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Eggless Lemon Curd (Dairy-Free Option)

prep time: 10 min | cook time: 15 min | total time: 25 min

Learn how to make silky Eggless Lemon Curd with just a handful of ingredients. Sweet, tangy, and easy to make with a dairy-free or vegan option.

Lemon Curd without eggs and dairy?

Traditional lemon curd is made with eggs, but I wanted a version that everyone could enjoy including those with egg allergies or anyone looking for a dairy-free or vegan option. After lots of testing, this recipe turned out just as silky, creamy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor as the classic.

I’ve used this lemon curd in so many of my desserts, and it has quickly become one of the most-loved recipes on my website. It’s the star filling in my Blueberry Lemon Curd Cake, it adds the perfect tangy layer to my Lemon Pavlova, and will also pair beautifully with my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Everyone who has tried this recipe loves how fresh, tangy, and versatile it is all without eggs.

Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it over pancakes or waffles, fill cupcakes, layer it between cakes, or use it in cheesecakes and tarts. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Close-up of silky Eggless Lemon Curd in a serving bowl
Creamy homemade lemon curd without eggs

Why You’ll Love This Eggless Lemon Curd

  • Bright, fresh lemon flavor.
  • Silky smooth and creamy texture.
  • Completely eggless. Easy to make dairy-free or vegan.
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients.

Lemon Curd Ingredients (eggless & dairy-free option):

  • Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the recipe! Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the curd its bright, tangy flavor and vibrant citrus aroma. Fresh lemons are highly recommended for the best taste.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy, silky texture. I recommend using low-fat milk for the smoothest results. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened soy milk or almond milk. I love Planet Oat Original Oatmilk or Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk.
  • Sugar (cane or castor): Sweetens the curd and balances the tartness of the fresh lemon juice. Cane sugar or superfine (castor) sugar both work well.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the lemon curd, giving it a smooth, stable consistency without the need for eggs.
  • Turmeric Powder: A tiny pinch adds a beautiful natural yellow color without affecting the flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness, shine, and a silky finish. For a dairy-free or vegan version, use a plant-based butter such as Country Crock Plant Butter, Miyoko’s European Style Cultured Vegan Butter, or Earth Balance Buttery Sticks.
Fresh lemons and ingredients for homemade Eggless Lemon Curd
Lemon Blueberry Pavlova

How to Make Eggless Lemon Curd:

Whisk together the milk of your choice and lemon juice in a saucepan. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and turmeric powder for color (if using), then whisk it into the milk mixture.

Cook over low-medium heat, whisking until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking until it has thickened then remove from the heat. Stir in the butter until smooth.

Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and chill for 3–4 hours, or until completely set.

Fresh lemons and ingredients for homemade Eggless Lemon Curd
Silky Eggless Lemon Curd made with fresh lemon juice.
Whisking the lemon curd mixture in a saucepan
Lemon curd thickening in a saucepan
Whisking butter with the lemon curd mixture in a saucepan
Checking the consistency of homemade lemon curd
Cooking Eggless Lemon Curd until thick and creamy
Pouring homemade lemon curd into a clean bowl

Frequently Asked Questions:

Fresh lemons for homemade Eggless Lemon Curd.

Watch This Video for Strawberry and Cream Cake

Did you make this Vegan-Friendly Lemon Curd?

This eggless Lemon Curd is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any celebration! Snap a photo, share your masterpiece and tag me @pastrybysaloni I’d love to see your stunning bakes.

If this recipe has you craving more, you’re in for a treat! My collection of irresistible vegan desserts has everything from rich, chocolatey delights to perfectly fluffy pastries.

Here are three must-try favorites:

And finally… grab a copy of my cookbook Vegan Baking Made Simple – this is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about baking traditional recipes without dairy or eggs! Available on Amazon HERE

Creamy homemade lemon curd without eggs
5 from 3 votes

Eggless Lemon Curd (Dairy-Free Option)

This Eggless Lemon Curd is silky smooth, perfectly tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made without eggs, it's just as rich and creamy as the classic version and can easily be made dairy-free or vegan with a few simple swaps. Spread it on toast, spoon it over pancakes, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, tarts, cheesecakes, and more.
Author: Saloni Mehta
Rate
Yield: 1 cup
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Lemon Curd

  • 130 ml Milk low fat milk or dairy-free milk of choice
  • 95 ml Lemon Juice freshly sqeezed
  • 100 g Castor Sugar or cane sugar
  • (2 tbsp) 16 g Cornstarch
  • Pinch of Turmeric Powder for Color
  • (2 tbsp) 28 g Butter cut in cubes, see notes for options

Instructions

For Lemon Curd

    Tip: I highly recommend using low-fat milk or dairy-free milk for the smoothest texture. If using whole/regular milk, mix 70% whole milk with 30% water before starting the recipe. Although the milk may look curdled after adding the lemon juice, it will emulsify into a silky, smooth lemon curd as it cooks.
  • Whisk together the milk and fresh lemon juice in a saucepan. The mixture may look curdled at first. This is completely normal.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and turmeric (if using). Add it to the saucepan and whisk until smooth.
  • Cook over low-medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until completely melted and the lemon curd is smooth and glossy.
  • Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or overnight until fully chilled and set.
  • Stir the lemon curd until smooth before using, or briefly blend it in a food processor for an extra silky consistency. Avoid over-processing, as this can make the curd runny.
  • Store the lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing is not recommended.

Notes

  • Cup vs. Weighing Scale: Cup measurements are provided as a guide and may vary depending on how ingredients are measured. For the most accurate and consistent results, use a digital kitchen scale and weigh your ingredients in grams. Measure and prepare all your ingredients before you begin.
  • Teaspoons & Tablespoons: Always use proper measuring spoons for teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements rather than regular eating spoons.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the brightest, freshest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used if needed, but the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.
  • Milk: I highly recommend using low-fat milk for the smoothest texture. If using whole milk, mix 70% milk with 30% water. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute with plant-based butter such as Country Crock Plant Butter, Miyoko's, or Earth Balance.
  • Sugar: Cane sugar or caster (superfine) sugar both work well. Organic cane sugar is a great vegan-friendly option.
  • Turmeric Powder: A small pinch adds a beautiful natural yellow color without affecting the flavor. It's completely optional.
  • Storage: Store the lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Saloni Mehta Pastry Chef and Food Blogger

Meet Saloni

I’m a former pastry chef with a love for breads, cakes and everything in between! My recipes are easy to follow, egg free and are designed to be shared with others!

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6 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    Hey Saloni, my search for an eggless lemon curd has finally ended😍. Thank you so much! Planning to make it this week. One question – will the milk not curdle with the addition of the lemon juice?

    1. Hello
      The milk may look slightly curdled when you first add the lemon juice, but don’t worry! It will come together as you cook the mixture and whisk it continuously. The final lemon curd will be smooth and creamy. I recommend using low-fat milk for the best results

5 from 3 votes

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