Italian Lemon Spread Delight
Italian Lemon Spread Delight is a zesty and creamy spread that captures the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons combined with silky butter and egg yolks. Perfect for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or mixing into yogurt, this versatile, light yet indulgent spread brings a refreshing citrus twist to any meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (about 4 servings)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Cooking on stovetop (double boiler)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Fresh Lemons – 3 large, zested and juiced
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), cubed
- Egg Yolks – 4 large
- A Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly, zest carefully to avoid the white pith, then juice the lemons, straining out any seeds to ensure a smooth spread.
- Mix Sugar and Egg Yolks: In a heatproof bowl, whisk the granulated sugar with the egg yolks until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, forming a sweetened base ready for gentle cooking.
- Cook the Mixture Gently: Place the bowl over a simmering water bath (double boiler), slowly add the lemon juice and zest, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent curdling. Cook until thickened to a custard-like consistency.
- Add Butter for Creaminess: Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed unsalted butter piece by piece, allowing each to melt and incorporate fully, resulting in a smooth and glossy spread.
- Cool and Store Properly: Transfer the spread to sterilized jars, seal tightly, and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
- Stir continuously during cooking to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
- Cook over low to medium heat to gently thicken without scrambling eggs.
- Choose high-quality unsalted butter for a richer spread.
- Chill completely before serving to set texture and meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: lemon spread, Italian lemon spread, citrus spread, creamy lemon spread, lemon butter, lemon dessert topping, citrus spread recipe
Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/italian-lemon-spread-delight/