Celiac Safe Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe – Perfect Gluten-Free Easter Brunch Treat

Celiac Safe Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe – Perfect Gluten-Free Easter Brunch Treat

Easter is one of those holidays that’s just bursting with traditions—family gatherings, springtime vibes, and of course, food that brings everyone together. But for those of us living with celiac disease, finding treats that are both safe and delicious can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s where I come in! I’m so excited to share my Celiac Safe Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls, a recipe that’s perfect for your Easter breakfast or brunch table.

These sweet rolls are an absolute hit every time I make them. They’re fluffy, buttery, and filled with the zesty goodness of homemade lemon curd. Even better, they’re completely gluten-free, so everyone, no matter their dietary needs, can enjoy a warm, melt-in-your-mouth roll straight from the oven.

Celiac Safe Brioche-Style Sweet Rolls

Let’s start with the dough, inspired by the rich and buttery texture of a brioche but made gluten-free! This dough will give you soft, tender rolls that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk (around 110°F)
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it's a good blend, I love using King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (skip if your flour blend already includes it)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder (I use Bob's Red Mill Baking Powder)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened (you can use a dairy-free alternative if needed)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (I prefer Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (because why not add a little extra citrus zing?)

Directions:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy. This means your yeast is ready to go!

  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, xanthan gum, and baking powder.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and honey/maple syrup until smooth. Then, add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well.

  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. That’s perfect!

  5. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your surface with a bit of gluten-free flour and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. If it’s too sticky, add just a little more flour as you knead.

  6. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you want to make the proofing process even easier, try using a Warming Mat for Food to keep your dough at the perfect temperature while it rises.

  7. Roll It Out: Once your dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches.

Lemon Curd Filling

The star of these sweet rolls is the homemade lemon curd. It’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly sweet—everything you want in a lemon dessert!

Ingredients for Lemon Curd:

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (I like using Organic Cane Sugar for a cleaner sweetness)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions:

  1. Cook the Curd: In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

  2. Whisk the Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm lemon mixture into the yolks to temper them, whisking constantly. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the lemon mixture, stirring continuously.

  3. Thicken the Curd: Cook the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

  4. Finish the Curd: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until smooth.

Assembling the Sweet Rolls

Now that both the dough and the lemon curd are ready, it’s time to bring it all together!

  1. Spread the Lemon Curd: Once your dough is rolled out, spread a generous layer of lemon curd across the surface, leaving about 1-inch on the edges.

  2. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces.

  3. Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls into a greased rectangular cake pan. Let them rest and rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The smell alone will have your mouth watering!

Optional: Glaze It Up!

If you want to take these rolls to the next level, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice. It adds the perfect sweet finishing touch!

Why These Are Perfect for Easter

Easter is all about celebration, and these Celiac Safe Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls are a great way to make your brunch or family gathering even more special. They’re light, fresh, and packed with the flavors of spring, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, they’re celiac-safe, so everyone can enjoy them without worry.

Don’t Forget! You can get all the ingredients you need to make these rolls from Lilacs and Lemons Bakery. I’ve got you covered for everything from gluten-free flour to fresh, organic lemons, and don’t forget, we also offer Celiac Safe Fudge, Truffles, and other treats to make your Easter even sweeter!

Grab Your Celiac-Safe Ingredients Today!

Get your gluten-free flour here!
Bob's Red Mill Baking Powder
Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
Organic Cane Sugar
Rectangular Cake Pan
Warming Mat for Food

I hope you all enjoy making these rolls as much as I do! They’ll add a burst of flavor to your Easter brunch, and I’d love to hear how they turn out. Feel free to leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on social media. Happy baking, friends!

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