Can You Freeze Lemon Curd?

Q. This may be a silly question, but I have some leftover lemon curd and don’t know what to do with it. I made some lemon tarts for the holidays, but realized that I had bought too much lemon curd. Unfortunately, I’ve already opened the cans, so I can’t just put them back in the cupboard for the next time I need them. I would hate to throw the lemon curd out, but I know it won’t last in the fridge. I want to try freezing it but I’m not sure if it will get ruined in the freezer. Can you freeze lemon curd?

A. No questions are silly! The answer to your question is yes, you can freeze lemon curd! Lemon curd actually freezes and defrosts quite well, with little extra work involved, so go ahead and freeze that leftover lemon curd for later use. Unlike some sauces or condiments that go funny in the freezer, the creaminess of lemon curd stands up to the freezing process quite well. The biggest concern is freezer burn, so take care to protect the curd well when freezing. Also, the fresher the lemon curd is when frozen, the better it will taste after defrosting, so freeze it as soon as possible.

How to Freeze Lemon Curd?

To freeze lemon curd, make sure that the curd has cooled completely. Place the desired amount of curd into a freezer safe container with a tight-fitting lid or into a freezer bag. If using a container, place a layer of plastic wrap over the curd to keep it airtight. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air. Seal the lid or the bag, and then label and date it. Lemon curd will keep for several months in the freezer. Place it away from food items that have a strong odor, as it has a tendency to take on the flavours of other foods.

How to Thaw Lemon Curd?

To thaw frozen lemon curd, remove the container from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once the lemon curd has thawed completely, you may notice that a small amount of separation has occurred. To return the lemon curd to its original consistency, give it a good stir before using. For best results, use thawed lemon curd within two days of defrosting. Don’t refreeze previously frozen lemon curd. Freezing it in smaller batches can help avoid ending up with excess after thawing.

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