Creamy Vegan Peach Curd Recipe: Smooth, Egg-Free & Easy Homemade Filling

Peach Curd made without eggs is a wonderfully smooth and creamy vegan peach filling. It’s perfect slathered on toast for a delightful breakfast or as a luscious, vibrant filling for cakes, tarts, and other desserts. This recipe allows you to capture the essence of summer peaches in a jar, ready to be enjoyed any time.

Every summer, as the days lengthen and the sun warms the orchards, I find myself yearning for the sweet, juicy taste of fresh peaches. Yet, despite my best intentions, I often feel like I don’t eat enough of these glorious stone fruits before their season passes.

There was one memorable summer when I won half a bushel from a local farm – a true peach paradise! That year, I indulged in making everything from Homemade Peach Pie Filling to a cozy Peach Cobbler for Two. Other summers, life gets in the way, and I barely manage to enjoy a dozen, usually because time simply runs out.

However, there’s one recipe that has become a non-negotiable summer tradition for me, no matter how many peaches I manage to get my hands on: this absolutely vibrant and utterly delicious Peach Curd. It’s a revelation, deeply inspired by my popular Vegan Strawberry Curd recipe.

The premise is simple: use fruit puree. So, I thought, why not try peaches? And it worked, quite beautifully, yielding a silken, intensely peachy spread that’s bursting with flavor. While peaches are the stars of summer, this technique isn’t limited to one season; you can even make a delightful Apple Curd for the crisp days of fall.

Imagine the pure joy of capturing the essence of a warm, sunny summer day in a single jar, ready to be savored as the weather grows cooler. Picture one perfect six-ounce jar, filled with this golden-hued, fragrant spread, that you don’t even have to share. That, my friends, is the true beauty and simple pleasure of making homemade vegan Peach Curd.

What is Fruit Curd (and Why Make it Vegan)?

At its heart, a fruit curd is a luscious, creamy fruit spread, much like a jam but with a distinctly smoother, richer texture. When people ask me to describe it, I often say it’s a more sophisticated and velvety cousin to traditional jam. Unlike my peach jam without pectin, which often has small fruit pieces and a more gel-like consistency, curd is typically smooth, thick, and wonderfully creamy, almost like a custard.

The most widely known version is lemon curd, which is traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar, and fruit juice. These egg yolks provide both the rich color and the classic thickening agent. However, this peach curd recipe takes a delightful turn: it’s made entirely without eggs, making it suitable for vegan diets and for anyone looking for an egg-free alternative.

The Benefits of Egg-Free Vegan Curd

Opting for a vegan, egg-free curd offers several advantages. Firstly, it caters to those with egg allergies or dietary preferences, opening up a world of creamy fruit deliciousness to more people. Secondly, it simplifies the cooking process. Traditional curd-making often involves careful tempering of egg yolks to prevent scrambling, a step that can be intimidating for novice cooks. By using cornstarch as our thickening agent, we eliminate this delicate process, making the recipe much more forgiving and straightforward. The result is a curd that’s just as rich and flavorful, yet lighter in feel and easier to prepare.

Simple Ingredients for a Luscious Vegan Peach Curd

You’ll be delighted to know that creating this heavenly peach curd requires just four essential ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the peaches to truly shine.

• Peaches: These are, without a doubt, the undisputed star of our recipe! For the best flavor and sweetness, choose ripe, fragrant peaches. The riper your peaches are, the less additional sugar you may need, and the more intense the peach flavor will be. An important step for a silky-smooth curd is to peel your peaches. If you’re unsure how to do this easily, check out my step-by-step photos on how to peel peaches. This ensures no tough skins interrupt the creamy texture.
• Sugar: While peaches boast a wonderful natural sweetness, a little extra sugar is necessary to balance the flavors and contribute to the curd’s texture and shelf life. The precise amount you’ll need will largely depend on the ripeness and inherent sweetness of your chosen peaches. Always taste your fruit puree before adding the full amount of sugar, allowing you to adjust to your personal preference.
• Lemon Juice: This seemingly small addition plays a crucial role. Lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, preventing the curd from tasting overly sweet and adding a delightful tang that complements the peaches beautifully. It also acts as a natural preservative and can assist slightly with the gelling process.
• Cornstarch: Traditionally, eggs would provide the thickening power for fruit curds. However, since this is a vegan recipe, cornstarch steps in as the perfect plant-based alternative. When cooked, cornstarch creates that wonderfully thick, luxurious texture we expect from a curd. It’s important to whisk it thoroughly with a cold liquid (like lemon juice) before adding it to the warm puree to prevent lumps.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Peach Curd: Step-by-Step

Making this homemade peach curd is surprisingly quick and straightforward! In fact, the longest part of the process will be waiting for it to cool and set. I promise, your patience will be richly rewarded with a truly exquisite fruit spread.

1. Prepare the Peaches: Begin by peeling and chopping your ripe peaches. The smoother your puree, the silkier your curd, so ensure they are well-prepared.
2. Puree the Peaches: First, add your chopped peaches and about half of the specified sugar to your blender. Blend until you achieve a perfectly smooth puree. At this stage, it’s a good idea to taste the mixture. Depending on how naturally sweet your peaches are, you may not need to add the full amount of sugar. Adjust according to your preference.
3. Combine Thickener: In a separate small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch and lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This slurry is crucial for preventing grainy curd.
4. Add to Blender: Pour the cornstarch and lemon juice mixture into the blender with your peach puree. Blend again briefly, just until everything is thoroughly combined. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed before cooking.
5. Cook the Curd: Transfer your vibrant peach puree to a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. As it heats, the cornstarch will begin to activate and thicken.
6. Thicken to Perfection: Once it reaches a boil, continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until it starts to thicken to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (a consistency known as nappe).
7. Cool and Set: Once it’s as thick and luscious as you’d like, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the curd to cool completely to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken significantly. For best results, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

This simple process transforms fresh peaches into a luxurious, spreadable delight!

Storage Tips: How Long Does Homemade Peach Curd Last?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade vegan peach curd for as long as possible. Once your curd has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. I personally love using clean, sterilized mason jars for their classic look and excellent seal.

Store your fresh vegan peach curd in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its delicious flavor and creamy texture for up to 2 weeks. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. While some curds can be frozen, cornstarch-thickened curds sometimes undergo a textural change upon thawing. For the best quality, enjoying it fresh from the fridge within two weeks is recommended. The small batch size of this recipe encourages just that!

What To Do With Peach Curd: Endless Culinary Possibilities

So, you’ve made a batch of this glorious vegan peach curd, and now you’re wondering how best to enjoy it? The possibilities are truly endless! Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture make it an incredibly versatile ingredient. Beyond simply eating it by the spoonful (which is highly recommended!), here are some fantastic ways to incorporate your homemade peach curd into your favorite treats:

• Elevate Breakfast: Spread it generously on warm toast, English muffins, bagels, or flaky croissants. Stir a dollop into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of peachy sweetness. It’s also a divine topping for pancakes and waffles!
• Swirl into Desserts: For an amazing twist, swirl it into a Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, substituting or complementing the strawberry with peach for a unique fruity layer that cuts through the richness.
• Delightful Cake & Tart Filling: Use it as a luscious filling for cakes, like a Lemon Raspberry Cake (imagine peaches instead of raspberries for a summery vibe) or a simple Small Vanilla Cake. It’s also perfect for filling tart shells or individual pastry cups.
• Transform Frostings: Beat it into your favorite frostings, such as Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting or Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, for a peachy twist that adds both flavor and a beautiful hue.
• Stuff Pastries & Bars: Stuff it into flaky Peach Turnovers or layer it into delightful Peach Crumb Bars for an explosion of fruity flavor.
• Ice Cream & Mousse: Swirl it into homemade ice cream, like Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, or create a light and airy dessert like a Lemon Curd Mousse (using peach curd for a seasonal variation!).
• Fruit Tarts & Parfaits: Layer it with fresh berries, granola, and whipped cream (or coconut cream for vegan!) for an elegant parfait, or use it as the base for a fresh fruit tart.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this vegan peach curd is sure to add a touch of sunny sweetness and luxurious creaminess to any dish.

 

Peach Curd

Yield:
6 ounces

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Peach Curd made without eggs is a smooth and creamy vegan peach filling. Eat it on toast for breakfast or use as a delicious cake filling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peeled, chopped peaches (Learn How To Peel Peaches)
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar (depends on how sweet your peaches are)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a blender, puree the peaches and 2 tablespoons sugar. Taste and add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar if necessary.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth. Add to the blender and puree again until fully combined.
3. Transfer the puree to a medium saucepan then cook over medium heat until it starts to boil.
4. Once boiling, cook until it starts to thicken, stirring frequently (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Use your curd for a peach twist in Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, Small Vanilla Cake, or Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my Strawberry Curd recipe.

Recommended Products

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• Fine Mesh Strainer

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Originally posted August 28, 2012

Why This Vegan Peach Curd is a Must-Try

This egg-free peach curd isn’t just a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions; it’s a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to enjoy the vibrant taste of summer peaches in a new and exciting way. Its smooth, creamy texture and intense peach flavor make it incredibly versatile, turning ordinary breakfasts into gourmet experiences and simple desserts into showstoppers. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

So, the next time you find yourself with a bounty of fresh, ripe peaches, don’t let the season pass you by without trying this recipe. It’s an easy, rewarding project that yields a golden jar of sunshine, ready to brighten your day and your dishes. Whip up a batch, spread it on everything, and savor the taste of summer, one smooth, peachy bite at a time. Enjoy the effortless joy of homemade goodness!