Dairy Free Lemon Curd Recipe: A Tangy Filling for Your Next Lemon Curd Pie or Tart

With this Dairy Free Lemon Curd Recipe, you can enjoy all the zesty flavor of traditional lemon curd without any dairy ingredients. Whether you use it to fill tarts or pies, this dairy free lemon curd filling recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you want to prepare classic lemon curd as a condiment, try my 100% failproof Keto Lemon Curd Recipe. It’s a simple recipe that works with or without dairy and with or without refined sugar.

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What Makes This Dairy Free Lemon Curd Filling So Amazing (and So Easy)?

This is not a 100% traditional lemon curd filling recipe. I really wanted to make this recipe as simple and straightforward as possible, so I adapted the method to cut down on the complexity and number of steps required.

Here’s How This Recipe Is Different:

You don’t have to temper the egg yolks: You mix the ingredients together in the saucepan before turning on the flame. This makes things a lot quicker since you don’t have to temper the egg yolks.

Bake or immediately refrigerate your pie: Bake the filled pie crust in the oven or make a no bake lemon curd pie and pop it in the refrigerator to set. Either way, the filling needs about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator after cooling to room temperature.

Try lemon curd dairy free filling in Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie.

What Is Dairy Free Lemon Curd Filling?

Dairy free lemon curd filling is a delectable, silky-smooth filling made by cooking together fresh lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and in our case, a dairy free butter replacement. The result is a thick, creamy, and intensely flavored pie or tart filling.

Lemon curd has a tangy and sweet taste that perfectly balances the tartness of the lemons with the richness of the egg yolks and butter replacement.

Traditionally, lemon curd is made with dairy products like butter, which gives it a rich and indulgent mouthfeel. However, this lemon curd dairy free recipe still delivers the same tangy and creamy delight, allowing everyone to enjoy the zesty goodness of lemon curd.

Trending now: Keto Plum Cake. One Bite and All I could say was “WOW”!

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Benefits of This Dairy Free Lemon Curd Recipe

This dairy free lemon curd filling recipe offers a range of benefits that make it a desirable choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe. Here are some of the key advantages of opting for a dairy free version of this delectable treat:

1. Dietary Inclusivity: For individuals following a lactose-intolerant, or dairy free diet, this dairy free lemon curd filling provides a delicious and guilt-free option to enjoy the tangy and creamy flavors without compromising on dietary preferences.
2. Reduced Cholesterol and Saturated Fat: This dairy free lemon curd recipe contains significantly less saturated fat compared to its dairy-based counterpart. This makes it a healthier choice for folks concerned about their cardiovascular health or looking to reduce their intake of unhealthy fats.
3. Allergy-Friendly: Many dairy free lemon curd recipes are also free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and gluten, making them suitable for individuals with food sensitivities or allergies. This allows everyone to enjoy the zesty delight without worrying about potential reactions.
4. Nutritional Benefits: Depending on the ingredients used, this lemon curd dairy free filling provides a source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from the lemons and beneficial fats from plant-based oils. This can contribute to a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

By embracing the benefits of dairy free lemon curd, you can indulge in the zesty and creamy delight without compromising on your dietary preferences or health concerns.

Also try healthy Gluten Free Lemon Bars.

Ingredients in Dairy Free Lemon Curd Filling

Here are the simple ingredients in dairy free lemon curd filling:

1. Sugar or Keto-Friendly Sugar Replacement: Provides sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons, with the option to use monk fruit if you’re on a low carb diet.
2. Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the curd its smooth, velvety texture.
3. Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness and acidity.
4. Water: Creates the liquid base for dissolving the dry ingredients and blending flavors.
5. Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor as the star ingredient of the curd.
6. Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemony aroma and provides a burst of concentrated citrus flavor.
7. Egg Yolks: Enrich the curd with creaminess and help thicken it when heated.
8. Dairy-Free Butter Alternative: Adds a silky finish and depth, though it’s optional for a lighter version.

If you want to make lemon curd without eggs, try Vegan Lemon Curd.

Should I Strain the Lemon Curd Filling?

Straining lemon curd is a recommended step, but you don’t have to do it. Here are the reasons and the process for straining lemon curd:

Reasons to Strain Lemon Curd

1. Remove Zest: Straining removes the lemon zest, which might be desirable for a smoother texture. While zest adds flavor during cooking, it can be unwelcome in the final, smooth curd. However, I avoid this step by making sure my zest is very finely grated. So, you don’t notice any clumps.
2. Smooth Texture: Straining ensures the curd is velvety smooth, enhancing both the appearance and mouthfeel.

How to Strain Lemon Curd Filling

1. Prepare a Strainer: Place a fine-mesh strainer or sieve over a clean bowl or container.
2. Strain While Warm: Pour the warm, cooked lemon curd into the strainer. Use a spatula or spoon to gently push the curd through the strainer, leaving any solids behind.
3. Pour into Pie or Tart Crust: After straining, pour into pie or tart crust.

Make a lemon tart: Pour the hot dairy free lemon curd filling into a cooled, pre-baked pie crust such as this vegan almond flour pie crust and let it cool. Then refrigerate for about 4 hours before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dairy Free Lemon Curd Filling

Achieving the perfect dairy free lemon curd requires a few key tips and techniques to ensure a smooth, creamy, and flavorful result. Here are some valuable insights to help you master the art of making this delectable treat:

1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor and aroma, opt for fresh, juicy lemons. The natural oils and acidity from the lemon zest and juice will provide the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
2. Adjust Sweetness: I think the amount of sweetener in the recipe is perfect, but you can, of course, adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and gradually increase or decrease the sugar to find your ideal level of sweetness.
3. Cook Slowly and Whisk Constantly: Patience is key when making dairy free lemon curd. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon until it suddenly thickens about 5 minutes into the process. Then reduce flame to low and stir another minute or two.
4. Incorporate Plant-Based Fats: To achieve a rich and creamy mouthfeel, use a plant-based fat, such as vegan butter, in addition to cornstarch as the thickening agent.
5. Chill Thoroughly: After cooking and pouring the hot filling into a pie or tart crust, be sure to let it cool to room temperature. Then, chill the dairy free lemon curd pie or tart for at least 4 hours, or until it has set. This chilling process is essential for developing the proper texture.

Popular now: Cranberry Curd Tart with Almond Crust.

Can I Use Lemon Curd Instead of Lemon Pie Filling?

Yes, you can use lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling as long as it contains a thickening agent such as cornstarch which helps the pie filling to set properly. Just use this recipe, which is specifically designed for pies or tarts.

Don’t Store Lemon Curd Dairy Free Filling

Dairy-free lemon curd sets as it cools, so it’s best to use it immediately. Pour it directly into your pie or tart crust while it’s still warm. For no bake lemon curd pie, let the pie cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Alternatively, bake it if your recipe calls for it.

Use This Filling to Make Dairy Free Lemon Meringue Pie

You can also use this lemon curd dairy free recipe to make my scrumptious lemon meringue pie recipe.

Looking for More Fruit Desserts?

If you’re a lemon fan, you might also like Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Cake or Lemon Blueberry Tart.

And if pears are more your thing, check out my pear curd.

That’s everything you need to know to make the most scrumptious (and easiest) dairy free lemon curd filling. If you love dairy free lemon desserts, I definitely recommend giving this lemon filling recipe a try.

Happy Baking!

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