Hey there, my fellow plant-based cooking enthusiasts! I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite kitchen secrets with you today; the art of creating the most incredible vegan lemon curd. Whether you're looking to top your morning toast, fill your favorite cake, or simply satisfy those tangy dessert cravings, this vegan lemon curd recipe is about to become your go-to staple. I've spent countless hours perfecting this dairy-free vegan lemon curd, and trust me, once you taste it, you'll wonder why you ever needed the traditional version.
Making lemon curd is easier than you'd think, and it delivers results that'll blow your mind! This eggless lemon curd comes together in just minutes and tastes absolutely divine. The beauty of vegan lemon curd lies in its versatility; use it as a filling, spread, or topping for virtually any dessert imaginable. If you're tired of searching for store-bought options or struggling with complicated recipes, this simple recipe will revolutionize your dessert game forever.
Why This Dairy-Free Treasure Stands Out
The journey to creating the perfect dairy-free lemon curd has been transformative for many home cooks seeking plant-based alternatives. Traditional lemon curd relies on eggs and butter, but this vegan lemon curd proves you don't need animal products to achieve that silky, luxurious texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, homemade vegan lemon curd outshines most commercial options every single time.
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its remarkable ability to maintain that perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. Using cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of eggs, this plant-based lemon curd becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth. The vegan lemon curd we're making today uses coconut cream to replicate that rich, velvety mouthfeel you'd expect from the original; making it an absolutely foolproof and delicious dairy-free alternative that even non-vegans will absolutely adore.
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Ingredients
- Lemons (fresh, for zest and juice)
- Coconut cream or coconut milk
- Vegan butter
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Sea salt
- Vanilla extract
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Bases
- Zest your fresh lemons directly into a medium saucepan
- Juice the lemons until you have approximately half a cup of fresh lemon juice
- Add coconut cream and vegan butter to the pan
- Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined
Thicken Your Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of plant milk to create a slurry
- Slowly pour the slurry into your lemon mixture while stirring constantly
- Add maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt
- Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until thickened (about 5-7 minutes)
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired for extra smoothness
- Pour into sterilized jars and let cool completely
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use
Equipment For Vegan Lemon Curd
- Medium saucepan with heavy bottom
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Microplane grater for zesting
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Small mixing bowl
- Fine-mesh sieve or strainer
- Sterilized glass jars with lids
- Measuring spoons and cups
Expert Cooking Tips
- Always use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor in your recipe
- Keep heat low to medium-low to prevent the coconut cream from breaking
- Stir constantly to ensure even thickening and prevent lumps
- Strain your finished vegan lemon curd through a fine sieve for restaurant-quality texture
- Store in glass jars rather than plastic for best results
- Make sure your jars are completely sterilized before filling
- Let the mixture cool slightly before transferring to containers
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric for a golden hue and subtle warmth
- Substitute almond milk combined with cornstarch as a lighter alternative thickener
- Use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) mixed with cornstarch for a unique texture variation
- Try cashew cream instead of coconut for a more subtle, refined flavor
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch if you prefer thicker vegan lemon curd
- Incorporate coconut oil for extra richness and dairy-free indulgence
- Experiment with refined sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit for lower-calorie options
Storage Tips
- Keep vegan lemon curd in sterile glass jars in the refrigerator
- Properly stored vegan lemon curd lasts up to three weeks when refrigerated
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and store in freezer bags for up to three months
- Always use a clean, dry spoon when removing vegan lemon curd from the jar
- Allow frozen portions to thaw in the refrigerator before using
- Never double-dip utensils to prevent contamination
- Label jars with the date made for easy reference
The Golden Secret Behind Perfection
Creating the most incredible vegan lemon curd starts with understanding the importance of temperature control and patience. Many home cooks rush through the cooking process, but taking your time allows the cornstarch to properly gelatinize and create that signature creamy texture. The secret to achieving thick and creamy vegan lemon curd lies in maintaining consistent medium-low heat while stirring frequently; this prevents any burnt flavors and ensures even cooking throughout.
The second golden tip for making exceptional vegan lemon curd involves the quality of your coconut cream; using full-fat, premium brands makes an enormous difference in the final product's richness and mouthfeel. Don't skimp on ingredients here; invest in good quality coconut cream, fresh lemons, and real vegan butter for results that taste like you spent hours in a professional kitchen.
FAQ
Is there a vegan lemon curd?
Absolutely! Vegan lemon curd is a wonderful plant-based alternative to traditional lemon curd. This dairy-free lemon curd uses coconut cream and cornstarch instead of eggs and butter, delivering creamy, luxurious results. Many people find homemade lemon curd tastes superior to store-bought versions. Whether using coconut milk or cashew cream, vegan lemon curd maintains that perfect tartness and smooth texture everyone loves.
Is Trader Joe's lemon curd vegan?
Unfortunately, Trader Joe's traditional lemon curd contains eggs and butter, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, this makes homemade vegan lemon curd a perfect solution! Creating your own dairy-free lemon curd is simple, affordable, and tastes remarkably better than commercial options. With just basic ingredients and our straightforward recipe, you'll make vegan lemon curd that surpasses store-bought varieties. Your homemade vegan lemon curd will become a cherished pantry staple.
What is the mistake for lemon curd?
The most common mistake when making vegan lemon curd is using heat that's too high, which breaks the coconut cream and creates a grainy texture. Another frequent error involves insufficient stirring, leading to lumpy vegan lemon curd. Using old lemon juice or low-quality coconut cream negatively impacts your dairy-free lemon curd's final flavor. Finally, not straining the finished vegan lemon curd leaves undesirable bits. Avoid these mistakes, and your homemade vegan lemon curd will be absolutely perfect.
Elevate Your Desserts with Dairy-Free Delights
Now that you've mastered the art of creating beautiful vegan lemon curd, it's time to put your creation to work in some absolutely delicious recipes! This versatile dairy-free lemon curd pairs perfectly with countless desserts and breakfast treats. The amazing vegan lemon curd you've made today opens doors to endless culinary possibilities that'll impress both vegan and non-vegan friends and family alike.
Start with an Easy Lemon Curd Cake; layering moist vanilla cake with generous amounts of your homemade vegan lemon curd for a show-stopping dessert that's sure to become an instant favorite. Then explore Fluffy Chocolate Pancake Recipe; topping each stack with a dollop of your creamy lemon curd for a delightful sweet-and-tart breakfast combination that'll have everyone asking for seconds. These recipes showcase just how versatile and delicious homemade vegan lemon curd truly is!
From my kitchen, with heart.
Megan Riley ❤️
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Vegan Lemon Curd
Vegan Lemon Curd
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan Heavy-bottomed preferred to prevent scorching
- 1 Whisk For stirring constantly
- 1 Microplane grater For zesting lemons
- 1 Citrus juicer To extract fresh juice
- 1 Small bowl For cornstarch slurry
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve For straining the curd
- 2 Sterilized jars For storage
- - Measuring spoons & cups Standard set
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Fresh lemon juice About 2–3 lemons
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest Freshly grated
- 1 cup Coconut cream Full-fat for best texture
- 2 tablespoon Vegan butter Adds richness
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch Or arrowroot powder
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup Or agave nectar
- 1 pinch Sea salt Enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional for aroma
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, zest, coconut cream, and butter in saucepan.
- Whisk cornstarch with plant milk to form slurry; add to saucepan.
- Add maple syrup and salt; stir over medium-low heat until thick.
- Remove from heat; mix in vanilla extract.
- Strain for smooth texture; pour into jars and cool.
- Refrigerate until set and creamy.
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