Fresh Raspberry Curd is a bright, tangy, and silky-smooth alternative to lemon curd, bursting with bold raspberry flavor. This luscious fruit curd has a soft set that’s perfect for filling cakes, topping tarts, swirling into yogurt, or spooning over pancakes and ice cream. It’s versatile, easy to make with fresh or frozen raspberries, and the ideal way to add a vibrant fruity layer to your desserts.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups (150g) fresh or frozen raspberries

• ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp (75g) granulated sugar

• ½–1 tsp corn starch (use 1 tsp for a thicker set)

• 1 large egg

• 1 large egg yolk

• 3 Tbsp (45ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

1. Make the Raspberry Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook raspberries for 5–8 minutes until softened. Push the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and extract about ⅓ cup (80ml) of raspberry sauce.

2. Mix the Curd Base:
In a separate saucepan, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, and sugar until smooth. Whisk in the corn starch, then add lemon juice and raspberry sauce. Mix well.

3. Cook the Curd:
Add the cubed butter to the mixture and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 7–10 minutes, until thick like pudding and it reaches about 85°C. Be patient and don’t let it boil hard—gentle heat is key.

4. Cool and Chill:
Remove from heat and strain the curd if desired for extra smoothness. Pour into a container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.

Nutrients (approximate, per 1 cup batch)

• Calories: ~640 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~70 g

• Protein: ~6 g

• Fat: ~40 g

• Saturated Fat: ~23 g

• Sugar: ~68 g

• Cholesterol: ~220 mg

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Vitamin C: High (from raspberries and lemon)

• Calcium & Iron: Trace amounts

What Makes Raspberry Curd Unique

While many are familiar with lemon curd, raspberry curd offers a more nuanced and bold fruit flavor. The addition of fresh or frozen raspberries creates a deeper fruitiness and a richness in color that is hard to replicate. What truly sets it apart is the balance it strikes—it’s sweet but not sugary, tart without being sour, and smooth but never heavy. The curd gets its luscious texture from the combination of egg yolks, butter, and natural fruit pectin, creating a silky consistency that’s both spreadable and spoonable.

Unlike jam or preserves, raspberry curd has a refined, custard-like feel. It’s less about chunks of fruit and more about delivering concentrated flavor in a creamy format. That makes it perfect for dessert applications that require elegance and finesse.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Raspberry curd is a beautiful marriage of tart berries and creamy richness. It starts with the bright, punchy notes of fresh raspberries, backed by the natural acidity of lemon juice. The eggs and butter mellow those flavors, turning them into something smooth, decadent, and perfectly spreadable. The mouthfeel is similar to a pudding or a thick custard—it’s soft enough to swirl into parfaits or spoon onto a plate, yet firm enough to hold its shape when layered in a tart or sandwiched between cake layers.

The texture can also be customized by adjusting the thickener—corn starch in this case. A touch more corn starch leads to a firmer curd ideal for fillings, while less yields a pourable consistency suitable for sauces or drizzles. The result is a curd that’s flexible enough for various uses while maintaining its luxurious quality.

A Visual Treat as Well as a Flavor Bomb

One of the first things that strikes you about raspberry curd is its intense, all-natural color. Depending on the ripeness of the berries and whether seeds are strained out, the hue can range from a soft blush pink to a deep jewel-toned magenta. This makes it not only a delicious addition to a dish but also a visual enhancement. It looks stunning spread across a tart shell, dolloped onto a meringue, or layered in a glass with whipped cream or yogurt.

Its vibrant appearance makes it ideal for special occasions, from baby showers and bridal teas to Valentine’s Day and summer brunches. Even a plain scone becomes a showstopper when served with a generous swirl of raspberry curd on the side.

Versatility in the Kitchen

The beauty of raspberry curd lies in its incredible versatility. It’s not limited to just one role in the kitchen—instead, it can act as a spread, filling, topping, or base ingredient depending on your creativity.

You can use it to fill sponge cakes, macarons, or donuts. Spoon it into pre-baked tart shells and top with fresh fruit for an elegant no-bake dessert. Swirl it into Greek yogurt or overnight oats for a punch of flavor and color. You can even layer it into parfaits, spread it onto pancakes or waffles, or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream.

Because it keeps well in the fridge and can even be frozen for longer storage, raspberry curd is a fantastic make-ahead component that instantly upgrades anything it touches. For bakers and home cooks alike, it’s a secret weapon in the dessert toolkit.

Using Fresh vs. Frozen Raspberries

One of the great things about this curd is that it can be made year-round, thanks to the option of using frozen raspberries. In the summer, when berries are at their peak, fresh raspberries yield the most aromatic and flavorful results. Their tart-sweet balance brings a brightness that feels distinctly seasonal.

In colder months, frozen raspberries are a worthy substitute. They are picked at peak ripeness and frozen quickly, retaining their intense flavor. When simmered and strained, they produce a deeply concentrated raspberry essence that’s ideal for curd. Whether fresh or frozen, the result is consistently vibrant and full-bodied.

A Balance of Simplicity and Sophistication

Despite its luxurious texture and complex flavor, raspberry curd is surprisingly easy to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t require special equipment or advanced techniques. But the result tastes like something that came from a professional pâtisserie. That makes it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks looking to impress or experienced bakers searching for a dynamic component to round out their creations.

Its balance between simplicity and sophistication also makes it an educational recipe—it teaches fundamental cooking techniques like gentle thickening, tempering eggs, and straining for texture. The end product is elegant and gourmet, but the journey to get there is manageable for most home cooks.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead Tips

Fresh raspberry curd stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It firms up as it chills, making it easier to use as a structured filling for baked goods. If you need it to be more fluid for drizzling, a short rest at room temperature or a gentle stir will loosen it up.

You can also freeze raspberry curd in freezer-safe jars or zip-top bags for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir it gently before using to restore its smooth consistency. This make-ahead flexibility is perfect for prepping elements of a layered dessert or simply having a jar ready to brighten up impromptu breakfasts or weekend baking projects.

Health and Nutritional Highlights

While raspberry curd is a treat, it does offer some health perks thanks to the raspberries and lemon juice. Raspberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Their high anthocyanin content helps fight oxidative stress, while lemon adds an additional vitamin C boost and a clean acidity that helps preserve freshness.

That said, like most curds, raspberry curd includes sugar, butter, and eggs, which give it its creamy texture and indulgent taste. As part of a balanced dessert or paired with whole grains or fresh fruit, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy sweetness without overindulgence.

Conclusion: A Sweet Spoonful of Summer All Year Long

Fresh Raspberry Curd is more than just a spread—it’s a vibrant, versatile ingredient that brings both flavor and flair to your kitchen. Whether you’re layering it into cakes, spooning it onto pastries, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, its bright berry flavor and silky texture are sure to impress.

Its ease of preparation, stunning color, and balanced taste make it an essential recipe for anyone who loves baking or wants to experiment with fruit-forward desserts. And perhaps the best part? It captures the joy of summer raspberries in every bite, no matter what season you’re in.

Whether served at brunch, offered as a gift in a cute jar, or saved for those special “just because” moments, raspberry curd is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, can yield the most luxurious results.