Description
This Easy Pineapple Curd recipe is a delicious, eggless, and dairy-free alternative perfect for those seeking a tropical twist on classic curd. Made with fresh pineapple, vegan butter, and naturally thickened with cornstarch, it’s silky, tangy, and wonderfully sweet. Ideal as a spread, filling, or topping, this curd is quick to prepare and keeps well in the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 600 g fresh pineapple chunks
- 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sweetener & Seasoning
- 150 g granulated sugar
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
Thickener
- 40 g cornstarch
Fat Component
- 60 g vegan butter (block-style, cold and cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Blend: Add the fresh pineapple chunks to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth with no visible chunks remaining.
- Reduce: Transfer the blended pineapple to a large saucepan. Add sugar and a pinch of sea salt if using. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld.
- Cornstarch slurry: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a smooth paste, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Thicken: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering pineapple mixture. Reduce the heat to medium (or low if using a gas stove) and whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes. Cook until the mixture thickens sufficiently to coat the back of a spatula without running off.
- Whisk in butter: Place the cold vegan butter cubes into a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the hot pineapple curd into the bowl and vigorously whisk until the butter is fully incorporated and the curd is smooth and creamy.
- Chill: Cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to thicken further.
- Storage: Store the pineapple curd in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For same-day use, it can be kept at room temperature in a sealed container. To adjust thickness, gently warm it in a saucepan. Pineapple curd can also be frozen for several months and thawed overnight in the fridge before use.
Notes
- Use ripe fresh pineapple for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Cornstarch is critical for thickening this eggless curd; do not skip or substitute without adjusting the recipe accordingly.
- The vegan butter adds richness and a smooth texture, making the curd luscious without dairy.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on the natural sweetness of your pineapple.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for optimal tang and flavor.
- Ensure you whisk continuously during thickening to avoid lumps and burning.
- This curd pairs wonderfully with toast, pancakes, cakes, or as a filling in tarts and pastries.
