Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to your dessert table, these rolls stand out with their zesty lemon flavor and creamy filling. The homemade lemon curd and icing make them irresistibly delicious. Plus, they are vegan-friendly, making them suitable for everyone to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The bright lemon taste pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls, creating a refreshing treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack—these rolls will please any crowd.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, everyone can indulge in these sweet rolls guilt-free.
- Homemade Goodness: Crafting your own lemon curd elevates these rolls, giving them a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Whisk
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is crucial for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
- Rolling pin: This tool helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect sweet rolls.
- Baking tray: A good quality tray ensures even baking, giving you golden-brown 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, melt the dairy-free butter and let it cool slightly.
- Add room temperature dairy-free milk to the melted butter.
- Stir in caster sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add plain flour while mixing until the dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Dust your work surface with flour.
- Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and knead for about 5–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough back into a 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 3: Make the Lemon Curd Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk cream, caster sugar, cornflour/cornstarch, turmeric (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Whisk continuously until thickened; remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the cooled lemon curd evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll up tightly from one end to form a log shape; slice into equal pieces.
Step 5: Bake Your Sweet Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange sliced rolls on a greased baking tray spacing them apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Add Icing and Serve
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before drizzling Renshaw Lemon Icing over them.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature—enjoy your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
- Sliced Bananas: Add sliced bananas for a creamy and sweet addition.
Drizzled with Extra Icing
- Lemon Icing: A generous drizzle of lemon icing enhances the zesty flavor.
- Coconut Cream: Top with whipped coconut cream for added richness.
Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- Herbal Tea: Pair with chamomile or mint tea to complement the lemony taste.
- Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning treat.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Savory Dishes: Include them in a brunch spread with savory options like avocado toast.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with dairy-free cheeses for a satisfying contrast.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
To ensure your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls turn out perfectly fluffy and flavorful, follow these tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps create that fluffy texture.
- Allow Enough Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, usually about 1 hour.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; overcooking can dry out your rolls.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or lemon zest based on your preference while preparing the filling.
- Chill the Dough if Necessary: If the dough is too sticky, chilling it briefly can make it easier to handle.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be paired with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Avocado Toast: A creamy avocado spread on whole-grain bread adds healthy fats and contrasts well with sweetness.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the richness of the rolls.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend up a refreshing smoothie bowl topped with granola and seeds for added crunch.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy roasted potato wedges bring a savory touch that complements the sweet rolls nicely.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits makes for a hearty breakfast option.
- Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars offer an easy grab-and-go accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to unsatisfactory results. Always use a scale for precision.
- temperature issues: Using cold dairy-free milk can hinder yeast activation. Ensure your milk is at room temperature before mixing.
- over-kneading: Kneading the dough too much can make the rolls tough instead of fluffy. Knead gently until just combined.
- improper rising: Skipping the first rise or letting it be too short may result in dense rolls. Allow the dough ample time to double in size.
- skipping toppings: Forgetting the lemon icing will leave your rolls less flavorful. Don’t skip this essential step for extra zesty goodness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
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). Place rolls on a baking tray and cover with foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with homemade lemon curd and topped with lemon icing, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I customize my Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Feel free to add poppy seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture. You can also adjust the level of sweetness based on your preference.
Why use dairy-free butter?
Dairy-free butter maintains the rich taste while keeping the recipe vegan friendly. It helps achieve that buttery flavor without animal products.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. Their light and fluffy texture pairs wonderfully with various fillings and toppings, allowing you to customize them to your liking. Try making them for breakfast or as a delightful treat any time of day!

Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough filled with homemade lemon curd and topped with luscious lemon icing. These rolls are an irresistible treat for any occasion—be it a sunny brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to your dessert table. With their zesty lemon flavor and creamy filling, they cater to both vegan diets and those who simply crave something delicious. Easy to make and sure to impress, these rolls will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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)
- 125g caster sugar (for filling)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, melt dairy-free butter and let cool slightly. Add room temperature dairy-free milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit until frothy (5-10 minutes). Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare lemon curd by whisking coconut cream, sugar, cornflour, lemon zest, and juice in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened; let cool.
- Roll out risen dough into a rectangle. Spread cooled lemon curd evenly over the dough, roll tightly into a log shape, and slice into pieces.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange rolls on a greased baking tray and bake for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg