Vegan lemon curd chia parfaits

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This blog first appeared in A Life Delicious.

These parfaits are made with a rich and decadent vegan lemon curd. The curd is then added to a layer of chia pudding and topped with blueberries and almonds. This parfait packs just the right amount of lemon and is the BEST summertime treat!

Recipe Features:

  • Rich, thick and creamy
  • Lemony and tart
  • 100% vegan
  • This parfait is easy enough to make as a quick breakfast or snack, and also elegant enough for a fun springtime dessert.

 

Ingredient Notes For These Lemon Curd Parfaits:

  • Thickener – Use cornstarch for this recipe. I have tried both cornstarch and arrowroot (which I love), but the arrowroot just doesn’t work for this particular recipe. It results in a gummy, stringy texture. However, the cornstarch yields a perfect curd every time.
  • Turmeric – This ingredient is optional, but I love it because of the beautiful yellow color it gives. Add a pinch, stir and taste test. If it’s not yellow enough, repeat the process until you are happy with it. Just be sure not to use too much, or you will change the flavor of the lemon curd.
  • Coconut – If you can’t find coconut cream, you can use coconut milk. However, the result may not be as thick and creamy. (I go into great detail about this within this post: Delicious Vegan Lemon Curd so please be sure to check it out. Plus, you will want to read this recipe over before getting started on the parfaits).
  • The most important tip I can give, is to refrigerate the coconut milk or cream for a good 24-48 hours before you need it. So plan ahead!
  • Toppings – Blueberries and almonds go so well with the parfait. However, feel free to try raspberries or strawberries, or a combo of all four.

Recipe | Vegan lemon curd chia parfaits

Ingredients

  • VEGAN LEMON CURD:
    • 1 14 oz Savoy Coconut Cream, refrigerated
    • 2 tbsp Lemon Zest (equivalent to 4 large lemons)
    • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (equivalent to 2 large lemons)
    • 2 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill® Cornstarch
    • 2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
  • Ground Turmeric, just a small pinch or two
  • CHIA PUDDING BASE:
  • LEMON CURD CHIA PARFAITS:
    • Chia Pudding
    • Vegan Lemon Curd
    • Fresh Blueberries, for topping
    • Sliced Almonds, for topping

 

Instructions

  1. Make the lemon curd: To a small saucepan, add the coconut cream and lemon zest.
  2. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice and cornstarch together until fully dissolved and well combined.
  3. Bring to a boil: Add to the saucepan along with the coconut cream mixture. Then add the maple syrup. Over medium heat, bring to a low bubble – not boiling – whisking often. (I watch the entire time; whisking more often than not).
  4. Cook: Once it starts bubbling and getting thick, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for about 10 minutes. At the 10 minute mark, take a spoon, gently grazing the top of the mixture, and slide it from one side of the pan to the other. If some lemon curd gently forms at the other end that means it’s ready – remove from the heat. If not, cook for another 2-3 minutes and recheck.
  5. Taste for flavor: Remove from the heat, taste and adjust the flavor accordingly, if needed. (Add more lemon for acidity, or more maple syrup for sweetness).
  6. Resting time: Let rest for 15 minutes. At this time, you can add some turmeric. (Be careful though because if you add too much you will change the flavor of the curd completely. So add a small pinch at first. Give the mixture a good whisk. Then if it’s not yellow enough add another small pinch and stir again).
  7. Cover with plastic wrap: Transfer to a glass bowl or large jar, and cover the curd with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap actually touches the entire curd. This will prevent a film from developing on top.
  8. Chill time: Refrigerate for a good 4-6 hours, overnight, or until it is completely chilled and perfectly set.
  9. Make the chia pudding base: Add all of the base ingredients to a bowl and stir until well combined.

And, for more chia recipes, please give these a try: