free to reduce to ¾ cup for a less sweet apple curd experience. Whole Eggs – 2 + 2 egg yolks. These act as a natural thickening agent that lends richness to the curd. Butter – ½ cup, cubed. Use unsalted butter for a creamy texture that makes the curd irresistible! For Additional Thickness (optional) Cornstarch – 1 Tbsp. Mix with 2 Tbsp water to create a slurry for a thicker apple curd if desired. With these essential ingredients at your fingertips, you’re all set to embark on a delightful journey toward homemade apple curd bliss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Curd Step 1: Cook Apples In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup of water and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, add 6 peeled, cored, and chopped apples. Cover the saucepan and let them cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and tender. Step 2: Purée Apples Once the apples are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Using a potato masher, mash the soft apples until they form a chunky purée. For an ultra-smooth texture, press the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl using a spatula, collecting the silky apple purée for your Apple Curd. Step 3: Prepare Eggs In a medium bowl, crack 2 whole eggs and add 2 egg yolks. Whisk them vigorously until you achieve a smooth, blended consistency. This egg mixture will help thicken your Apple Curd, so ensure the eggs are well combined before moving on to the next step. Step 4: Optional Slurry If you choose to use cornstarch for extra thickness in your Apple Curd, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, creating a slurry that will be added later for a luxurious texture. Set this aside for now. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Return to the bowl with your apple purée and add the cubed ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1½ cups of sugar. Pour in your whisked eggs and stir everything together using a wooden spoon. Keep the mixture moving to prevent sticking and ensure all ingredients meld beautifully, adding the cornstarch slurry if using. Step 6: Cook to Thicken Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and place it over low heat. Continuously stir for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the curd to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon generously. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid curdling the eggs. Step 7: Strain and Cool When your Apple Curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This step ensures a silky-smooth texture without any lumps. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, letting those lovely flavors continue to develop. Step 8: Chill Finally, transfer your Apple Curd into a sterilized jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, giving the curd time to firm up and settle. Once chilled, it will be ready to elevate your breakfast spread, adding rich apple goodness to your favorite dishes! Expert Tips for Delicious Apple Curd Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith, which enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of your apple curd. Avoid Overheating: Keep the heat low while cooking to prevent curdling the eggs; slow and steady wins the race for a smooth texture. Strain Well: For the silkiest apple curd, strain the mixture twice through a fine mesh sieve. This removes any lumps and ensures a creamy finish. Sterilize Jars: Properly sterilize your jars before filling them to prevent spoilage; you can do this easily in the oven or dishwasher. Sugar Adjustments: Feel free to reduce the sugar amount to ¾ cup if you prefer a less sweet apple curd. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful treat without overdoing it! Make Ahead Options These Easy Apple Curd preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the apple purée up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply follow Steps 1 and 2, then cool the purée before sealing it. If you prefer, you can also combine all the ingredients (up to the cooking stage) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to finish, just bring the mixture back to the stove, stir continuously over low heat, and cook until thickened as directed in Step 6. This way, you achieve delicious, homemade apple curd with minimal effort! Storage Tips for Apple Curd Fridge: Store your apple curd in an airtight container for up to 1 week, keeping it fresh and flavorful for your morning spreads. Freezer: Freeze the apple curd in small portions for up to 3 months. Use ice cube trays for easy portions, then transfer to a resealable bag. Thawing: To use frozen apple curd, thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying it on toast or pancakes. Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the thawed curd in a saucepan over low heat for a warm, luscious spread. What to Serve with Easy Apple Curd Pair your delicious apple curd with these complementary treats for a truly delightful meal. Fluffy Pancakes: The light and airy texture of pancakes creates a perfect canvas for the rich apple curd, adding flavor at every bite. Crispy Toast: A crunchy slice of artisanal bread makes the ideal base, soaking up the creamy curd for a satisfying breakfast experience. Greek Yogurt: The tanginess of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness of the apple curd, making for a refreshing and creamy bowl perfect for any time of day. Savory Cheese Platter: Pair apple curd with sharp cheddar or brie. The sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory cheese, creating a well-rounded palate. Oatmeal Bowl: Stir in a dollop of apple curd into hot oatmeal. The creamy texture and apple essence elevate your morning bowl into a fruity delight. Warm Muffins: Slathering apple curd on freshly baked muffins adds a sweet layer of flavor, making every bite irresistible and comforting. Sparkling Apple Cider: This effervescent drink complements the fruity flavors of the apple curd, adding a festive touch to your meal. Peanut Butter Toast: The rich nuttiness of peanut butter harmonizes with the apple curd, creating a satisfying and protein-packed snack. Enjoy these pairings, and watch as your apple curd becomes the star of your breakfast or brunch table! Apple Curd Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize this delightful apple curd recipe and elevate your breakfast experience with flavorful twists! Berry Blast: Substitute a portion of apples with raspberries for a refreshing fruity twist. The tartness complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a unique taste. Spicy Warmth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking for added warmth. These spices evoke comfort, making your apple curd feel like a cozy hug on a crisp morning. Reduced Sugar: For a lighter option, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup. You can still enjoy the rich apple flavor while keeping it guilt-free. Vegan Friendly: Replace eggs with aquafaba (chickpea water) and use coconut butter for a creamy vegan alternative. This option offers the same luscious texture without the eggs. Nutty Addition: Stir in a handful of finely chopped walnuts or pecans at the end of cooking. This adds a delightful crunch to the creamy curd. Citrus Zing: Enhance brightness by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or try using orange juice instead. This twist brightens up the flavor and adds a refreshing twist. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture while it thickens. It creates a surprising kick that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples. Delicious Topping: Serve with Fryer Caramelized Pineapple for a tropical twist, heightening the flavor combination beautifully. Exploring these variations will not only personalize your apple curd but also make it an even more delightful experience for your taste buds! Apple Curd Recipe FAQs Which apples are best for making apple curd? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. Their brightness balances the sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor to your apple curd. How should I store apple curd? You can store your apple curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just ensure it’s sealed well to keep that delicious apple flavor intact! Can I freeze apple curd? Yes, you can! To freeze your apple curd, pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen solid, pop the cubes into a resealable freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before using! What if my apple curd is too runny? No worries! If your apple curd doesn’t thicken as expected, you might need to cook it a bit longer on low heat while stirring continuously. If you’re still not satisfied, consider making a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then gradually incorporating it into the warm curd while stirring until thickened. Can I adjust the sugar in the apple curd? Very much so! Feel free to reduce the sugar amount to ¾ cup if you prefer a less sweet version of your apple curd. You can still enjoy the rich apple flavor without overdoing it on sweetness! Is apple curd safe for pets? It’s best to keep apple curd away from pets. Ingredients like sugar and lemon can upset their stomachs. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary concerns for your furry friends! Apple Curd Bliss: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Breakfast Treat This Easy Apple Curd recipe transforms apples into a creamy, lower sugar breakfast treat ideal for toast or pancakes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base6 apples peeled, cored, and chopped Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith.1/4 cup water Helps soften the apples.4 Tbsp lemon juice Can substitute with juice from 1 lemon.For Sweetness & Creaminess1 1/2 cups sugar Adjust to taste, can reduce to 3/4 cup.1/2 cup butter Use unsalted for a creamy texture.For Additional Thickness (optional)1 Tbsp cornstarch Mix with 2 Tbsp water for a slurry. Equipment Medium SaucepanPotato MasherFine SieveWooden Spoonmedium bowlsmall bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple CurdIn a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, add 6 peeled, cored, and chopped apples. Cover the saucepan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.Remove the saucepan from heat and let the apples cool for a few minutes. Mash the soft apples until they form a chunky purée. For an ultra-smooth texture, press through a fine sieve into a bowl.In a medium bowl, crack 2 whole eggs and add 2 egg yolks. Whisk them vigorously until smooth. This egg mixture will thicken your Apple Curd.If using cornstarch, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until smooth, and set aside.Return to the apple purée, add cubed 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Pour in the whisked eggs and stir everything together.Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring for about 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened.Strain the thickened Apple Curd through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, allowing it to cool to room temperature.Transfer to a sterilized jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesOpt for tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor. To reduce sugar, lower the sugar to 3/4 cup. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!