Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion! These delightful rolls feature a homemade lemon curd filling and a zesty lemon icing on top. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon snack, they offer a burst of citrus flavor with every bite. Enjoy the unique combination of sweetness and zest that makes these rolls truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The bright taste of lemon paired with soft, fluffy dough creates an irresistible treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy success.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch parties, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these rolls cater to various dietary preferences while still being indulgent.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different icings or toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: This tool helps achieve smooth mixtures, especially for your lemon curd.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin is crucial for flattening the dough evenly, ensuring perfect rolls each 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 with active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted dairy-free butter and caster sugar to the mixture; whisk until combined.
- Gradually mix in the plain flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead for about 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl; cover it with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Curd Filling
- In another saucepan, combine coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour, turmeric (if using), lemon juice, and zest over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until thickened; remove from heat once it reaches desired consistency.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Fill
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
- Spread the prepared lemon curd evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
- Cut into equal pieces (about 6–9 pieces) and place them cut-side up on a lined baking tray.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Allow rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes before baking them for approximately 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Add Icing
- Once baked, allow rolls to cool slightly before drizzling Renshaw Lemon Icing on top.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired.
Enjoy your freshly baked Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not just a treat, they can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
For Breakfast
- Fresh Fruit – Pair your rolls with seasonal fruits like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing start.
- Vegan Yogurt – Add a dollop of coconut or almond yogurt on the side for creaminess and extra flavor.
For Afternoon Tea
- Herbal Tea – A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea complements the zesty flavors perfectly.
- Coconut Cream – Serve with whipped coconut cream for an indulgent afternoon snack.
As Dessert
- Lemon Sorbet – This frozen treat provides a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzling melted vegan chocolate over the rolls adds a rich twist.
With Ice Cream
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing brings out the sweetness of the lemon rolls.
- Coconut Ice Cream – The tropical flavor enhances the overall zestiness.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
To ensure your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls turn out perfectly fluffy and delicious, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing ingredients like dairy-free milk and butter to room temperature helps in better mixing and rising.
- Knead Properly – Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this step is crucial for developing gluten and achieving the right texture.
- Let it Rise in a Warm Place – Allow your dough to rise in a slightly warm area, which helps activate the yeast effectively.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest – Adding lemon zest will enhance the flavor profile, making your rolls more aromatic and zesty.
- Check for Doneness – Bake until golden brown; if unsure, do the toothpick test—insert one into a roll; it should come out clean.
- Serve Fresh – These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they still have that soft and fluffy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Pairing your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad – A mix of colorful fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Chia Seed Pudding – This nutritious option serves as a healthy counterpoint to sweet rolls.
- Granola Parfait – Layer granola and vegan yogurt for crunch and creaminess alongside your sweet rolls.
- Savory Avocado Toast – The richness of avocado pairs well with sweet flavors, offering a delightful contrast.
- Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie topped with seeds, nuts, and fruits makes for a vibrant companion.
- Cinnamon Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts with cinnamon provide crunch and an aromatic touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls is a delightful process, but a few common mistakes can hinder the results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold dairy-free milk or butter can result in dough that doesn’t rise well. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the rolls dense. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Skipping yeast proofing: Active dry yeast needs to be activated to work properly. Always proof your yeast with warm liquid before adding it to the mixture.
- Overbaking the rolls: Overbaking can dry out your sweet rolls. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they’re golden brown.
- Neglecting the lemon zest: The zest adds essential flavor to your rolls. Don’t skip this step; use fresh lemons for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated.
Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place 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 heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep them fluffy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Place them in a covered skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls:
Can I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls gluten-free?
You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend, but adjustments may be needed to achieve the same texture.
How do I enhance the lemon flavor?
Increase the amount of lemon juice or zest according to your preference, or add a drop of lemon extract for an extra punch.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. Also, make sure your environment is warm enough for rising.
Can I use other fillings besides lemon curd?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like berry compote or chocolate spread for different flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also packed with refreshing lemon flavor. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various fillings or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 rolls
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, the perfect blend of fluffy dough and zesty lemon flavor. These soft rolls are filled with a luscious homemade lemon curd and drizzled with tangy lemon icing, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- Dairy-free butter
- Dairy-free milk
- Caster sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Plain flour
- Lemons (juice and zest)
- Coconut milk
- Cornflour (cornstarch)
- Renshaw Lemon Icing
Instructions
- Combine warm dairy-free milk and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted dairy-free butter and caster sugar; whisk until combined.
- Gradually mix in plain flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–10 minutes until smooth; let rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about 1 hour.
- Prepare the lemon curd filling by cooking coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, and zest over medium heat until thickened.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle; spread the lemon curd evenly across the surface.
- Roll tightly from one edge to form a log; cut into equal pieces and place cut-side up on a lined baking tray.
- Allow rolls to rise again for 30 minutes before baking at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with Renshaw Lemon Icing after cooling slightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg