Vegan Orange Hazelnut Curd

I am starting a series of citrus recipes, as more and more oranges and lemons start to drop from the heavily loaded trees!

Citrus fruits hold a special place in kitchens around the world, whether they’re used to brighten up savoury dishes, sweeten desserts, or lend their zest to refreshing drinks. With this series, I hope to explore the endless possibilities these super fruits offer and uncover the unique ways different cultures celebrate them.

To start this journey, I’ve created a vegan orange and hazelnut curd. This silky, citrusy spread is a versatile delight — you can use it to fill pastries, cakes, make layer desserts, or simply spread over toast. Traditional curd recipes often rely on eggs and butter, but it is easy to make it vegan – we simply omit the eggs and replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (you might want to sieve it to remove bits)
• peel of 1/2 orange (pieces, no white skin!)
• 1 cup hazelnut milk (this curd can actually be made with any plant milk!)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (optional)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients – except of the butter – in a saucepan with a whisk until fully dissolved.
2. Heat the mixture gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. The cornstarch will activate as the mixture warms, creating a smooth, custard-like consistency.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vegan butter until fully incorporated (optional). This adds a glossy finish and a rich depth of flavour.
4. Use the curd to top your favorite cake, or to prepare a layer dessert, or pour it into sterilised jars and let it cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. It will thicken further as it cools.

This vegan orange curd keeps well for up to a week in the fridge — if it lasts that long 😉

As we embark on this citrus-inspired journey, I’d love to hear what your go-to citrus recipes are. How do you use oranges or lemons in your kitchen? Let’s exchange ideas and celebrate the incredible versatility of these fruits together!

I thank theplantbasedschool.com and other bloggers for their inspiration!