How to Make Vegan Lemon Curd – Easy and Delicious Recipe

You know those days when you’re craving something tangy, sweet, and utterly delicious, but you want to keep things plant-based? That’s exactly how I felt when I first decided to make vegan lemon curd. Honestly, I had no idea it would be this easy, and I was utterly amazed by how creamy, zesty, and satisfying it turned out. So, why not share my newfound love for vegan lemon curd with you?

If you’ve ever tasted classic lemon curd, you know it’s one of those magical spreads that can instantly elevate any meal. Now, imagine all that citrusy goodness without any dairy or eggs. Sounds too good to be true. But trust me, it’s not! Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply in the mood to try something new, this recipe has got you covered.

I’m so excited to show you how easy it is to make your vegan lemon curd at home. It’s smooth and creamy and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. And the best part? It’s so versatile that you’ll be finding excuses to put it on everything! So, let’s dive in!

What is Vegan Lemon Curd?

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re familiar with classic lemon curd, you know it’s a rich, custard-like spread made with eggs, Butter, and sugar. It’s one of those things that’s just so luxurious and bright at the same time. But what if you could make a version that’s just as creamy and delicious—without any eggs or dairy?

That’s where vegan lemon curd comes in! It’s everything you love about traditional lemon curd, but with a twist: it’s egg-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for vegan diets, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone just looking to try something new. And trust me, the results are just as indulgent as the original.

The great thing about vegan lemon curd is that it’s not only healthier but also super easy to whip up. I couldn’t believe how simple it was when I made my first batch. Wondering, ‘But is it really going to taste just as good?—I promise you, it absolutely can!

Why Choose Vegan Lemon Curd?

Okay, so why should you make vegan lemon curd instead of the traditional version? I’m glad you asked! Here are some reasons why I decided to go the vegan route:

Egg-Free and Dairy-Free

As someone who loves to experiment with vegan alternatives, I knew I could still enjoy the tangy goodness of lemon curd without the eggs and Butter. I love that it’s entirely plant-based, which makes it suitable for pretty much everyone—whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just avoiding animal products. Plus, no eggs means no cholesterol, which is a bonus for my health-conscious friends!

Healthier (But Still Delicious)

I’ll be the first to admit that I sometimes crave something sweet, but I don’t want to indulge in something too heavy. With vegan lemon curd, you get that satisfying creaminess and sweetness without all the saturated fats and cholesterol. I swapped out the traditional Butter for vegan Butter and used maple syrup instead of refined sugar, which gave it a lovely, natural sweetness. The best part? You get all the flavor without feeling guilty!

Versatility in Vegan Baking

Once I realized how easy it was to make, I started thinking of all the ways I could use vegan lemon curd. It’s perfect for vegan lemon tarts, cakes, cupcakes, or even just as a topping for muffins or pancakes. You can spread it on toast, pour it over vegan ice cream, or use it to fill your favorite pastries. The possibilities with this are endless!

Ingredients for Making Vegan Lemon Curd

Now, let’s talk about ingredients. When I first made this vegan lemon curd, I was so surprised by how few ingredients I needed! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious treat:

1. Lemons: You can’t make lemon curd without lemons! I use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. It’s incredible how much flavor you can get from just a couple of lemons, and the zest really adds that punch of citrus fragrance.
2. Vegan Butter: I used vegan Butter to achieve that rich, creamy texture. You can also use coconut oil if you want a slight coconut flavor, but I love how the vegan Butter gives it a smooth, rich consistency.
3. Coconut Milk or Almond Milk: Either of these plant-based milks work perfectly here. I used coconut milk because I love the richness it adds, but you could go with almond milk if you prefer something a little lighter. Both work great!
4. Cornstarch or Agar-Agar: This is your thickening agent. I used cornstarch, which is super easy to find in any grocery store. Just dissolve it in some water and stir it into the mixture to get that perfect curd texture.
5. Sweeteners: I like to use maple syrup for sweetness because it gives the curd a nice depth of flavor without being overly sugary. You could also use agave nectar or coconut sugar if you prefer.

It’s incredible how simple the ingredients are, right? And the best part? You’ve likely already got most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

How to Make Vegan Lemon Curd – Step-by-Step

Now, here’s the fun part: making the curd! It’s so much easier than I ever expected, and I’m sure you’ll be amazed by how quickly it all comes together.

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Start by giving your lemons a good wash. Since you’ll be using both the zest and juice, it’s essential to clean them well. I always zest the lemons first—it’s like the lemon’s “essence,” in a way. The zest is packed with all those fragrant oils that will make your curd taste amazing.

After zesting the lemons, slice them in half and squeeze out the juice. You’ll need about ½ cups of lemon juice—don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy juicer; squeeze the lemons by hand. I love using fresh lemon juice; it really makes a difference in the flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, zest, vegan Butter, and your choice of plant-based milk (I used coconut milk). Add your sweetener—maple syrup is my go-to for this recipe, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. Whisk everything together so it’s well combined.

Step 3: Thicken the Mixture

Now, it’s time to thicken the curd! In a small bowl, dissolve your cornstarch in a little bit of water (this helps prevent lumps). Stir it into the lemon mixture in the saucepan and cook over medium heat. The key is to keep stirring constantly—you’ll start to see it thicken up after a few minutes. Once it reaches that perfect curd-like consistency, could you remove it from the heat?

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the curd cool for a bit before transferring it to a jar or container. It will continue to thicken as it cools, and trust me, the flavor will just get better with time. Once it’s cool, you can store it in the fridge and use it whenever you want. It’ll keep for about 1-2 weeks, but I bet it won’t last that long!

Tips for Perfect Vegan Lemon Curd

Here are a few tips I’ve learned from my own experience making vegan lemon curd that might help you out:

Adjust the Sweetness

If you like your curd a little sweeter, feel free to add more maple syrup. I love the balance of tart and sweet, but you can always adjust it to suit your taste.

Thicker or Thinner Curd?

Want your curd thicker? Add a little more cornstarch. If you prefer a runnier curd, reduce the amount. It’s that simple!

Storage Tips

Store your vegan lemon curd in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it in small portions and thaw it when needed.

Delicious Ways to Use Vegan Lemon Curd

Once you’ve made your vegan lemon curd, you’ll be looking for ways to use it. Trust me, there are so many options!

Spread It on Toast

The classic way to enjoy lemon curd is to spread it on toast. It’s a simple treat but incredibly satisfying.

Use in Pastries or Tarts

I love using vegan lemon curd as a filling for tarts or pastries. It’s a perfect way to impress your friends with a homemade dessert.

Drizzle on Pancakes or Waffles

For a zesty twist on your breakfast, drizzle vegan lemon curd over your pancakes or waffles. It’s a refreshing change from the usual syrup.

Stir Into Vegan Yogurt

For a quick snack, stir some curd into your favorite dairy-free yogurt. The zesty lemon flavor delivers just the right amount of kick.

Frequently Asked Questions For Vegan Lemon Curd

Can I make vegan lemon curd without coconut milk?

Yes! If you don’t like the flavor of coconut milk or prefer a lighter option, you can substitute it with any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work wonderfully.

How do I know if my vegan lemon curd is thick enough?

The curd should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape. Run your finger through it, and it should leave a trail. If it’s too thin, keep cooking and stirring until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup?

Absolutely! You can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or even stevia (in the appropriate amounts). Just be mindful that different sweeteners may slightly alter the flavor or consistency.

How long does homemade vegan lemon curd last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your vegan lemon curd will last for 1-2 weeks. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend using it within the first week!

Conclusion For Vegan Lemon Curd

I’m so excited for you to give this recipe a try! Vegan lemon curd is genuinely one of those things that, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s creamy, tangy, and so versatile—you’ll find ways to incorporate it into every meal, dessert, and snack. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan means I can enjoy it without worrying about dairy or eggs, which makes it that much better!

So, next time you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious, try this vegan lemon curd. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a filling in a tart, or spoon it straight out of the jar (I won’t judge!), it’s a treat that’s sure to brighten your day.

Remember, the process is easy, the ingredients are simple, and the outcome is always excellent. And I promise, once you make it, you’ll be hooked! You can even experiment with different flavors and see what works for you. You never know—you might just stumble upon your new go-to treat!