If you’re searching for a refreshing, tangy dessert that’s entirely plant-based, look no further than the best vegan lemon pudding recipes. Perfectly zesty and creamy, these puddings offer the perfect balance between tart lemon flavor and smooth sweetness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply want to try something new, these recipes prove that dairy-free desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional ones.
With simple ingredients and easy techniques, vegan lemon puddings are quick to whip up, yet impressively delicious. They’re great for summer days, dinner parties, or even as a comforting dessert after a long day.
Plus, these recipes are versatile — you can customize the sweetness, texture, and even add your favorite toppings to suit your taste. Ready to dive into the tangy world of vegan lemon puddings?
Let’s explore some of the best recipes to brighten your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan lemon pudding is a fantastic dessert choice because it’s both light and refreshing, yet decadently smooth. Unlike many traditional puddings that rely on eggs and dairy, these recipes use plant-based alternatives, making them accessible to everyone.
You’ll appreciate how quickly these puddings come together and how versatile they are. From using coconut milk to silken tofu or cashews, each recipe offers a unique texture and flavor profile.
Plus, lemon adds a natural brightness that lifts the entire dish, perfect for cleansing the palate after a rich meal.
Moreover, these puddings are easy to tweak — whether you want to reduce sugar, use alternative sweeteners, or add a fun twist like lavender or ginger. If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, these vegan lemon puddings are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for extra zing)
- 1/3 cup organic cane sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for subtle sweetness)
- Pinch of salt (to balance flavors)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Fine grater or zester
- Serving bowls or ramekins
- Refrigerator (for chilling)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed.
- Add liquids. Slowly pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Cook the pudding. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk as the pudding thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate lemon juice. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and optional turmeric for color. Mix well to combine.
- Cool and chill. Pour the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate. Chill for at least 2 hours until set and cold.
- Serve. Garnish with fresh berries, mint, or coconut whipped cream before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a silkier texture, try blending soaked cashews with lemon juice and plant milk before cooking.”
If you want a richer pudding, substitute part of the coconut milk with canned coconut cream or cashew cream. For a lighter version, use almond or oat milk, but the texture will be thinner.
Sweetener options are flexible — maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar all work well. Adjust sweetness to your preference, starting with less and adding more if desired.
For a fun twist, sprinkle in some fresh grated ginger or a dash of cardamom for warmth. Alternatively, fold in fresh raspberries or blueberries after chilling for a burst of fruity contrast.
Curious about other vegan desserts? Check out our Marzipan Challah Recipe for a sweet bread delight, or try the creamy, versatile Magic Dough Recipe for your next baking adventure.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 12g (mostly healthy fats) |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g (from added sweetener) |
| Protein | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 30% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan lemon pudding is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. For presentation, top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries add a beautiful color contrast and complementary sweetness.
For an elegant touch, garnish each serving with a thin lemon slice or a small sprig of mint. These puddings also pair wonderfully with light cookies or plant-based shortbread for an inviting dessert platter.
If you want to combine flavors, try serving your vegan lemon pudding alongside other plant-based desserts like our Lump Of Coal Recipe, which offers a rich and chocolaty counterpoint to the tartness of lemon pudding.
Conclusion
These best vegan lemon pudding recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, tangy dessert without any dairy or eggs. They’re simple to make, customizable to your taste, and refreshingly light — perfect for summer or any time you crave something sweet yet healthy.
With ingredients that are easy to find and techniques that even beginners can master, you’ll have a delicious pudding ready in no time.
Whether you stick to the classic coconut milk version or experiment with cashew cream and different sweeteners, these puddings are sure to impress family and friends alike. And if you’re looking for even more vegan dessert inspiration, be sure to explore other recipes like our Julie Marie Eats Recipes.
Happy cooking and enjoy your luscious lemony treat!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Lemon Pudding
Description: A creamy and tangy vegan lemon pudding that's light and refreshing. Perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, turmeric, and salt.
- Gradually add almond milk and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook until pudding thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, vanilla extract, and coconut cream.
- Pour pudding into serving dishes and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 25g
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