Lemon curd is one of those bright, refreshing treats that can instantly lift any dessert. You can spread it on warm scones, spoon it into tarts, swirl it through yogurt, or use it to fill cakes. Its tangy-sweet flavour brings a burst of sunshine to everything it touches.

But once you’ve made a batch, the big question comes up: How long does lemon curd actually last in the fridge?

It’s something many home bakers want to know, especially since lemon curd contains eggs, butter, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients need proper storage, and getting it wrong can affect both safety and taste.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how long lemon curd lasts, the right way to store it, how to spot signs of spoilage, and helpful tips to keep it fresh for longer.

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What Is Lemon Curd and Why Does Storage Matter?

Before understanding how long lemon curd lasts, it helps to know what it is. Lemon curd is a custard-like mixture made from:

Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest
Sugar
Butter
Eggs

Because lemon curd contains eggs and dairy, it requires refrigeration. Its shelf life depends on how it’s prepared, how it’s stored, and whether it’s homemade or store-bought.

Lemon curd may look like a simple spread, but it’s actually a delicate emulsion that can break down or spoil if not stored carefully. That’s why proper storage is essential for both safety and flavour.

How Long Does Homemade Lemon Curd Last in the Fridge?

Homemade lemon curd typically lasts between 1 and 2 weeks in the fridge.

That is the standard food-safety guideline recommended by most professionals. The mixture contains eggs and butter, so it must be treated like any refrigerated dairy-based dessert.

Why Homemade Curd Lasts Only 1–2 Weeks

It does not contain preservatives
It relies on fresh ingredients
Moisture and acidity create a perfect environment for bacterial growth if kept too long
Butter and eggs degrade over time

Even though lemon juice is acidic, which helps slow bacteria, the eggs still limit how long the curd stays fresh.

Ideal Eating Time

For the best texture and flavour, try to enjoy your lemon curd within 7–10 days.

How Long Does Store-Bought Lemon Curd Last?

Store-bought lemon curd lasts much longer, usually several months unopened and 1–2 weeks after opening.

Why It Lasts Longer Unopened

Commercial curds:

Are heat-processed
Contain stabilizers or preservatives
They are sealed to prevent contamination

Once opened, though, they behave similarly to homemade curd and need refrigeration.

How to Store Lemon Curd Properly

Proper storage can make a big difference in how long lemon curd lasts. Even the technique you use to cool it affects its shelf life.

1. Use an Airtight Container

Air exposure speeds up spoilage, so you should always store lemon curd in:

A glass jar with a tight lid
A sealed plastic container
A mason jar

Avoid containers that allow air to enter.

2. Cool the Curd Before Storing

Placing warm lemon curd directly into the fridge creates condensation inside the container. That extra moisture encourages bacteria and ruins the texture.

Let the curd cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

3. Keep It in the Coldest Section of the Fridge

Place it on the lower shelves—not in the door—because temperature fluctuations shorten its life.

4. Use Clean Utensils Every Time

Dipping a used spoon into the lemon curd can introduce bacteria that shorten its lifespan dramatically.

Treat lemon curd like jam: clean spoons only.

Can Lemon Curd Be Frozen to Extend Its Shelf Life?

Yes, lemon curd freezes beautifully. Freezing is the best way to preserve it long-term.

How Long Does It Last in the Freezer?

Frozen lemon curd lasts up to 3 months.

Some people freeze it even longer, but for the best flavour and texture, use it within 3 months.

How Freezing Works

Butter and sugar freeze well, and the acidity from lemons helps protect the curd’s structure. When thawed properly, it tastes almost identical to fresh.

How to Freeze Lemon Curd

Transfer cooled curd into freezer-safe containers
Leave a little space at the top (curd expands when frozen)
Seal tightly
Label with date

How to Thaw Frozen Lemon Curd

Refrigerate overnight
Stir gently to restore smoothness
Do not thaw at room temperature—this causes separation

Freezing is especially useful if you make large batches or want lemon curd ready for baking.

How to Tell if Lemon Curd Has Gone Bad

Even when stored properly, lemon curd doesn’t last forever. Here’s how to know if it’s time to throw it out.

1. Strange Smell

Fresh lemon curd smells bright, tangy, and buttery. Spoiled curd may smell:

Sour
Eggy
Metallic
Off

Always trust your nose.

2. Mold

Any sign of mold—white, green, or black—means the entire jar must be discarded.

3. Watery Separation

A little separation is normal, but excessive water or curd that has completely split may no longer be safe.

4. Change in Texture

If curd becomes:

Slimy
Grainy
Lumpy
If the curd becomes too thick or rubbery, discard it.

5. Change in Colour

Fresh lemon curd has a vibrant yellow colour. If it becomes:

Pale
Greyish
Greenish
it has likely spoiled.

Because lemon curd contains eggs, it’s safer to err on the side of caution.

Why Lemon Curd Lasts Longer Than Other Egg-Based Desserts

One interesting point is that lemon curd lasts longer than many other custards. Ever wondered why?

The secret lies in acidity.

Lemon juice is highly acidic. This acidity:

Slows bacterial growth
Helps stabilize the eggs
Gives lemon curd a slightly longer life compared to other egg-thickened foods

However, acidity alone cannot keep it safe forever, which is why refrigeration is still essential.

Does Lemon Curd Thicken More Over Time in the Fridge?

Yes, lemon curd naturally thickens as it cools. The chilling process helps the butter solidify and the eggs finish setting.

What This Means for Storage

A properly stored curd will:

Become firmer
Have a smoother texture
Taste brighter as flavours meld

But if it becomes too stiff, you can gently whisk it or warm it slightly before using.

How Long Can Lemon Curd Sit Out at Room Temperature?

Lemon curd should not sit out for more than 2 hours, especially in warm conditions. Because it contains eggs and butter, it can spoil quickly.

Best Practice

Always refrigerate after serving
Avoid leaving lemon curd pies or tarts out for extended periods

Room temperature easily encourages bacterial growth.

Does Lemon Curd Last Longer in Desserts?

It depends on the dessert.

For example:

Lemon curd in tarts lasts 1–2 days in the fridge
Lemon curd in cakes lasts 3–4 days (cake protects moisture)
Lemon curd in pavlova should be eaten within a day

The more exposed the curd is to air and moisture, the shorter its lifespan becomes.

Tips to Make Lemon Curd Last Longer

Proper handling makes a big difference. These tips help extend the freshness as much as possible.

1. Use Fresh Lemons

Fresh juice contains natural acidity that keeps the curd stable.

2. Strain the Curd

A smooth curd cools and stores better than a lumpy one.

3. Store in Smaller Portions

Keeping curd in several smaller jars prevents repeated air exposure.

4. Avoid Turning the Jar Upside Down

Some people do this with jam, but lemon curd contains eggs, so it must never be inverted for sealing.

5. Keep It Cold at All Times

Just a few hours at room temperature can shorten its total life.

How to Use Lemon Curd Before It Expires

If you have lemon curd approaching its end date, here are delicious ways to use it:

Spread on toast, pancakes, waffles, or scones
Fold into whipped cream for a lemon mousse
Spoon over yogurt or granola
Fill cupcakes, cookies, or tart shells
Add to cheesecake or layer cakes
Swirl into ice cream
Mix into homemade salad dressings for a citrus twist

Lemon curd is incredibly versatile, so you’ll never run out of ways to use it.

Summary: How Long Does Lemon Curd Last in the Fridge?

To recap:

Homemade lemon curd lasts 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Store-bought lemon curd lasts several months unopened and 1–2 weeks after opening.
Frozen lemon curd lasts up to 3 months.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining freshness and safety.

With correct handling, lemon curd stays delicious and safe to eat—and you’ll enjoy every spoonful.

Final Words

Lemon curd is a bright, flavourful addition to countless desserts, and understanding how to store it properly ensures that every batch tastes just as fresh as the first day. While homemade curd naturally has a shorter shelf life, the right storage methods—airtight containers, refrigeration, and freezing—help preserve its quality for as long as possible.