Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. These sweet rolls are filled with a homemade lemon curd and topped with zesty lemon icing, making them a perfect addition to brunches, picnics, or simply as a sweet snack. Their vibrant flavor and light texture stand out, ensuring that everyone will want more.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Step 4: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling
- Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Step 6: Bake Your Sweet Rolls
- Step 7: Add Icing
- How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Breakfast Delight
- Afternoon Tea
- Brunch Spread
- Dessert Option
- Snack Time
- How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
- How do Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls taste?
- Can I customize my Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls are perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, refreshing taste that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Versatile Option: Enjoy these rolls as a breakfast treat, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. They’re suitable for any time of day!
- Dairy-Free Delight: Made without dairy, these rolls cater to vegan diets while still delivering rich flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: The glossy lemon icing and fresh lemon slices make these rolls visually appealing for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing vegan sweet rolls requires a few essential tools that simplify the process. Having the right equipment will help you achieve soft and fluffy results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Rolling pin: This tool is essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for your sweet rolls.
- Baking tray: A sturdy baking tray helps distribute heat evenly while baking, leading to perfectly baked rolls every time.
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, combine the warm dairy-free milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Melt the dairy-free butter and mix it with caster sugar in another bowl. Add the lemon zest and juice.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the butter mixture, stirring well.
- Gradually add plain flour while mixing until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Dust your countertop with flour and transfer the dough onto it.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk cream, caster sugar, cornflour/cornstarch, lemon juice, and turmeric if using.
- Stir constantly until thickened; remove from heat once it reaches desired consistency.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
- Spread the lemon curd filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from one side to form a log shape; slice into equal pieces.
Step 6: Bake Your Sweet Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place cut rolls on a lined baking tray; allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for around 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Add Icing
Once baked and cooled slightly, drizzle Renshaw Lemon Icing over your sweet rolls for an added zesty touch! Enjoy your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls fresh out of the oven or at room temperature!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert, these rolls can bring joy to your table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Breakfast Delight
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing.
- Pair with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for creaminess.
Afternoon Tea
- Enjoy alongside a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint.
- Add some fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Brunch Spread
- Present with other vegan pastries for a delightful brunch buffet.
- Include fresh berries to complement the sweetness of the rolls.
Dessert Option
- Drizzle with extra lemon icing for a sweet finish.
- Serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream for indulgence.
Snack Time
- Great as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing during gatherings.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Perfecting your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that fluffy, zesty texture everyone loves.
- Knead well: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps in achieving that light texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the yeast activates properly and helps create a soft roll.
- Let them rise: Allow the dough sufficient time to rise, usually until it doubles in size, which contributes to fluffiness.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer if necessary to ensure your rolls bake evenly and don’t dry out.
- Don’t skip the icing: The lemon icing adds sweetness and flavor that balances the tanginess of the rolls.
- Store properly: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness alongside the sweet rolls.
- Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for textural contrast.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert provides a nutritious option that pairs well with the citrusy flavor.
- Herbed Avocado Toast: A savory option that balances sweetness while offering healthy fats.
- Vegan Cheese Platter: Serve assorted vegan cheeses with crackers for a fancy touch at brunch.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices offer a crunchy snack that’s great next to soft rolls.
- Smoothie Bowl: A fruity smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes for an energizing addition.
- Energizing Green Juice: A refreshing green juice can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
-
Ignoring the yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh and properly activated. If it doesn’t bubble when mixed with warm liquid, it’s no good.
-
Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature dairy-free milk and butter. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising correctly.
-
Not measuring flour accurately: Too much or too little flour can affect the texture. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
-
Skipping the lemon zest: The zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your sweet rolls.
-
Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. These rolls should be golden brown, but not too dark. Always do a toothpick test to ensure they’re cooked through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap first for added protection against freezer burn.
Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm for 15-20 seconds at a time until heated through, but avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls:
How do I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
To make these rolls, mix warm dairy-free milk with sugar and yeast. Combine with melted dairy-free butter, flour, lemon juice, and zest to create the dough. After rising, roll out the dough, spread lemon curd, and shape before baking.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes! For convenience, you can use store-bought vegan lemon curd instead of making your own. Just ensure it’s dairy-free!
How do Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls taste?
They are soft, fluffy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor—a delightful combination of sweet and tangy that is sure to satisfy any craving.
Can I customize my Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds or blueberries for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or cinnamon as well!
Final Thoughts
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a delightful treat any time of day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings to create your own unique version!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintVegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Indulge in the delightful experience of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and zesty lemon flavor. These irresistible pastries are filled with homemade lemon curd and drizzled with refreshing lemon icing, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—be it brunches, afternoon tea, or a sweet snack. With their vibrant taste and light texture, everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 115g dairy-free butter
- 400ml dairy-free milk (room temperature)
- 50g caster sugar
- 7g active dry yeast (1 pack)
- 500g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 lemons (zest only)
- 80g lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 125g coconut milk (cream only)
- 125g caster sugar (for filling)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
- Renshaw Lemon Icing
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm dairy-free milk and yeast; let sit until frothy.
- Melt dairy-free butter and mix with caster sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Combine with the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl to rise for about an hour, covered with a cloth.
- Prepare lemon curd by cooking coconut cream, caster sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice in a saucepan until thickened.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread over the lemon curd filling, roll tightly into a log, and slice into pieces.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; drizzle with lemon icing after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 219
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





