Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten up any breakfast or snack time. Filled with a homemade lemon curd and topped with zesty lemon icing, these rolls are not only delicious but also perfect for various occasions, from brunch gatherings to cozy family breakfasts. The unique combination of flavors makes these sweet rolls stand out, ensuring that everyone will appreciate their bright, citrusy taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Zesty Flavor: The refreshing lemon flavor adds a unique twist to traditional sweet rolls.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are great for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or fillings to personalize your rolls.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Made without any animal products, these rolls are suitable for vegans and those seeking healthier alternatives.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, it’s essential to gather your tools for the best results. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure delicious outcomes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowls: Helps achieve a smooth dough consistency with less effort.
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough for perfect shapes.
- Baking tray: Provides ample space to bake multiple rolls at once without crowding.
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 bowl, combine the warm dairy-free milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix together the dairy-free butter and caster sugar until creamy.
- Add in the lemon zest and mix well.
- Gradually pour in the yeast mixture along with the room-temperature dairy-free milk.
- Slowly incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Dust a clean surface with flour and transfer your dough onto it.
- Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled 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: Prepare Lemon Curd Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, and optional turmeric.
- Stir continuously until thickened; remove from heat once ready.
- Allow it to cool before using.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently before rolling it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
- Spread an even layer of lemon curd over the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut into equal pieces (about 6-9 depending on desired size) and place on a lined baking tray.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with Renshaw Lemon Icing.
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls will surely be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy their delightful flavor and fluffy texture!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are delightful for any occasion. Their zesty flavor and fluffy texture make them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Enjoy with Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Sliced Bananas: Add sliced bananas for a creamy sweetness that complements the lemon.
Pair with Beverages
- Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile or mint tea pairs well and adds a soothing touch.
- Lemonade: Keep the lemon theme going with a chilled glass of homemade lemonade.
Drizzle Extra Icing
- Lemon Icing: For an extra treat, drizzle more Renshaw Lemon Icing on top just before serving for added sweetness.
Create a Brunch Spread
- Mixed Pastries: Include these rolls in a platter of assorted vegan pastries for a delightful brunch option.
- Savory Dishes: Complement with savory vegan dishes like quiche or tofu scramble.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
To achieve the best Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature to help the dough rise better.
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for fluffier rolls.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size, ensuring fluffy rolls.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Aim for a golden-brown color.
- Experiment with Zest: Feel free to add more lemon zest if you love an intense lemon flavor!
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that go well together.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side dish.
- Avocado Toast: Toasted bread topped with smashed avocado creates a savory contrast to sweet rolls.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light and nutritious option that pairs beautifully with the zesty flavors of lemon.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide an earthy element that complements the sweet rolls well.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl, topped with nuts and seeds for added texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring yeast activation: Always ensure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing it with other ingredients. This will guarantee a fluffy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right quantities of each ingredient for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Room-temperature dairy-free milk and butter help create a smoother dough. Cold ingredients can lead to dense rolls.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial. Skipping this step can result in rolls that are not fluffy or airy.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry sweet rolls, so check for golden brown edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water to create steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls:
How do I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls gluten-free?
You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemons provide better flavor and zest. It enhances the overall taste of vegan lemon sweet rolls.
What can I use instead of dairy-free butter?
Coconut oil or any vegan butter alternative works well. Ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
How do I enhance the flavor of my vegan lemon sweet rolls?
Consider adding poppy seeds or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. These additions will elevate your sweet rolls even more!
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with different fillings like nuts or dried fruits. Their zesty flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast or dessert. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!

Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 rolls 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, a fluffy and zesty treat perfect for any occasion. These rolls are filled with homemade lemon curd and drizzled with a bright lemon icing, making them an irresistible addition to your breakfast or dessert table.
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)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 80g fresh lemon juice
- 125g coconut milk (cream only)
- 125g caster sugar (for the filling)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
- Optional: pinch of turmeric (for color)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm dairy-free milk and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine dairy-free butter and caster sugar until creamy. Stir in lemon zest.
- Add yeast mixture to the bowl; gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about an hour until doubled.
- Prepare lemon curd by heating coconut milk, sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice in a saucepan until thickened; cool before use.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out risen dough into a rectangle, spread lemon curd evenly, roll tightly into a log, and cut into pieces.
- Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before drizzling with lemon icing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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