Delicious Vegan Strawberry Curd: The Ultimate Egg-Free & Creamy Fruit Filling

Forget everything you thought you knew about fruit curds! While classic lemon curd might be the most famous, this luscious, vibrant, and incredibly creamy **Vegan Strawberry Curd** proves that the world of fruit curds is far more expansive and inclusive than ever before. Made entirely without eggs, this recipe offers a delightful dairy-free and vegan alternative that’s just as rich and flavorful as its traditional counterparts. Imagine a spread so smooth, so bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, it elevates everything from your morning toast to your most decadent desserts.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast spread, a sophisticated cake filling, or a versatile topping for various treats, this homemade vegan strawberry curd is an absolute game-changer. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and promises a bright, sweet, and tangy experience that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Say goodbye to store-bought curds and embrace the fresh, homemade goodness of this easy recipe.

Strawberry Curd on a spoon, showcasing its smooth and vibrant texture.

What Exactly is Fruit Curd and Why Go Vegan?

You’ve likely heard of lemon curd, a tangy, sweet, and rich spread that’s a staple in British cuisine. But did you know that the concept of “curd” can be applied to almost any fruit? It’s not just limited to lemons anymore! Meet its delightful, berry-filled cousin: Strawberry Curd. Similar to my popular vegan peach curd, this strawberry version captures the essence of summer in a jar.

The name “curd” might sound a little unusual, but this sweet concoction is seriously delicious. It shares some similarities with jam but boasts a distinctly different texture—think luxuriously smooth, thick, and wonderfully creamy, without the fibrous fruit pieces you often find in jams. Traditionally, fruit curds rely on egg yolks for their rich texture and emulsification, along with sugar and fruit juice. However, this **vegan strawberry curd** achieves the same fantastic consistency and flavor profile using plant-based ingredients, making it accessible to everyone, including those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet.

Opting for a vegan version doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. In fact, many find it to be lighter yet equally satisfying. By using cornstarch as a thickener, we achieve a velvety smooth curd that’s just as versatile and delightful as the traditional recipe, making it perfect for a wide range of culinary applications.

Endless Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Strawberry Curd

The real question isn’t what you *can* do with strawberry curd, but rather, what *can’t* you do with it? (Okay, you probably can’t make dinner with it, but that’s beside the point!). This vibrant fruit spread is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless sweet applications. Think of it as a more refined, intensely flavored version of your favorite strawberry jam, perfect for adding a burst of fruity goodness to almost anything.

Here are just a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

**Breakfast & Brunch:** Spread generously onto warm English muffins, toast, scones, or pancakes. Swirl it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness.
**Decadent Desserts:** Use it as a vibrant filling for cakes, cupcakes like Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, or tarts. Layer it into trifles or parfaits, such as my Red White and Blue Cheesecake Parfaits for an extra pop of flavor.
**Cheesecake Creations:** Swirl it into your Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake or Mini Cheesecakes (including No Bake Mini Cheesecakes) for a stunning presentation and irresistible taste.
**Ice Cream & Frosting:** Fold it into Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream or beat it into Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting or Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for an intensified strawberry experience.
**Simple Pleasures:** Enjoy it directly with a spoon for a quick, satisfying treat when a craving strikes.

Close-up of smooth, creamy strawberry curd on a spoon.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Strawberry Curd

One of the most appealing aspects of this strawberry curd recipe is its simplicity. You only need four core ingredients to create this delicious, egg-free spread. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and creamy texture.

Fresh Strawberries: These are, without a doubt, the star of our show! For the best flavor, choose fresh, ripe strawberries. The riper your berries are, the sweeter and more intensely flavored your curd will be. While fresh is ideal, you can also use frozen strawberries; just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
Granulated Sugar: Although strawberries possess natural sweetness, a little extra sugar is necessary to create that quintessential curd sweetness and balance the tartness of the lemon. The exact amount you’ll need can vary depending on the ripeness of your strawberries. Always taste your puree and adjust accordingly.
Fresh Lemon Juice: This ingredient is vital for two reasons. Firstly, it provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries, preventing the curd from tasting one-dimensional. Secondly, its acidity helps to enhance and preserve the vibrant strawberry flavor. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the best taste.
Cornstarch: In traditional curds, egg yolks act as the primary thickener and emulsifier. Since this is a vegan recipe, cornstarch steps in to achieve that wonderfully thick, smooth, and creamy consistency. It’s a reliable, easily accessible, and effective plant-based thickener.

Vegan strawberry curd spread generously on English muffins for breakfast.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Strawberry Curd: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible strawberry curd is a straightforward process that doesn’t demand much active time in the kitchen. In fact, you’ll find that waiting for it to cool is often the longest part! But I promise you, a little patience will be greatly rewarded with a truly exquisite fruit spread.

**Prepare the Strawberry Puree:** Begin by adding your sliced fresh strawberries and about half of the recommended sugar to your blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. At this stage, it’s crucial to taste the puree. Strawberries vary greatly in sweetness, so assess if it needs more sugar. If your berries are super ripe, you might not need to add much more, if any. Adjust sugar to your preference.
**Create the Thickening Slurry:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. This step is essential to prevent lumps in your finished curd. Once smooth, add this slurry to your blender with the strawberry puree and blend again briefly to ensure it’s fully combined.
**Strain for Smoothness:** Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium saucepan. Pour your strawberry puree through the strainer, pressing it gently with a spoon or spatula to extract all the liquid and pulp. Discard any remaining seeds in the strainer. This step is vital for achieving that signature silky-smooth texture of a professional-quality fruit curd.
**Cook and Thicken:** Place the saucepan with the strained puree over medium heat. Bring the puree to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it begins to boil, continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture visibly thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
**Cool and Set:** As soon as your curd reaches the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the hot curd to a clean jar or heatproof container. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken significantly. Once at room temperature, cover it tightly and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly, which will further set its texture.

Your patience will truly pay off when you experience the rich, smooth, and vibrant flavor of this homemade vegan strawberry curd!

Storage, Shelf Life, and Tips for Longevity

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious homemade vegan strawberry curd for as long as possible. Once your curd has completely cooled and set, transfer it to an airtight container. Mason jars are an excellent choice for this, as they seal well and look lovely. Store your curd in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its freshness and quality for up to **2 weeks**.

For longer storage, you can also freeze strawberry curd. Pour the cooled curd into freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to **3 months**. To use, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Note that freezing and thawing might slightly alter the texture, making it a little thinner, but the flavor will remain fantastic. A quick whisk after thawing can help restore its smoothness.

Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination, and inspect for any signs of spoilage (unusual smell, mold) before consuming.

Inspiring Ways to Use Your Delicious Strawberry Curd

Now that you have a fresh batch of homemade vegan strawberry curd, the culinary possibilities are endless! Don’t let it sit idly in your fridge; here are even more creative recipes and ideas for incorporating this vibrant spread into your meals and desserts:

**Cake Fillings:** Use it as a delectable layer in any vanilla or lemon-based cake. It would be exquisite in a Lemon Raspberry Cake (simply subbing strawberries for raspberries) or as a vibrant filling for a Small Vanilla Cake.

**Cheesecake Enhancements:** Swirl it generously into batters for Mini Cheesecakes or No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes for a stunning visual and flavor impact.

**Tart & Pastry Fillings:** Perfect for filling individual Cherry Curd Tarts (again, a delicious strawberry substitution) or other sweet pastry shells.

**Cookie Adventures:** Incorporate it into thumbprint cookies, or adapt recipes like Lemon Curd Cookies by Chenee Today by swapping in your homemade strawberry curd.

**Yogurt & Smoothie Booster:** A spoonful can transform plain yogurt or a simple smoothie into a gourmet experience.

**Ice Cream Topping:** Drizzle it warm or cold over vanilla bean ice cream or sorbet for an instant upgrade.

**Cocktail & Mocktail Mixer:** A unique addition to fruity drinks, adding both flavor and a beautiful color.

Let your imagination guide you—this strawberry curd is a versatile secret weapon in any kitchen!

Strawberry Curd (Vegan)

Yield:
1 cup

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

This egg-free Strawberry Curd is a wonderfully smooth and creamy vegan strawberry filling. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or enhancing any dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on strawberry sweetness)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until completely pureed and smooth. Taste the puree and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar if necessary, adjusting to your desired sweetness level.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and cornstarch until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. Add this mixture to the blender with the strawberry puree and blend again briefly until everything is fully combined.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium saucepan. Pour the strawberry puree through the strainer, pressing it gently with a spoon or spatula to ensure all the liquid and pulp pass through. Discard any seeds left in the strainer. This step ensures a silky-smooth curd.
Cook the strained puree over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it starts to boil.
Once boiling, continue to cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the curd visibly thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the hot curd to a clean, heatproof jar or container. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, store the vegan strawberry curd in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.

Notes

This versatile curd is fantastic in Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, folded into Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, used as a filling for Small Vanilla Cake, or beaten into Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting.
For a change of pace or to use other fruits, explore my Vegan Peach Curd recipe.
You can use frozen strawberries; just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
Ensure you stir constantly during cooking to prevent the curd from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

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Originally published June 4, 2012. Updated and optimized for freshness!

Creamy Vegan Strawberry Curd