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    Home » Dessert » Vegan Lemon Pie (with Coconut Milk)

    Vegan Lemon Pie (with Coconut Milk)

    Published: Sep 13, 2021 · Modified: Dec 14, 2022 by Jessica

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN SHARE

    This vegan lemon pie is so easy to make, extra lemon-y and rich in texture and flavor. Simply the BEST make-ahead dessert for any celebration or holiday! Made with coconut milk, egg-, dairy- and gluten-free (if using a gluten-free pie) and SO delicious!

    Overhead view on a vegan lemon pie garnished with whipped cream and berries. There is a slice of pie that was taken off.

    Let's close up this week's vegan pie theme with an amazing vegan lemon pie!

    But not just any lemon pie! This is a creamy and coconut-y lemon curd tart that's SO delicious, but also made extra simple. Make it with this quick homemade gluten-free pie crust or feel free to speed up the recipe even more by using a store bought one. Once the crust has pre-baked, then pour the easy lemony filling over the crust and voila, no more cooking!

    You will love how ridiculously easy this pie is to make. It is also flavored with the perfect amount of zesty vs sweetness and the texture of the lemon curd holds well to a scoop-able consistency that just melts in your mouth. This lemon pie fits many diet as it is an egg-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and gluten-free (if using a gluten-free crust).

    And once the pie has cooled down and set, then the real fun begins: decorate and garnish your pie just the way you want to make it the most beautiful dessert table center piece! I hope you enjoy this wholesome and refreshing healthy dessert!

    Front angle view on a vegan lemon pie that has one slice taken off to show the middle texture. The pie is garnished with whipped cream and berries.

    Ultimate lemon lover's vegan dessert

    This vegan lemon tart is super zesty with a fragrant lemon curd filling. There is a good amount of delicious tang in each bite, which makes it the best dessert to make for all the lemon lovers around you. The lemon flavor comes from freshly squeezed lemon juice, simply the best!

    Other lemon recipes you might like

    • Lemon blueberry mug cake
    • Dragon fruit lemonade
    • Lemon cashew ricotta
    • Strawberry acai lemonade
    • Vegan lemon shortbread cookie
    • Lemon miso potatoes
    • Vegan lemon poppy seed loaf

    Ingredients you'll need

    • Fresh lemons: using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice makes a HUGE difference. I squeezed my lemon using a simple glass lemon juicer, but if you dont have any, simply squeeze the juice out using your hands! You will need 2-3 lemons, depending on their size.
    • Canned coconut milk: I used full-fat coconut milk for best texture.
    • Maple syrup: to sweeten the filling, you won't really taste the maple flavor. Agave nectar works too, don't swap for granulated sugar as it could change the texture.
    • Cornstarch: as a thickening agent.
    • Turmeric: for color.
    • Pie crust
    Showing are the ingredients needed to make this recipe: lemon, coconut milk, turmeric, maple syrup and cornstarch.

    Why use turmeric in a sweet lemon recipe

    In a non-vegan lemon pie recipe, egg yolks are used to create a creamy, rich and thicker pie filling, plus it provides a beautiful yellow color to a lemon mixture. When making this vegan filling, then cornstarch is what helps create a thicker lemon curd, but you are left with a colorless pie filling.

    So, if you are looking for a bright yellow lemon filling, then add a pinch of turmeric!

    I was skeptical too, but I tried it and it works! Just adding a tiny bit of turmeric powder (curcuma) will turn your lemon curd extra yellow without having to add processed yellow coloring extract. And you won't taste it at all. I tried with ¼ tsp, but if you are worried just add a pinch, a little goes a long way! Please note that the yellow color will intensify as the pie cools down, as you can see in the video.

    Will the pie taste like coconut?

    There is a whole can of coconut milk within the filling recipe, but you won't taste it much. The coconut milk is used mostly for texture as it provides the fat and creaminess to create a filling that feels rich. But, the coconut flavor is mostly in the shadow compared to the powerful lemon punch of flavor.

    Overhead view on a vegan lemon pie that's decorated with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries. There are more berries in small bowls beside the tart and a white hand towel.

    How to make this vegan lemon pie?

    Step 1- Pre-bake your crust

    The whole pie won't need to be baked, so you definitively have to pre-bake your crust. I used my gluten-free shortcrust pastry to make this recipe, but you can also use a regular vegan pie crust. I recommend to bake it at 350º for about 15 minutes, or follow the recommendation of the packaging if using an already made crust from the store.

    Once it is baked, then take it out of the oven and only then, start working on the lemon curd. This will allow some time to the crust to cool down before pouring the filling.

    Step 2- Make the filling

    Start by making the cornstarch slurry: combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and whisk well to remove all clumps. Set aside.

    In a medium pot, add the canned coconut milk, maple syrup, turmeric powder and lemon juice. Warm on medium-high heat while whisking often to help break the clumps of coconut milk while they melt.

    Once the coconut-lemon mixture start to boil, then pour the cornstarch slurry in a small stream while whisking into the coconut lemon mixture. It will thicken super quickly, almost instantly. Once it is nice and thick, then remove from the heat and pour right away over the pre-baked crust.

    Step 3- Cover and chill

    While the filling is still very hot, then cover the whole pie with a plastic wrap. The plastic should touch the surface of the lemon filling (it helps create a surface that's smooth) and be sure to also cover the crust so it does not dry.

    Transfer to the fridge and let it completely cool down, at least 4 hours. Ideally, plan ahead so you can let your pie cool down overnight or, make it early enough in the morning so it can be ready for the evening.

    Step 4- Decorate and serve

    When ready to eat, then you can remove your plastic wrap and decorate your pie as you wish. Serve and eat cold.

    • In process picture: overhead view on a pot containing a creamy white mixture while someone is whisking.
    • In process picture: there is a cornstarch slurry pouring over a yellow mixture in a pot.
    • Close up on a yellow creamy mixture pouring over a crust.
    • In process picture: there are 2 hands that are covering the top of a dish with plastic wrap.

    Watch how to make it

    Front angle view on a slice of vegan lemon pie that's placed on a plate and garnished with berries and vegan whipped cream. There is a fork with some pie on it also on the plate.

    Decorating your vegan lemon pie

    You can let your creativity go crazy and decorate your pie with so many garnishes.

    I love simply topping the pie with some vegan coconut whipped cream, berries and lemon zest. You could completely cover the pie with the whipped cream (just like a lemon meringue pie) or create a fun design with the cream as you wish. Also, try to choose fruits that will add a pop in color, like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, etc.

    I recommend you decorate your pie only when ready to serve as I noticed the whipped cream not holding up for that long and the berries losing on their freshness after a day in the fridge. So, if you serve it for a few people and you know most of it will be eaten all at once, then decorate the whole pie, slice and serve. But if you are expecting some leftovers, then I would consider decorating each slice individually after transferring to serving plates.

    Pie garnish ideas include:

    • Fruits, especially berries with dark color
    • Lemons slices or zest
    • Whipped cream or vegan mascarpone cheese
    • Coconut flakes or shredded coconut
    Overhead view on a slice of vegan lemon pie that's on a small plate and garnished with berries and coconut whipped cream. There is a bite that was taken off.

    Tips when making your vegan lemon pie

    • Make sure you bring the coconut lemon mixture to a gentle boil before adding your cornstarch slurry. This will allow your mixture to thicken without creating any lumps.
    • Just before adding the slurry, give it another whisk as the cornstarch tends to sink at the bottom while resting.
    • Once the cornstarch slurry was added, then the lemon curd will thicken quickly. Don't keep cooking once the cornstarch is in there for too long and be ready to remove from the heat and pour RIGHT AWAY in your crust.
    • The texture of this pie is creamy and soft even after it has cooled down, but if you want it even softer, then simply take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving.
    • Make sure you completely cool down your pie before slicing and eating! The filling mixture (and the crust) have to set first to create a pie that holds well.

    Can I use low-fat coconut milk

    Using a low-fat coconut milk would work, but might change the final texture slightly to a thinner consistency. The fat from the coconut milk helps the flavor deepen but also create a texture that feels rich.

    Storage

    This is an amazing recipe you can make ahead. The whole pie gets better as it rests and cools down and still is amazing after days, as long as you don't decorate it ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge and cover it tightly so it does not dry.

    Front angle view on a slice of vegan lemon pie that's placed on a plate and garnished with berries and vegan whipped cream. There is a fork with some pie on it also on the plate.

    Other pie recipes you might like

    • Gluten-free shortcrust pastry
    • Vegan spinach quiche
    • Easy Vegan Cherry Pie
    • Coconut oil pie crust
    • Vegan strawberry pop tarts
    • Vegan apple turnovers

    I hope you enjoy this vegan lemon pie as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!

    Let's stay in touch with Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter to be sure not to miss anything.

    Front angle view on a slice of vegan lemon pie that's placed on a plate and garnished with berries and vegan whipped cream. There is a fork with some pie on it also on the plate.

    Vegan Lemon Pie

    5 from 3 votes
    This vegan lemon pie is so easy to make, extra lemon-y and rich in texture and flavor. Simply the BEST make-ahead dessert for any celebration or holiday! Made with coconut milk, egg-, dairy- and gluten-free (if using a gluten-free pie) and SO delicious!
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time20 mins
    Minimal chilling time4 hrs
    Total Time4 hrs 20 mins
    Servings 8 people
    Author Jessica Laroche

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • ¼ cup water
    • 15 oz canned coconut milk
    • ½ cup maple syrup - or agave nectar
    • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • ¼ tsp turmeric - for color

    Instructions
     

    • Start by pre-baking your pie crust. If making my homemade gluten-free pie crust, then pre-bake it at 350º for 15 minutes. If using a store-bought crust, then follow the packaging instructions. Once pre-baked, then let the pie crust slightly cool down while making the filling.
    • In a small bowl or mug, combine the cornstarch with the water and whisk well to break all the clumps. Set aside.
    • In a medium pot, combine the coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice and turmeric powder. Whisk well and warm on medium-high heat.
    • Once it reaches a gentle boil, then add the cornstarch slurry slowly into a stream while whisking. Remove from the heat once the lemon mixture has thickened, 30-60 seconds (it will thicken quickly!).
    • Then, pour right away over your pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to even its surface and cover with a plastic wrap (it should touch the lemon curd).
    • Transfer in the fridge and chill completely before slicing and serving (at least 4 hours).
    • Just before serving, you can decorate your pie using fruits, coconut whipped cream, coconut flakes, etc. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure you bring to a gentle boil the coconut lemon mixture before adding your cornstarch slurry. This will allow your mixture to thicken without creating any lumps.
    • Just before adding the slurry, give it another whisk as the cornstarch tends to sink at the bottom while resting.
    • Once the cornstarch slurry was added, then the lemon curd will thicken quickly. Don't keep cooking once the corn starch is in there for too long and be ready to remove from the heat and pour RIGHT AWAY over your crust.
    • The texture of this pie is creamy and soft even after it has cooled down, but if you want it even softer, then simply take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving and let it rest at room temperature for a bit.
    • Make sure you completely cool down your pie before slicing and eating! The filling mixture (and the crust) have to set first to create a pie that holds well.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda C. says

      April 18, 2022 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Jess! I chose your vegan lemon pie to make for Easter dessert. We did use a graham crust in a metal pie dish, so our pie took longer to set than recommended. We needed 2 days.
      The pie was delicious!
      I'm thinking of making it again ,but my husband wants to try it with limes this time. I 'm wondering if you have ever tried making this recipe as a vegan lime pie? And would limes need any additional ingredients or should we use coconut cream in place of coconut milk?
      Thanx,
      Linda &Jeff Carmelle

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        April 19, 2022 at 7:01 am

        Hi Linda! I'm glad it worked out 🙂 I haven't tried using lime juice instead of lemon juice, but I'm thinking it would work to simply swap them.

        Reply
        • Linda C. says

          April 23, 2022 at 3:11 pm

          5 stars
          Thanks Jess! We are searching for key limes or lime juice ....but hope to make it very soon! We found Nellie and Joe's key lime juice on Amazon and most likely will use that since stores in our area do not seem to carry key limes.

          Reply
    2. Nancy Lent Lanoue says

      December 30, 2022 at 7:22 am

      5 stars
      This is a fabulous recipe! The extra-lemony flavor and smoothness are delicious. I can’t eat dairy so this pie is perfect, as I do gluten free too.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        December 30, 2022 at 10:33 am

        Oh that's great Nancy, I'm so glad you liked it 🙂

        Reply
    3. tom says

      February 08, 2023 at 9:25 am

      hi jess,
      your recipe seems great, and i'd like to make that pie for a friend, but i couldn't find the diameter of the baking mold you used.
      would you mind stating it?

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        February 08, 2023 at 1:57 pm

        Hi Tom! I used a 9 inch pie plate to make it 🙂

        Reply

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    ABOUT JESS


    Profile picture for Plant Based Jess in the kitchen.

    Hi there! I’m Jessica, a pasta obsessed French Canadian now living in beautiful Maine. I’m a mom of two, experienced foodie and ninja meal planner. I believe everyone can make stress-free plant-based meals with wholesome ingredients that your family and friends will love. 

    Join me in my kitchen to discover fun and creative recipes or click to find out more. Welcome!

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