Homemade Lemon Spread Recipe
This Homemade Lemon Spread is a vibrant and tangy preserve made from fresh lemons, sugar, and water. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping onto desserts, or adding a zesty twist to your breakfast, this simple recipe offers a luscious balance of sweet and citrus flavors, all made from scratch without any artificial additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 large lemons
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Lemons: Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Use a zester to remove the outer yellow layer of the lemon peel, careful to avoid the white pith. Then juice the lemons, ensuring to remove all seeds to prevent bitterness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and water. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the spread to thicken gradually.
- Test for Thickness: After simmering, test the consistency by placing a small amount on a cold plate. If the lemon spread gels and does not run, it has thickened sufficiently and is ready.
- Cool and Jar: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then carefully pour the lemon spread into sterilized jars to prevent contamination.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the lemon spread in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh lemons is key for the best flavor and natural pectin content for setting.
- The optional vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- If the spread isn’t thickening, continue simmering a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This lemon spread pairs wonderfully with toast, scones, yogurt, and as a filling for pastries.
Keywords: lemon spread, homemade lemon curd, citrus spread, lemon preserve, breakfast spread
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/homemade-lemon-spread-recipe/
