Luscious Vegan Lemon Tart


The Ultimate Vegan Lemon Tart: A Zesty, Creamy, and Easy Plant-Based Dessert

Prepare to fall in love with our ultimate vegan lemon tart – a truly irresistible dessert that beautifully balances sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. Featuring a luscious, creamy lemon filling nestled in a golden, perfectly flakey crust, this recipe is designed to impress everyone, whether they’re vegan or not. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s an incredibly easy dessert recipe that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. This guide will help you craft a delightful plant-based lemon tart from scratch, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Lemon tart with lemon slices and berries
A beautifully garnished vegan lemon tart, ready to be served with fresh lemon slices and berries.

Seeking more sweet inspirations? Explore our curated collection of Best Easy Desserts!

Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Our Vegan Lemon Tart
  • Why This Vegan Lemon Tart Stands Out
  • Essential Ingredients for Your Tart
    • For the Vegan Tart Crust
    • For the Luscious Vegan Lemon Curd Filling
  • Recommended Equipment
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Baking
    • Crafting the Perfect Vegan Tart Crust
    • Preparing the Creamy Lemon Curd
    • Assembling and Baking (Soft-Crust Tart)
  • Delicious Tart Variations
    • Crunchy Lemon Tart with Creamy Filling
    • Traditional Italian Lemon Crostata
  • Pro Tips for Lemon Tart Perfection
  • Make Ahead & Storage Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Irresistible Vegan Tart Recipes
  • More Zesty Vegan Lemon Desserts
  • Full Vegan Lemon Tart Recipe Card

Introduction to Our Vegan Lemon Tart

Step into the delightful world of plant-based baking with our incredible vegan lemon tart! This recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience that offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine a vibrant, zesty lemon flavor that invigorates your senses, perfectly complemented by a rich, creamy filling, all encased in a tender, golden crust. This dairy-free and egg-free dessert is surprisingly simple to make, proving that creating gourmet-quality vegan treats at home is entirely achievable.

Our goal was to create a lemon tart that is not only delicious but also accessible for every home baker. We’ve simplified the process, focusing on easily found ingredients and straightforward techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based options, this tart promises to be a refreshing and satisfying addition to your recipe repertoire. It’s ideal for impressing guests, celebrating special moments, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet indulgence.

Lemon tart with slice and red berries
A delectable slice of vegan lemon tart, garnished with fresh red berries, showcasing its inviting layers.

Why This Vegan Lemon Tart Stands Out

Our easy vegan lemon tart recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and tasting it:

  • Unmistakable Lemon Appeal: From the delicate lemon zest infused into the crust to the bright, tangy zestiness of the filling, every bite delivers a powerful and authentic lemon aroma and flavor that’s truly exhilarating.
  • Effortless, Flakey Crust: Forget complicated pastry techniques. Our vegan tart crust is a dream to make, requiring minimal effort. In approximately 10 minutes, you’ll combine sugar, vegetable oil, water, lemon zest, flour, and baking powder into a perfect dairy-free, egg-free dough. There’s no need for a food processor, no messy rolling out, and no long chilling times in the fridge. Your kitchen counter will even stay clean!
  • Silky-Smooth Lemon Curd: The star of the show is our homemade vegan lemon curd, which comes together in a remarkable 5 minutes. It’s incredibly sweet, luxuriously creamy, and packed with irresistible lemon flavor. We’re confident it will become a household favorite. For those who prefer a less intense tang, our milder lemon custard filling is a superb alternative.
  • Customizable Texture: We offer two distinct options for your tart’s base: a traditional soft crust that beautifully complements the creamy filling, or a wonderfully crunchy crust for those who enjoy a delightful contrast. You can pick the perfect texture to suit your palate – both are equally delicious!
  • Stunning Presentation: Elevate your tart’s visual appeal by topping it with a vibrant array of fresh berries and delicate lemon slices. Your beautiful and delicious vegan lemon tart will be ready to serve in less than 45 minutes of active preparation, making it an excellent dessert for virtually any meal or a delightful, refreshing snack.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Lemon Tart

Creating a truly magnificent plant-based lemon tart begins with selecting the right ingredients. We prioritize fresh, simple items that are readily available, ensuring both optimal flavor and perfect texture for every component of your tart.

For the Vegan Tart Crust: Your Flakey Foundation

Lemon tart ingredients for pie crust
The wholesome ingredients needed to create our simple vegan tart crust.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This forms the tender, structural base of our crust. For a slightly healthier twist and a nuttier flavor, you can use a half-and-half mixture of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. While we haven’t thoroughly tested gluten-free flours with this specific recipe, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (typically containing xanthan gum) should yield satisfactory results for a gluten-free version.
  • Vegan White Sugar: We opt for vegan white sugar to provide a clean sweetness that allows the bright lemon flavor to truly shine. If you prefer, organic brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used, but ensure they are certified vegan to maintain the integrity of the recipe. Note that these may impart a subtle caramel flavor.
  • Cold Tap Water: The use of cold water is crucial for binding the dough without over-developing gluten, which would result in a tough crust. It helps create a tender, more delicate texture.
  • Neutral Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or sunflower oil are excellent choices for this recipe due to their neutral flavor, which won’t interfere with the delicate lemon notes. We advise against using oils with strong flavors. It’s also important to note that this recipe is specifically developed for liquid fats at room temperature; therefore, solid fats like coconut oil or vegan butter are not recommended as they will alter the crust’s intended texture.
  • Organic Lemon Zest: This ingredient is a game-changer for infusing the crust with a wonderful, fragrant lemony aroma. Always choose organic lemons when zesting, as you’re incorporating the peel directly into your food. The zest adds a depth of citrus flavor that simply cannot be achieved with juice alone.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for a light and airy crust, baking powder acts as a leavening agent, contributing to the desired flakey texture.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the crust.

For the Luscious Vegan Lemon Curd Filling: Your Creamy, Tangy Heart

Lemon custard ingredients
Fresh lemons and plant milk are the core components for our rich and creamy vegan lemon custard.
  • Unsweetened Plant Milk: For a neutral base that allows the lemon to dominate, we typically use unsweetened soy milk or almond milk. However, feel free to use any plant milk of your choice, such as oat milk, rice milk, or pea milk. If you opt for full-fat coconut milk, be aware that it will yield a richer custard with a distinct, though mild, coconut flavor.
  • Vegan White Sugar: This provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons. Any granulated, vegan-friendly sugar will work. We do not recommend liquid sweeteners like agave or maple syrup for this recipe, as they can significantly alter the consistency of the curd and may require further recipe adjustments.
  • Cornstarch: This is the key to achieving a thick, smooth, and wonderfully creamy consistency for our eggless lemon curd. Cornstarch is a reliable and effective thickener for vegan custards. Potato starch can be used as a direct substitute. We have not tested other thickeners such as arrowroot flour, tapioca starch, or agar-agar powder with this specific recipe, so results may vary.
  • Fresh Lemons (Juice and Peel): To achieve the purest and most intense lemon flavor, we utilize both the freshly squeezed juice (from about one lemon) and a substantial strip of its peel. The lemon peel infuses the curd with a deep, aromatic citrus essence, while the juice delivers that essential tangy kick.
  • Turmeric Powder (Optional): A minuscule pinch of turmeric powder is an optional addition to impart a beautiful, natural yellow color to your lemon curd, making it visually appealing without impacting the flavor.

Recommended Equipment for Your Vegan Lemon Tart

Having the right tools at hand can significantly simplify the baking process and ensure the best possible results for your vegan lemon tart.

  • Tart Pan (9.5-inch / 24 cm) with Removable Bottom: This is highly recommended as it makes demolding your baked tart incredibly easy, allowing you to present its beautiful, intact crust effortlessly. While you can use a regular pie dish, you won’t be able to remove the tart from the pan for serving.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for combining the dry ingredients of the crust and another for the wet ingredients.
  • Small Saucepan: Essential for preparing the vegan lemon curd, allowing for controlled heating and whisking.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending the curd ingredients smoothly and continuously whisking during cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.
  • Zester or Fine Grater: To finely grate the lemon zest for both the crust and the curd, maximizing flavor extraction.
  • Parchment Paper: A simple yet effective tool to line the bottom of your tart pan, ensuring easy release and preventing sticking.
  • Spatula: Useful for mixing the crust dough and for gently spreading the lemon curd evenly into the crust.
  • Fork: Used to pierce the bottom and sides of the tart crust before pre-baking, which helps prevent it from bubbling up unevenly.
Lemon tart slice
A perfect slice of our vegan lemon tart, revealing its creamy filling and tender crust.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Vegan Lemon Tart

Follow these precise instructions to create your homemade vegan lemon tart. Each step is designed to be clear and straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome.

Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Vegan Tart Crust

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly brush the interior sides and bottom of your 9.5-inch (24 cm) tart pan with a small amount of vegetable oil. Then, carefully line the bottom with a cut-out circle of parchment paper. This preparation ensures easy release after baking.
  2. tart pan lined with parchment paper
    The tart pan is prepared with a light coating of oil and lined with parchment paper.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and the baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
  4. flour and baking powder in a bowl
    The dry ingredients – flour, salt, and baking powder – are mixed in a bowl.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the sugar, cold water, neutral vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower), and the fragrant grated lemon zest. Use a spatula to mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar starts to dissolve.
  6. liquid ingredients in a bowl
    Liquid ingredients for the crust, including sugar, water, oil, and lemon zest, are combined.
  7. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using the same spatula, gently mix until the ingredients are just combined and start to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough. Once combined, use your hands to lightly compact the mixture into a cohesive ball of dough. No extensive kneading is required.
  8. Lemon tart pie crust
    The vegan tart dough has come together, ready to be pressed into the pan.
  9. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the prepared dough into your tart pan. Using the palm of your hand and your fingers, evenly flatten and press the dough to cover the entire bottom and extend up the sides of the pan. Ensure an even thickness throughout. If there’s any excess dough hanging over the edge, carefully trim it off for a neat finish.
  10. Lemon tart in a pie pan
    The dough is expertly pressed into the tart pan, forming the base of the tart.
  11. Prepare for Blind Baking: Using a fork, gently pierce the bottom and sides of the pressed tart dough at regular intervals. This step is crucial for preventing the crust from puffing up or shrinking during baking, ensuring a flat and stable base for your filling.
  12. pie crust before baking
    The tart crust, meticulously pierced with a fork, is ready for its initial bake.
  13. Blind Bake the Crust: Place the empty tart crust in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges and bottom appear lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly. Do not turn off your oven yet, as it will be needed again shortly. While the crust cools, proceed with preparing the lemon curd filling.
  14. pie crust after baking
    A perfectly blind-baked tart crust, golden and ready for filling.

Part 2: Preparing the Creamy Vegan Lemon Curd Filling

This quick and easy lemon curd provides the signature tangy, creamy heart of your tart.

  1. Combine Curd Ingredients (Off Heat): In a medium saucepan, before placing it on the heat, add the plant milk, sugar, cornstarch, a long strip of lemon peel (be sure to avoid any bitter white pith), and the optional pinch of turmeric powder for color. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
  2. plant milk and lemon in a saucepan
    Plant milk, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon peel are combined in a saucepan off the heat.
  3. Thicken the Curd: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk the mixture constantly as it heats up. Within 3-5 minutes, you will notice the liquid thickening significantly, transforming into a smooth, creamy custard. As soon as it reaches this consistency, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent overcooking.
  4. lemon custard in a saucepan
    The lemon curd is thickening beautifully in the saucepan, whisked to a smooth consistency.
  5. Add Lemon Juice and Finish: Once removed from the heat, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Carefully remove and discard the lemon peel from the curd. Continue whisking the curd for another minute to ensure all ingredients are perfectly integrated and the texture remains silky smooth. Set the curd aside to cool slightly while you prepare for the final assembly.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking Your Tart (For a Soft-Crust with Firm Filling)

This method results in a tart with a tender crust that gently yields to the rich, set filling. If you desire a distinctly crunchy crust, please refer to the “Crunchy Lemon Tart” variation below.

  1. Fill and Final Bake: Carefully pour the warm vegan lemon curd into the pre-baked tart crust. Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, gently spread the filling to create an even layer. Return the tart to the preheated oven for a quick final bake of 5 minutes. This brief baking period helps the filling to set beautifully and achieve its ideal firm yet creamy consistency.
  2. Lemon tart after baking
    The vegan lemon tart, freshly baked with its perfectly set filling.
  3. Cool and Garnish: Once the final bake is complete, remove the tart from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool down completely. This cooling period, which typically takes at least 1 hour, is essential for the filling to fully set and for the flavors to meld. When cooled, if using a tart pan with a removable bottom, gently push the tart up and off the base. Garnish generously with vibrant fresh berries and delicate, thin lemon slices to add both visual appeal and a burst of complementary flavor. Your magnificent vegan lemon tart is now ready to be savored!
  4. Lemon tart with red berries
    The exquisite vegan lemon tart, beautifully garnished with an assortment of fresh red berries.

Delicious Variations for Your Vegan Lemon Tart

Our vegan lemon tart recipe is incredibly adaptable, offering exciting ways to customize both its texture and style. Explore these two fantastic variations to suit your preference and occasion.

Crunchy Lemon Tart with Creamy Filling

If you adore a crisp, golden crust that provides a wonderful textural contrast to a smooth, creamy filling, this variation is perfect for you. It’s particularly delightful and refreshing during warmer months, designed to maximize crust crispness at the moment of serving.

  1. Bake Crust Until Crisp: Bake the tart crust empty for the full 18-20 minutes, or until it achieves a deep golden brown color and feels very crisp to the touch.
  2. Cool Crust Completely: Remove the baked crust from the oven and let it cool down entirely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for preserving its crunchy texture.
  3. Prepare and Cool Curd: Prepare the vegan lemon curd following the instructions provided in Part 2. Allow the curd to cool completely to room temperature, or even chill it slightly in the refrigerator until it’s creamy but not overly firm.
  4. Assemble Just Before Serving: Just before you plan to serve, carefully remove the thoroughly cooled, crisp crust from its tart pan.
  5. Fill and Garnish: Pour the cooled lemon curd into the crisp tart shell. Gently spread the filling evenly with the back of a spoon.
  6. Final Touches: Garnish generously with fresh fruits, an assortment of berries, or get creative with decorative shapes cut from leftover dough scraps (which can be baked separately like mini cookies).
  7. Serve Immediately: For the ultimate crispness, serve the tart immediately after assembly, or chill for no more than 30 minutes.
Lemon tart with stars
A vibrant crunchy lemon tart, elegantly topped with baked dough stars.

Traditional Italian Lemon Crostata: A Decorative Lattice-Topped Treat

For those who appreciate the rustic charm and intricate beauty of classic Italian baking, you can easily transform your vegan lemon tart into a stunning crostata adorned with a beautiful lattice top. This variation requires a doubled crust recipe to provide enough dough for both the base and the lattice work.

  1. Double the Dough Recipe: Begin by preparing a double batch of our vegan tart crust recipe. You can conveniently adjust the quantities in the full recipe card below.
  2. Base Crust: Press half of the prepared dough evenly into your tart pan, covering both the bottom and sides. Pierce the bottom of the dough thoroughly with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
  3. Fill with Curd: Pour the prepared vegan lemon curd (made according to the instructions) over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
  4. Create the Lattice Top: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the remaining half of the dough. Using a knife or a pastry wheel, cut the dough into nine even strips. Carefully arrange these strips in a traditional lattice pattern over the lemon filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, pressing the ends gently into the rim of the base crust.
  5. Bake the Crostata: Place the assembled crostata in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the lattice crust is beautifully golden brown and the lemon filling appears set.
  6. Cool Completely for Best Results: It is imperative to allow the crostata to cool down completely, ideally for at least 3 hours, before attempting to slice and serve. This extended cooling period ensures the filling is perfectly set and firm, making for clean cuts and optimal flavor integration.
Lemon tart
A beautifully crafted vegan Italian lemon crostata with a classic lattice top.

Pro Tips for Lemon Tart Perfection

Achieving a truly exceptional vegan lemon tart is easy with a few expert tips and tricks. These pointers will help you navigate common challenges and elevate your baking results.

  • Avoid Overmixing the Crust Dough: For a wonderfully tender and flakey tart crust, it’s crucial to mix the dry and wet ingredients only until they are just combined. Overmixing the dough develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, chewy crust rather than the desired delicate texture.
  • Utilize Cold Water for the Crust: When making the tart dough, ensure your water is cold. Cold ingredients help prevent the vegetable oil from fully integrating too quickly, creating pockets of fat that contribute to the crust’s coveted flakey texture.
  • Whisk the Curd Continuously: While cooking the vegan lemon curd, consistent and thorough whisking is key. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, velvety consistency. Pay particular attention to scraping the bottom and corners of the saucepan to prevent sticking and burning.
  • Troubleshooting Lumpy Curd: Don’t panic if your lemon curd develops a few lumps as it cools! It’s an easy fix. For minor lumps, simply beat the curd vigorously with an electric hand mixer until smooth. If the lumps are more persistent, an immersion blender will quickly transform it into a perfectly silky, smooth consistency.
  • Prioritize Fresh Lemons: The success of any lemon dessert hinges on the quality of your lemons. Always use fresh lemons for both the zest and the juice. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant, aromatic complexity and bright tang that fresh lemons provide, which are essential for an outstanding lemon tart.
  • The Importance of Complete Cooling: Whether you opt for the soft-crust or the crunchy-crust variation, allowing your tart to cool down completely is absolutely vital. This extended cooling period gives the lemon filling ample time to fully set and firm up, which is crucial for achieving clean, neat slices and for the flavors to properly meld and develop.
  • Effective Blind Baking: Before you even think about adding the filling, make sure to thoroughly pierce the bottom of your tart crust with a fork before its initial bake (blind baking). This simple step is essential to prevent the crust from puffing up unevenly or shrinking away from the sides of the pan, ensuring a beautifully flat and stable foundation for your creamy lemon filling.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Vegan Lemon Tart

Thoughtful planning can make enjoying your delicious vegan lemon tart even easier. Here’s how to prepare it in advance and store any leftovers properly.

  • Make Ahead: For the best possible flavor integration and ideal texture, we highly recommend preparing and chilling your vegan lemon tart approximately 3 to 4 hours before you plan to serve it. This allows the creamy filling to fully set and the flavors to deepen beautifully. If you want to get a head start on your baking, the tart dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
  • Storage: Once baked and cooled, keep the finished tart on a plate, loosely covered with plastic wrap or placed under a cake dome, in a cool, dry area of your kitchen for the first 24 hours. If you wish to store it for a longer period, transfer the tart to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. Please note that this particular recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the delicate texture of the lemon curd may become grainy and less appealing upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Lemon Tart

Why is my tart soft on the bottom?

If you’ve followed the main recipe instructions, the bottom of this particular tart is intentionally designed to be slightly soft. This characteristic results from the high moisture content of the lemon curd filling, which is absorbed into the crust during the final brief baking period. If your preference is for a distinctly crunchy crust that maintains its crispness, we highly recommend referring to our “Crunchy Lemon Tart” variation, detailed in the “Delicious Variations” section above. That alternative method is specifically designed to achieve a truly crisp and satisfying base.

What can I use instead of vegan lemon curd?

While our homemade vegan lemon curd is celebrated for its vibrant and tangy flavor, you certainly have other delicious options for the filling. You can readily substitute it with our smooth and creamy vegan custard if you prefer a milder, less tart profile. Both fillings provide a wonderfully rich and satisfying texture for your tart, allowing you to tailor the sweetness and tang to your liking.

More Irresistible Vegan Tart Recipes to Explore

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating and savoring this vegan lemon tart, you’ll be delighted by our extensive collection of other plant-based tart recipes. We offer a variety of flavors and textures, perfect for any season, occasion, or craving!

Hearty Vegan Apple Tart: A Comforting Classic

A delicious and wonderfully simple alternative to the traditional apple pie, our vegan apple tart is incredibly easy to prepare. It requires just a few basic ingredients and a generous amount of fresh, crisp apples, making it a perfect cozy treat.

apple tart just baked
A freshly baked vegan apple tart, golden brown and invitingly fragrant.

Tangy Vegan Blueberry Tart: A Burst of Fruity Flavor

Our vegan blueberry tart is an explosion of flavor – delightfully tangy and unbelievably easy to prepare. It stands out as one of the healthiest yet most incredibly delicious desserts you can make, perfect for any blueberry enthusiast.

blueberry tart sliced on a plate
A scrumptious slice of vegan blueberry tart, showcasing its vibrant fruit filling.

Creamy Vegan Ricotta and Chocolate Chips Pie: An Italian Masterpiece

Indulge in this vegan ricotta pie, a modern plant-based take on a classic Italian dessert. It’s wonderfully creamy, exceptionally tasty, and incredibly fulfilling – truly the Italian answer to cheesecake, and absolutely worth every delightful bite!

Ricotta pie sliced
A perfectly sliced vegan ricotta and chocolate chip pie, ready to be enjoyed.

Light and Bright Vegan Strawberry Tart: A Taste of Spring

A truly light, bright, and exquisitely beautiful dessert, our vegan strawberry tart is the quintessential treat for spring and summer when fresh, juicy strawberries are perfectly in season.

strawberry tart with mint leaves
A fresh vegan strawberry tart, beautifully garnished with fragrant mint leaves.

Classic Vegan Italian Crostata: Jam-Filled Delight

Another beloved classic Italian dessert, our vegan crostata is the ideal sweet pastry to create with your favorite fruit jam or preserves. Simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.

Crostata with slice on a white plate
A delicious slice of vegan Italian crostata rests on a white plate.

Vibrant Vegan Fruit Tart with Custard: The Queen of Summer

Often crowned as the queen of summer tarts, this crunchy, creamy, and spectacularly colorful vegan fruit tart is a worldwide favorite. It’s generously loaded with an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits, making it a true feast for the eyes and the palate.

fruit tart
A vibrant vegan fruit tart, bursting with an array of fresh, colorful fruits.

More Zesty Vegan Lemon Desserts to Brighten Your Day

If you’re a true enthusiast of tangy and sweet lemon desserts, get ready to find new inspiration! These easy vegan lemon sweets offer a variety of delightful options to satisfy your citrus cravings, perfect for any time of day.

  • Easy Vegan Lemon Cake: A moist, tender cake infused with bright, refreshing lemon flavor – a true classic.
  • Zesty Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze: A dense and comforting pound cake, enhanced with an invigorating lemon glaze for an extra burst of citrus.
  • Delicious Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake: The perfect marriage of sweet, juicy blueberries and tart lemon in a beautifully baked loaf.
  • Fluffy Easy Lemon Muffins: Quick to prepare and bursting with lemon goodness, these muffins are ideal for breakfast or a light snack.
  • Bright Vegan Lemon Bars: A delightful balance of sweet and tangy lemon filling atop a buttery shortbread crust.
  • Speedy 5-Minute Vegan Custard: A versatile, creamy custard that can be flavored with lemon or enjoyed as a simple, comforting treat.

Desserts

Vegan Lemon Cake

Desserts

Lemon Pound Cake

Desserts

Blueberry Pound Cake (Blueberry Bread)

Desserts

Lemon Muffins

For many more easy dessert ideas, be sure to explore our comprehensive desserts category page!

Full Vegan Lemon Tart Recipe Card

Lemon tart with lemon slices and berries

Vegan Lemon Tart

By: Nico Pallotta

Our vegan lemon tart is a delicious and easy dessert recipe with a creamy lemon filling and a flakey crust that everyone will love. It’s sweet, light, tangy, and refreshing, and you can make it with simple pantry staples. Below we’ll show you how to make one with soft crust and one with crunchy crust.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 23 mins

Total Time: 43 mins

Servings: 10 people

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: International

Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Tart pan 9 to 10 inches (24 to 26cm) – easiest if with removable bottom.
  • Zester or grater
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls (2)
  • Small saucepan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Fork

Ingredients

TART CRUST

  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 lemon (the grated zest)
  • 1½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

LEMON CURD

  • 2 cups plant milk of choice (we use soy milk)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ⅛ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 lemon (the peel)
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice (keep it out if you don’t like tangy flavors)

Instructions

TART CRUST

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Brush sides and bottom of tart pan with oil, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour with salt and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, add grated lemon zest, water, oil, and sugar. Mix well with a spatula.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix with the same spatula until just combined. Now compact the dough with your hands until it comes together, without working it much or kneading it.
  5. Transfer dough onto the tart pan and flatten it with the palm of your hands to cover bottom and sides.
  6. Trim excess dough, if any, then pierce bottom and sides with a fork.
  7. Bake the pie empty at 350°F or 180°C for 18-20 minutes or until slightly golden. In the meantime, prep the filling.

LEMON CURD FILLING

  1. To a sauce pan, off the heat, add milk, sugar, cornstarch, lemon peel (not the grated zest), and turmeric. Whisk until there are no lumps.
  2. Bring to a simmer on medium heat while whisking until the liquid becomes a thick and smooth custard. Turn heat off, add the lemon juice, and remove the lemon peel. Keep whisking for a minute.

FOR A SOFT-CRUST LEMON TART WITH FIRM FILLING

  1. Fill the crust with the lemon curd and spread it evenly with a spoon. Bake for 5 more minutes at 350°F or 180°C, then take it out and let it cool down for at least 1 hour before serving. Top with berries and thin lemon slices.

FOR A CRUNCHY-CRUST LEMON TART WITH CREAMY FILLING

  1. Let crust cool down completely, then shortly before serving, fill the crust with the cooled down lemon curd. Spread it out with the back of a spoon, and top with fresh fruits and berries or with leftover crust baked into biscuits. You can serve immediately or let cool down for 30 minutes.

Notes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate for 1 slice of vegan lemon tart, assuming 10 servings.

WHICH CRUST SHOULD I CHOOSE?

The choice between a soft crust and a crunchy crust truly depends on your personal preference. However, it’s important to remember that the crunchy crust will typically retain its crispness for about a day before it starts to absorb moisture from the air and from the lemon curd. Therefore, if your heart is set on a crunchy crust, our best advice is to prepare both the crust base and the custard in advance, but then assemble the lemon tart just before serving. This quick assembly takes only about 2 minutes and will ensure the most delicious, satisfyingly crunchy experience.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

If you find that your lemon curd develops lumps as it cools, you can easily remedy this. Beat it with an electric hand beater until it becomes smooth again. For more stubborn lumps, an immersion blender can quickly transform it into a perfectly silky consistency.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 130mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 191IU, Vitamin B6: 0.1mg, Vitamin C: 18mg, Vitamin E: 2mg, Vitamin K: 4µg, Calcium: 76mg, Folate: 60µg, Iron: 1mg, Manganese: 0.2mg, Magnesium: 7mg, Zinc: 0.3mg

Tried this delightful recipe?

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or mention @theplantbasedschool on Instagram. Your feedback and ratings truly inspire us! ⭐️ 💚.