Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. These sweet rolls are filled with a delightful homemade lemon curd and drizzled with refreshing lemon icing, making them irresistibly zesty and sweet. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or simply treating yourself, these rolls are sure to impress. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, they stand out as a delicious vegan option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these rolls in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The bright citrus notes from the lemon curd and icing create a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack; these rolls suit various occasions.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Made without dairy, they cater to those looking for plant-based sweet treats.
- Impressive Presentation: Beautifully iced and garnished with fresh lemon zest, they make an eye-catching addition to any table.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls effectively, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the process but also ensures consistent results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients smoothly and achieving the right dough consistency.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for perfect baking.
- Baking tray: Provides an even surface for baking your sweet rolls to golden perfection.

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.
For the Dough
- 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)
For the Lemon Curd Filling
- 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
For Topping
- 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, combine dairy-free milk and caster sugar. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Melt the dairy-free butter gently and add it to the yeast mixture along with lemon zest.
- Gradually mix in plain flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Allow Dough to Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make Lemon Curd Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, coconut milk cream, caster sugar, cornflour/cornstarch, and turmeric over medium heat.
- Cook until thickened while stirring continuously. Remove from heat once it reaches a custard-like consistency.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Fill
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Spread an even layer of lemon curd filling over the dough before rolling tightly from one end to form a log.
Step 5: Cut & Bake
- Slice the rolled log into equal pieces approximately 2 inches wide.
- Place them on a lined baking tray and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Drizzle with Icing & Serve
- Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with Renshaw Lemon Icing.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your delightful Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Their zesty flavor and fluffy texture make them a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve alongside strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Citrus Slices: Lemon and orange slices enhance the citrus notes of the rolls.
With Coconut Yogurt
- Creamy Topping: A dollop of coconut yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
As a Dessert
- Drizzled with Lemon Icing: Top with more lemon icing for an extra sweet finish.
- With Whipped Coconut Cream: Pairing with whipped coconut cream makes a decadent dessert option.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Hot Beverages: Enjoy these rolls with a cup of herbal tea or coffee to complement their flavor.
How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Perfecting your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking skills.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature helps in creating a smooth dough.
- Knead Properly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic ensures fluffy rolls.
- Allow Enough Rising Time: Give your dough enough time to rise for optimal fluffiness; it should double in size.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Experiment with Zest Levels: Adjust the amount of lemon zest based on your preference for citrus flavor intensity.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their zesty sweetness:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding provides a nutritious contrast.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola and non-dairy yogurt for a crunchy accompaniment.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds adds texture and nutrition.
- Savory Scones: Lightly flavored savory scones balance the sweetness of the rolls.
- Herbal Tea Blend: A soothing herbal tea enhances the overall enjoyment of this sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking with incorrect yeast: Make sure to use active dry yeast and check its expiration date. Fresh yeast helps the rolls rise properly.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the rolls light and fluffy. Overworking develops gluten, making them tough.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar. This ensures consistent results.
- Skipping the lemon zest: This adds essential flavor to your sweet rolls. Always include it for that zesty lemon punch.
- Ignoring temperature for dairy-free milk: Ensure your dairy-free milk is at room temperature. Cold milk can hinder yeast activation, resulting in dense rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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 3 months.
Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for about 10–15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for 20-30 seconds on high. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water. Steam for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls:
Can I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the liquid if necessary.
How can I customize my Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Feel free to add poppy seeds or dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
What is the best way to store leftover Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them wrapped individually for longer freshness.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for better flavor, you can use bottled juice if necessary. Just ensure it’s pure lemon juice without additives.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also bursting with zesty flavor from fresh lemons. Their delightful sweetness makes them perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite add-ins, making this recipe versatile and enjoyable!
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Indulge in the delightful experience of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, a treat that combines fluffy dough with a luscious homemade lemon curd filling. Each roll is drizzled with zesty lemon icing, making them the perfect sweet addition to any meal or snack time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Plant-based
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)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine dairy-free milk and caster sugar. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Melt the dairy-free butter gently and add it to the yeast mixture along with lemon zest.
- Gradually mix in plain flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, coconut milk cream, caster sugar, cornflour/cornstarch, and turmeric over medium heat.
- Cook until thickened while stirring continuously. Remove from heat once it reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Spread an even layer of lemon curd filling over the dough before rolling tightly from one end to form a log.
- Slice the rolled log into equal pieces approximately 2 inches wide.
- Place them on a lined baking tray and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling with Renshaw Lemon Icing.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
