Delightful Vegan Lemon Curd Recipe for Your Sweet Cravings
Ahoy there, my dear friends and culinary enthusiasts! I’m delighted to share with you this amazing recipe for vegan lemon curd. As a vegan chef, I always look for satisfying and delicious alternatives that everyone can enjoy. With this recipe, you can make vegan lemon curd that is rich, tangy and will wow your taste buds!
Lemon curd is a classic condiment with zesty flavors that pairs well with a variety of desserts and breakfast treats such as cakes, scones, muffins or spread it on toast. The best part is, with this recipe you can make it plant-based without losing the flavor or consistency.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of coconut cream and vegan margarine instead of eggs and butter. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make vegan lemon curd in your very own kitchen. Trust me; once you try our recipe, there’s no going back to store-bought curds or traditional recipes.
So, are you ready to dive into the delicious world of vegan lemon curd? Let’s head straight to the ingredient list and learn how to whip up a batch in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell ya, this vegan lemon curd recipe is something special. Now, I know what you might be thinking – “vegan? no way it’s gonna taste good”. But let me assure you, this recipe is not only easy to make but also heavenly satisfying.
What makes this vegan lemon curd stand out is that it is made with simple and plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar and fresh lemon juice. Yep, you heard me right – no eggs or dairy products are used in this recipe! And the best part? You won’t even notice the difference!
This easy vegan lemon curd is perfect for anyone looking to make delicious desserts without compromising their dietary choices or preferences. You can use it as a filling for cakes, pies or tarts or simply spread it on toast for a quick and tasty breakfast treat. Want to impress your guests? Serve it with vegan whipped cream or top it off with some fresh berries.
So whether you’re a plant-based food enthusiast or just seeking a healthier option, this vegan lemon curd recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Trust me folks, once you try it, there’s no going back to the traditional lemon curd recipe – this one is just too darn good!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful vegan lemon curd recipe:
- ½ cup of fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons, finely grated
- 1 1/4 cups of cane sugar
- 4 tablespoons of vegan margarine
- 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 pinch of salt
- Optional: zest of 1-2 limes (omit or use more/less based on preference)
The simple ingredients used to make this easy vegan lemon curd are all plant-based and completely dairy-free, which makes it a perfect recipe for anyone looking for a lactose-free option. The combination of lemon juice and zest with coconut cream creates a luscious sauce that is perfect for drizzling on cakes or using as a filling for pies and tarts.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let me walk you through the simple steps to make your own vegan lemon curd:
Step 1: Prepare Vegan Margarine and Lemon Zest
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of vegan margarine over medium heat. Add finely grated zest of one lemon to the pan and stir.
Step 2: Stir in Lemon Juice and Coconut Milk
Next, add ½ cup of fresh lemon juice, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and an entire can (13.5 ounces) of full-fat coconut milk to the pot with the melted margarine and zest. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Thicken with Cornstarch Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of cornstarch, 2 tbsp of cold water, and a pinch of turmeric until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with lemon-coconut mixture while stirring constantly.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Curd
Cook on low-medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. While cooking, keep stirring occasionally so it doesn’t clump.
Step 5: Cool Down and Store
After you finish cooking, take it off heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled at room temperature refrigerate for an hour or more to thicken even further.
And voila! You’ve made your very own vegan lemon curd that’s perfect for topping on pancakes, cakes or serving as a dip!
This recipe is easy to follow and takes under thirty minutes to prepare. So what’re you waiting for? Give it a try now!
Substitutions and Variations
Howdy! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with some of these substitutions and variations for your vegan lemon curd recipe. Remember, cooking is an art, and sometimes it’s fun to spice things up and try new things.
First off, if you don’t have vegan margarine or don’t want to use it, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of coconut cream or almond milk. Just make sure they are unsweetened and unflavored, so they won’t interfere with the flavor of your lemon curd.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, replace granulated sugar with maple syrup. You may need to adjust the amount of cornstarch used to thicken your lemon curd, as maple syrup has more liquid than granulated sugar.
To make things a bit more tangy and exotic, try swapping out some of the lemon juice for lime juice instead. A lime curd tart would be incredibly zesty!
Alternatively, if you want to add some depth to your lemon curd recipe, sprinkle a pinch of turmeric into the mixture while whisking. The turmeric will help give your lemon curd that warm golden color that is typically associated with traditional lemon curd recipes.
Lastly, for a more fruity twist on this recipe, try folding in finely grated fruit zest from other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. You could even add in small pieces of chopped up fruit for an extra flourish.
Remember, there are plenty of ways to play around with this recipe and make it your own. Just don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegan lemon curd is ready, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy its tangy and sweet flavor. The possibilities for pairing this versatile spread are endless!
For a classic pairing, I recommend spreading the vegan lemon curd on toast, bagels or scones. It also works great as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, macarons or donuts, adding a pop of bright flavor to your dessert. Or why not add a spoonful to your oatmeal or yogurt bowl for a bright and zesty breakfast?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with savory dishes like grilled tofu, roasted vegetables or tempeh burgers. Its tartness makes it a great acidic counterpart to rich and savory flavors.
For drinks, I suggest stirring the lemon curd into hot tea, iced tea or lemonade. You can also mix it up with vodka, gin or rum for a refreshing cocktail.
Overall, the vegan lemon curd provides countless ways to elevate your dishes’ flavors and textures. Experiment and have fun with different serving options!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen ye all, for I have some wise words on storing your vegan lemon curd. Once made, this zesty delight can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, but only if you store it in an airtight container. If not, the lemon curd will dry out and become clumpy. And who wants that?
Now, I shall impart to you another piece of knowledge – freezing vegan lemon curd is not advisable. Why you ask? Because freezing will change the texture of the curd, and once it thaws out, it will become watery and unappetizing.
But dread ye not my dear friends because reheating lemon curd is quite simple. All ye need to do is take it out of the fridge half an hour before serving and let it come to room temperature. Then give it a quick mix with a spoon or fork to loosen up any clumps that may have formed during storage.
If ye crave a warm version of the lemony goodness, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the curd when reheating it in a small saucepan over low heat. This will give it a thicker consistency and turn it into a delectable topping for yogurts, cakes or pancakes.
Lemon curd is very versatile so storing leftovers shouldn’t be a concern at all!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make vegan lemon curd and have a batch ready to go, let’s discuss some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time.
First and foremost, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. Make sure your lemon zest and juice are fresh and vibrant. Don’t skimp on the sugar either – it plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of the curd.
When preparing the vegan margarine, add it gradually to the lemon juice mixture in order to ensure that the temperature doesn’t drop too quickly. This will prevent the curd from becoming lumpy or grainy.
While whisking together the cornstarch and cold water, make sure to fully dissolve any clumps before adding it to the rest of the mixture. Otherwise, you may end up with an uneven texture.
To give your vegan lemon curd a creamy consistency, use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk. And if you want a richer flavor, try using coconut cream instead.
For those of you who want to experiment with different flavors, try swapping out some of the lemon juice for lime juice or even grapefruit juice. You can also add other herbs such as thyme or lavender for added complexity.
To store your finished product, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. You can also freeze your vegan lemon curd for longer storage.
And lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with how you use your vegan lemon curd! It’s not just for spreading on toast or English muffins – try using it as a filling for cakes or pastries, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even as a sauce drizzled over fresh fruit.
Follow these tips and tricks and you’ll be sure to impress yourself (and your guests!) with your delicious vegan lemon curd creations.
FAQ
Now that we have covered all aspects of this delicious vegan lemon curd recipe, let’s move on to the FAQs section. Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about making and serving lemon curd. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-timer, read on to learn about how to troubleshoot any issues and create the perfect silky-smooth vegan lemon curd every time!
What is the difference between lemon curd and lemon custard?
When it comes to lemon-flavored desserts, there are two options to choose from: lemon curd and lemon custard. While they can both be used to top or fill baked goods, the difference lies in their ingredients and properties. Lemon custard is comparatively lighter due to its use of cornstarch as a thickening agent, whereas lemon curd gains its texture from a blend of eggs, sugar, and butter.
What can be made from lemon curd?
Looking for some creative ways to enjoy your vegan lemon curd? Look no further! Try serving it with crepes and toppings like crème fraîche, Greek yogurt, or whipped cream. And don’t limit yourself to just crepes – this tangy and sweet curd can also be enjoyed with toast, crumpets, muffins, and pancakes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl the lemon curd into breakfast buns or bake it into flaky pastries for a delicious treat. For a classic dessert option, make some homemade lemon bars. You can even turn the curd into a tart or use it to make a brighter bread pudding.
And last but not least, don’t forget to fold the lemon curd into some fluffy whipped cream for an indulgent and heavenly topping. With so many tasty options, your vegan lemon curd will never go to waste!
What is vegan curd made of?
Making vegan curds is a simple process that involves using any vegan milk like coconut, cashew, sesame, rice, or even peanut milk. While peanut milk is preferred by some due to its natural thickness, any vegan milk can be utilized. The essential ingredients needed for curd making are a starter, plant-based milk, and patience.
What is the difference between lemon curd and lemon cheese?
Lemon curd and lemon cheese are essentially the same thing, with regional differences leading to different names for the popular tart and sweet spread.
Bottom Line
Now that you have followed this easy vegan lemon curd recipe, I hope you understand that eating plant-based does not mean giving up flavor or indulging in sweets. Vegan cooking is all about creativity and finding new ways to make your favorite dishes even better. This lemon curd is a great example of this. It has all the tangy sweetness and silky texture of traditional lemon curd, without using any animal products.
Not only is this recipe kinder to animals and the environment, but it’s also a healthier option for you. By using ingredients like coconut milk and vegan margarine instead of dairy butter and cream, this recipe is lower in saturated fat, making it a great alternative for those trying to reduce their cholesterol levels.
So next time you’re looking for an easy vegan dessert, remember this quick and delicious lemon curd. Make sure to spread it on top of cakes, cookies or scones, or simply enjoy it as a sweet dip with fresh fruit.
Thank you so much for reading my recipe article! I truly hope that you have enjoyed making this easy vegan lemon curd recipe and that it has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. There are so many tasty plant-based options out there just waiting to be explored!
Lemon Curd (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (or, alternatively, bottled)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar (I prefer unrefined cane sugar or Xylitol)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (I used arrowroot flour)
- 3 tablespoons cold water (to mix with the cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons vegan margarine (I used earth balance)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest (if using) and salt, stirring well to dissolve the sugar.
- After the sugar is dissolved, add the cornstarch mixture and the coconut milk, stirring well to combine.
- Stirring constantly, cook until the mixture begins to thicken and the first few bubbles appear on the surface, about 8 minutes.
- Add the vegan margarine, and cook, stirring constantly, for several minutes more, or until the mixture resembles a thick pudding.
- Transfer the mixture to a heat proof dish, cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap and let cool completely before placing in the refrigerator to chill.
- Chill lemon curd for 2 hours in the refrigerator before using.
- Bon Appetit!
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.