Extra Lemon Curd? Make Easy Homemade Pop-Tarts

Should you find yourself in possession of some extra lemon curd, homemade or from the store, consider yourself quite lucky. This decadent and sweet fruit spread is not only incredibly delicious, but is also a versatile ingredient to keep on hand.

Lemon curd is made from butter, sugar, egg yolks, and, of course, a bunch of lemon zest and lemon juice. It's a popular topper in the U.K. where it's typically served with scones and Devonshire cream during afternoon tea. However, its uses can go far beyond this classic British tradition.

While lemon curd is most often associated with sweet applications, it can also be used in savory preparations, too. In fact, you could even caramelize your roast chicken with lemon curd. Alternatively, a bit could be used in an easy recipe to recreate a childhood favorite: Pop-Tarts. The recipe is easier than you think, and besides the lemon curd, you only need two additional ingredients. 

All you need to make easy homemade Pop-Tarts is a package of frozen puff pastry, some lemon curd, and an egg. If dietary restrictions are an issue, you could even make your own gluten-free puff pastry for an equally delicious result.

Simply cut the thawed puff pastry into rectangles and spoon some lemon curd into the center, spreading it toward the edges, but leaving a little room to seal it up. Then brush the edges with a small amount of beaten egg and place another rectangle of puff pastry on top. Gently push the edges of the two pieces together and press to seal with a fork.

Place the filled rectangles on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are fully puffed and golden in color. They can be enjoyed warm and fresh as is from the oven, or topped with a simple glaze or drizzle made from powdered sugar and a small amount of milk. 

While homemade Pop-Tarts can be made with various jams or jellies as a filling, lemon curd elevates the kid-friendly treat into a sophisticated affair. The flavor is intense and the consistency of the lemon curd holds up well in the oven, too.

You can certainly try your hand at making your own lemon curd at home, or pick up a jar at the grocery store. Be aware, it can sometimes take a bit of hunting to find the correct section of the store where lemon curd is shelved, however. Some stores place it on one of the higher racks near the jams and jellies, while other retailers will tuck lemon curd jars in the international foods section near the British cuisine items.

Once you find the jar, take a mental note because you'll likely want to keep your pantry stocked once you fall in love with this incredible ingredient. In fact, it's worth keeping an eye out for other curd flavors, too. Sometimes retailers will sell lime curd or even grapefruit curd — both excellent options to fill your DIY Pop-Tarts, too.