Vegan Lemon Curd

September 22, 2023
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This delightfully tangy Vegan Lemon Curd is a zesty, dairy-free spread that is a breeze to make. It’s bursting with fresh lemon goodness and is perfect for adding a citrus twist to your cakes, bakes and breakfasts!

We’re excited to share this Vegan Lemon Curd recipe with you! We’ve created a plant-based version of a classic lemon curd, making it dairy and egg free. This tangy vegan lemon spread is delicious on toast and perfect for filling cakes – try it in our beautiful Blackberry Lemon Cake.

Our dairy free lemon curd has a natural, vibrant yellow hue and strikes a delicious balance between sweet and tart. It’s a staple for your kitchen and this vegan lemon curd also makes a great homemade gift for a vegan loved one.

A jar of vibrant yellow vegan lemon curd with a cute cardboard star label and a vintage spoon resting in the jar

Why you’ll love this Vegan Lemon Curd

Zesty Citrus Flavour: This lemon curd strikes the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a versatile and refreshing addition to your vegan baked goods. It’s also delicious on toast!

Dairy-Free Deliciousness: Made entirely without dairy, this vegan lemon spread is a fantastic alternative for those who follow a vegan or lactose-free lifestyle.

Simple and Quick: With just 5 basic ingredients and 5 easy steps, you can whip up this lemon curd up in no time!

Customisable Tanginess: Adjust the lemon juice to suit your taste preference, whether you love a tangy kick or a milder lemon flavour. A jar of vibrant yellow vegan lemon curd with a spoonful being slowly removed

Top tips

  1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavour, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant taste that fresh lemons provide.
  2. Cornflour for Thickness: Cornflour acts as a natural thickener for this lemon curd, replacing the role of eggs in a traditional lemon curd. Be sure to mix it well with water before adding it to the saucepan to prevent lumps.
  3. Turmeric for Color (Optional): Turmeric adds a beautiful golden colour to the lemon curd, increasing the vibrancy of the finished product. You can omit it if you prefer a classic pale lemon hue.
  4. Storage and Serving: Store your lemon curd in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It can be spread on toast, pancakes, scones, or used as a filling for cakes and tarts.
  5. Freezing and Defrosting: You can freeze this vegan lemon curd. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. Avoid using the microwave to defrost it, as it may cause the curd to curdle.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar? Yes you can use a liquid sweetener such as agave nectar – follow the recipe for lemon curd here instead. You can use caster sugar in place of granulated sugar 1:1. We don’t recommend using maple syrup or brown sugar for this recipe as this can affect the taste and colour of the finished spread.
  2. How long does the lemon curd last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, the lemon curd will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
  3. Can I use this lemon curd as a filling for cakes? Absolutely! This vegan lemon curd makes a delicious filling for cakes, cupcakes, and even pastries. Try it in our vegan Blackberry Lemon Cake.
  4. Is it possible to freeze the lemon curd? Yes, you can freeze the curd for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before using.

A jar of vibrant yellow vegan lemon curd with a cute cardboard star label tied on with yellow string

Loved this Vegan Lemon Curd recipe? Here are some more citrus sweet treats to try

I hope you LOVE this recipe for vegan lemon curd! Share this recipe with someone you think will enjoy it and don’t forget to tag @aveganvisit on social media when you try out the recipe – I absolutely love seeing your re-creations! Enjoy 🙂 x

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below – this provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. If you want more delicious vegan recipes be sure to subscribe to the A Vegan Visit newsletter and join the AVV community on Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, X and Tiktok.

The Written Recipe:

A jar of vibrant yellow vegan lemon curd with a spoonful being slowly removed

Vegan Lemon Curd

This delightfully tangy Vegan Lemon Curd is a zesty, dairy-free spread that is a breeze to make. It’s bursting with fresh lemon goodness and is perfect for adding a citrus twist to your cakes, bakes and breakfasts!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: British, English
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
Calories: 183kcal
Author: Tara

Ingredients
 
 

  • 230 g dairy free cream (Elmlea Plant Double Cream or Alpro Soya Cream work well*)
  • 150 g granulated sugar (or caster sugar)
  • 150 ml fresh lemon juice (4-5 lemons)
  • 50 g cornflour plus 50g water (mixed together)
  • tsp turmeric (optional: for added colour)

Instructions
 

  • Add the cream and sugar to a saucepan and whisk together over a medium heat until the sugar has melted and the mixture has combined.
    230 g dairy free cream, 150 g granulated sugar
  • Keep the saucepan on the heat and add the lemon juice a tablespoon at a time, continually whisking to ensure it combines without curdling.
    150 ml fresh lemon juice
  • Once all of the lemon juice has been added, add the cornflour mixture and turmeric to the saucepan. Whisk together and simmer for 2-5 minutes until thickened, stirring regularly.
    50 g cornflour plus 50g water, 1/8 tsp turmeric
  • Taste and add 15-30ml more lemon juice if you prefer your lemon curd to be tangier.
  • Transfer the lemon curd to a jar and once cooled, seal with an airtight lid.

Video

Notes

Vegan / Dairy Free / Egg Free
Recipe inspired by: England
*We don't recommend using coconut cream for this recipe as it tends to add a coconut flavour.  Use a more neutral flavoured cream, such as soya, for optimal results.
Please check the allergens on the ingredients you purchase before use. The allergen information provided in this recipe is intended as a guide only and is based on the specific ingredients and brands used at the time of creating the recipe, therefore we cannot guarantee that the same will apply to the ingredients you use.
Prep time excludes any inactive time.
We highly recommend you use the metric and 1x options on this recipe card for the best results. Please note that this recipe has not been tested using US measurements or increasing ingredient quantities to 2x or 3x, therefore results may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 20g | Net Carbohydrates: 26g
Have you tried this recipe?Tag @aveganvisit on Instagram or hashtag it #aveganvisit!

Tara

Hi, I’m Tara! I’m taking you on a trip around the world in vegan cuisine and bringing the world’s most delicious dishes to your kitchen.