Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These rolls are not only zesty and sweet but also filled with a homemade lemon curd and topped with luscious lemon icing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging yourself, these rolls will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest give these sweet rolls a refreshing taste that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls fit right in.
- Homemade Goodness: With a rich lemon curd filling made from scratch, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature. They can even be frozen for later enjoyment!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Rolling pin: This tool helps you evenly roll out the dough for perfect-sized sweet rolls.
Ingredients
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are filled with a homemade lemon curd, topped with lemon icing. They’re zesty, sweet and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 115g of dairy-free butter
– 400ml of dairy-free milk (room temperature)
– 50g of caster sugar
– 1 pack active dry yeast (approx 7g)
– 500g of plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 2 lemons (zest only)
– 80g of lemon juice (from fresh lemons)
– 125g of coconut milk (cream only)
– 125g of caster sugar
– 3 tablespoons of cornflour / cornstarch
– Pinch of turmeric (or yellow food gel) optional
– 1 pot of Renshaw Lemon Icing
– Fresh lemons (zest and slices)
How to Make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, melt the dairy-free butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding dairy-free milk.
- Stir in caster sugar and active dry yeast into the warm mixture. Let it sit until bubbly.
- Gradually add plain flour while mixing until combined; knead until smooth.
Step 2: Let It Rise
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Curd Filling
- In another saucepan, mix coconut milk cream, caster sugar, cornflour/cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and turmeric if using.
- Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat to cool.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
- On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a rectangle shape.
- Spread the cooled lemon curd evenly across the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut into equal pieces about 3cm thick.
Step 6: Bake Your Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Allow them to rise again briefly before baking for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Add Icing
- Once baked, let your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls cool slightly before drizzling with Renshaw Lemon Icing.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired.
Now your delicious Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not just a treat but a delightful experience. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls can be served in various ways to enhance their zesty flavor.
With Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and sweetness that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.
Drizzled with Extra Lemon Icing
- A generous drizzle of lemon icing on top enhances the sweetness and gives an appealing shine to your rolls.
Alongside a Cup of Tea
- These sweet rolls pair beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea, balancing the zesty flavor with soothing warmth.
Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve your rolls with dollops of coconut whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Sprinkled with Zest
- Garnish your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls with fresh lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Making the perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls takes practice and attention. Here are tips to ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious every time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Knead Well: Kneading the dough thoroughly helps develop gluten, resulting in a better rise and fluffiness in your rolls.
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Allow Time for Rising: Give your dough enough time to rise in a warm place. This step is crucial for light and airy sweet rolls.
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Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. This prevents overbaking or underbaking your rolls.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
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Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy chia pudding adds a nutrient boost while offering a smooth contrast to the fluffy texture of sweet rolls.
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Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola and fruits provides additional nutrients alongside the sweet indulgence.
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Savory Avocado Toast: The creamy richness of avocado toast creates a lovely contrast to the sweet lemony flavors.
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Tofu Scramble: A savory tofu scramble adds protein and makes for a hearty brunch spread when paired with sweet rolls.
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Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer crunchiness which pairs well with the soft texture of the rolls, making it an excellent snack option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
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Incorrect Yeast Activation: If the yeast isn’t activated properly, your rolls won’t rise. Always check the temperature of your milk; it should be warm but not hot.
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Overworking the Dough: Kneading too much can lead to dense rolls. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy sweet rolls.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
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Skipping the Lemon Curd: The lemon curd adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes these sweet rolls truly special.
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Ignoring Rising Time: Patience is key! Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a soft texture. Don’t rush this crucial step.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat within a day.
Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered pan on low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls:
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.
How do I make the lemon curd?
To make the lemon curd, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, cornflour, and coconut cream in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
Can I add different flavors?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other citrus zests or spices like cardamom for a unique twist on these sweet rolls.
How long do they last?
When stored properly, Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls last up to three days in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are delightful and versatile treats that you can enjoy any time of day. With their zesty lemon flavor and fluffy texture, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fillings or toppings for an even more personalized treat!

Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. Bursting with zesty flavor, these delightful rolls are filled with a homemade lemon curd and topped with a luscious lemon icing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, these rolls will impress everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can enjoy creating this scrumptious dessert. Plus, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 115g dairy-free butter
- 400ml dairy-free milk (room temperature)
- 50g caster sugar
- 7g active dry yeast
- 500g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 80g fresh lemon juice
- 125g coconut milk (cream only)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
- Renshaw Lemon Icing
Instructions
- Melt dairy-free butter in a mixing bowl; allow to cool slightly before adding dairy-free milk.
- Stir in caster sugar and yeast; let sit until bubbly.
- Gradually add flour while mixing until combined; knead until smooth.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the lemon curd by cooking coconut cream, sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, and zest over medium heat until thickened.
- Roll out the risen dough, spread cooled lemon curd evenly on top, then roll tightly and slice into pieces.
- Arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper; allow to rise briefly before baking at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before drizzling with lemon icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg