Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Soft and fluffy Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a delicious lemon icing, these rolls are a delightful addition to your breakfast or dessert table. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want to indulge, these sweet rolls will impress everyone with their bright taste and comforting texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor – The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing taste that will brighten your day.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these rolls in no time.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls suit any occasion.
- Vegan-Friendly – Made without dairy or eggs, everyone can enjoy them without worry.
- Homemade Goodness – The homemade lemon curd adds a special touch that makes these rolls stand out.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin 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
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl – Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
- Whisk – Helps to create a smooth batter for the lemon curd and dough.
- Rolling pin – Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough for perfect sweet rolls.
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.
- Add the dairy-free milk and caster sugar. Mix until combined.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add the plain flour while mixing until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in 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, combine coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, zest, and turmeric if using.
- Cook over medium heat while whisking continuously until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
- Spread the lemon curd evenly over the dough.
- Roll up tightly from one end to another to form a log.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
- Slice the log into equal pieces (about 6–9).
- Place each roll on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 6: Finish with Icing
- Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with Renshaw Lemon Icing.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest or slices if desired.
Enjoy your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls warm or at room temperature! They make an excellent sweet treat that everyone will adore!
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls can elevate any occasion with their zesty flavor and fluffy texture.
For Breakfast
- Pair with Fresh Fruit – Serve your sweet rolls with a side of seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for a refreshing balance.
- Accompany with Plant-Based Yogurt – A dollop of dairy-free yogurt adds creaminess and complements the lemony taste.
For Brunch
- Serve with Coffee or Tea – The bright flavors of lemon pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or herbal tea.
- Add Fresh Scones – Complement the rolls with soft vegan scones for a varied brunch spread.
As Dessert
- Top with Fresh Berries – Garnish your sweet rolls with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle Extra Lemon Icing – Add an extra drizzle of lemon icing on top for an even sweeter finish.
For a Snack
- Enjoy Warm or Cold – These rolls can be delicious whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature.
- Pair with Nut Butter – Spread some almond or cashew butter on top for added richness and protein.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Perfecting your Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out fluffy and flavorful every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh lemons and quality dairy-free butter for the best taste.
- Knead Well – Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps create the perfect texture.
- Allow Proper Rising Time – Let the dough rise in a warm place. This step is crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Don’t Skip the Icing – The lemon icing adds sweetness and ties together the flavors beautifully.
- Experiment with Fillings – Feel free to mix in other fillings like poppy seeds or nuts for variety.
- Store Properly – Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their zesty flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Coconut Chia Pudding – This creamy pudding adds a tropical twist that pairs well with lemon.
- Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast provides healthy fats and contrasts nicely.
- Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad enhances the citrus notes of the sweet rolls perfectly.
- Smoothie Bowl – A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with granola offers a healthy accompaniment.
- Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars add texture and make for an easy snack alongside your rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
-
Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold dairy-free milk can hinder yeast activation. Always ensure your liquids are at room temperature for best results.
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Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can result in tough rolls. Knead gently until just combined for a soft texture.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can throw off your recipe. Invest in a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
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Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let the dough double in size.
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Using expired yeast: Old yeast won’t activate properly, leading to dense rolls. Always check the expiration date on your yeast package before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each roll for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls that might help you out!
Can I make Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Adjustments might be needed for texture and taste.
How do I know when my sweet rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can use lime juice or even orange juice as a tangy alternative, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Are these Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! They make a delightful and sweet breakfast option that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also bursting with zesty flavor from homemade lemon curd. They’re perfect as a treat any time of day and can be customized with different icings or fillings. Whether you enjoy them fresh or save some for later, they are sure to bring joy to your table!

Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls, a treat that perfectly balances zesty lemon freshness with soft, fluffy texture. These rolls are filled with homemade lemon curd and topped with a sweet lemon icing, making them an ideal addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table.
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 and juice from 2 lemons
- 125g coconut milk (cream only)
- 125g caster sugar (for filling)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
- Renshaw Lemon Icing for topping
Instructions
- Melt dairy-free butter in a mixing bowl. Mix in dairy-free milk and caster sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture; let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add plain flour while mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare lemon curd by whisking together coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, zest, and turmeric in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out risen dough into a rectangle and spread lemon curd evenly before rolling it tightly.
- Cut the log into equal pieces and place on parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and drizzle with Renshaw Lemon Icing before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg