White chocolate and lemons are a delicious combination. This white chocolate lemon curd brûlée has so much flavor with a zing from the citrus and a subtle white chocolate note – it’s perfect for brightening up a dreary winter day or celebrating the warmer months.

I learned about this recipe when I was watching a famous food show in France where they visit great restaurants all over the country and talk with the chefs.

At this particular restaurant, the discussion centered around the dessert. A lemon cut in half and filled with a delectable lemon curd and brûléed on top like a creme brûlée. The recipe was so special because it came from the chef’s grandmother, who decided one day to replace all the butter in the lemon curd with white chocolate.

Genius, I thought! So I recreated it! This dessert is perfect for any time you want a fancy sweet treat. I love the idea of using these for a dinner party or brunch.

Ready to make your own white chocolate lemon curd? Follow along for step-by-step instructions.

Do white chocolate and lemon curd go together?

White chocolate and lemon curd are a fantastic pairing in pastry. It’s like they were made for each other. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate balances the bright acidity of lemon curd, creating a rich and refreshing flavor that is not too sweet and not too tart.

Ingredients for White Chocolate Lemon Curd

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. There’s no need for complicated ingredients – you may even have most of these items in your kitchen already!

• White Chocolate: Of course, you can’t make white chocolate lemon curd without white chocolate! I recommend choosing a variety with at least 30% cocoa butter for smooth melting and a creamy texture. Look for white chocolate with real vanilla and real milk solids, too, for a balanced flavor.
• Lemons: Look for lemons that are bright yellow without any green tinges to ensure you get the ripest, juiciest fruit. Heavier lemons that feel firm but give slightly when squeezed are also a good indicator of juiciness.
• Granulated Sugar: No need for any fancy sweeteners here! Just traditional granulated sugar from your pantry will do the trick!
• Whole Eggs: Make sure to let your eggs come to room temperature before making your lemon curd.

How to Make White Chocolate Lemon Curd

Making this dish is almost as simple as its ingredient list, despite its fancy appearance. Follow along with these steps:

Prepare your lemons

Cut the lemons in half lengthwise and then use a paring knife to cut around the edge where the lemon segments meet the pith. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides over a bowl, repeating for all lemon halves. Save the empty lemon halves in a large bowl for later.

Make the lemon curd

Process the insides of the lemons (including the seeds) in a food processor or blender. You should have between 275-300g. Pour this mixture into a large saucepan and add the sugar and eggs, whisking to combine. Heat over medium-high heat while stirring until it starts to thicken slightly and boil.

Add to white chocolate

Add the white chocolate to a bowl and place a sieve on top. Pour the cooked lemon, sugar and egg mixture through the sieve into the bowl with the white chocolate. This will catch anything we don’t want in the final curd. Whisk to melt the white chocolate and combine.

Chill and serve

Pour the lemon curd into the lemon halves and chill to set for at least 2-3 hours (it’s even better if you can chill them overnight). Keep them chilled until it’s time to serve, then dip the lemon halves in granulated sugar to coat the top and brûlée with a kitchen torch. (This last step is optional but really makes this dessert extra special!).

What If You Don’t Have a Kitchen Blow Torch?

You can make these delightful treats even without a torch! If you’re not able to brûlée them, you can serve them as-is for a simple dessert. Or, you can dip them in other fun things like granola, sprinkles or coconut! There are so many great combinations you can try.

How Long Does White Chocolate Lemon Curd Last?

Once you’ve brûléed the lemon curd, it’s best to eat the lemon curd right away. But you can make the lemon curd itself several days in advance. Simply store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. Only brûlée it right before serving. I love to serve mine with small butter cookies inspired by Punitions® cookies from Paris’ famous Boulangerie Poilâne!

If you have leftover lemon curd, you can freeze it for up to about three months. Make sure to let the curd cool completely before freezing and store it in an airtight container. I also recommend putting some plastic wrap right on the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming.

Make Your Own White Chocolate Lemon Curd

Use the recipe below to make this sweet and tart dessert in your own kitchen. And be sure to tag me on Instagram and TikTok to show off your creations! Check out the video of me making these on Instagram, too!