Creamy Vegan Mango Curd: Your Go-To Eggless & Dairy-Free Recipe

Welcome to the delightful world of homemade vegan fruit curds! Following the popularity of my citrus-based recipes, I’m thrilled to share another fantastic creation: this incredibly easy and luscious vegan mango curd. It’s wonderfully smooth, rich, and bursting with the vibrant flavor of fresh mangoes. Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute treat or a brilliant way to use up those perfectly ripe mangoes.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Vegan Mango Curd

Unlike traditional curds that rely on eggs and butter for their signature richness, this recipe achieves its silky texture and indulgent flavor using simple, wholesome plant-based ingredients. While many fruit curds, like lemon or lime, are celebrated for their sharp tang, this vegan mango curd offers a distinctively different experience. The primary goal here was to celebrate the delicate sweetness and fragrant notes of mango, so I intentionally kept the tartness subtle.

A mere hint of fresh lime juice is incorporated to perfectly balance the mango’s natural sweetness, ensuring that the tropical essence of the mango remains the undisputed star of the show, without being overpowered by excessive citrus. This recipe is meticulously designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a dairy-free and egg-free alternative that absolutely does not compromise on taste or luxurious texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker, have dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy seasonal mangoes, this luscious curd will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Unleash the Versatility: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Vegan Mango Curd

This homemade vegan mango curd isn’t just a simple spread; it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that can effortlessly elevate a wide range of dishes. Its vibrant color, irresistible creamy texture, and exquisite tropical flavor make it suitable for everything from energizing breakfasts to sophisticated, decadent desserts. Here are just a few inspiring ways you can incorporate this delightful curd into your culinary repertoire, adding a burst of sunshine to any meal:

• Breakfast & Brunch Brilliance:
  • Classic Spreads: Generously slather it on warm toast, fluffy English muffins, or freshly baked scones for a truly tropical and indulgent morning treat.
  • Pancake & Crepe Perfection: Drizzle a spoonful or two over light and airy vegan pancakes, waffles, or delicate crepes for an exotic and fruity twist on breakfast classics.
  • Yogurt & Oatmeal Swirl: Stir a spoonful or two into your favorite plain vegan yogurt (such as coconut or soy yogurt) or your morning oatmeal. It adds an incredible burst of flavor, natural sweetness, and a creamy texture that transforms a simple meal into something special.
• Decadent Desserts & Baking:
  • Mini Tarts & Pies: Spoon this luscious curd into pre-baked mini tart shells and top with fresh berries, additional diced mango, or a sprig of mint for elegant individual desserts that are sure to impress.
  • Cake & Cupcake Fillings: Utilize it as a vibrant, tangy, and intensely flavorful filling for layer cakes or cupcakes. It pairs exceptionally well with coconut, vanilla, or even chocolate-flavored sponges, offering a delightful surprise with every bite.
  • Vegan Pavlova Topping: For a truly show-stopping dessert, create a stunning vegan pavlova using aquafaba meringue, layer it with fluffy coconut whipped cream, and finish with generous dollops of mango curd and fresh tropical fruit.
  • Ice Cream & Sorbets: Swirl the mango curd into homemade vegan vanilla ice cream or sorbet for a creamy, fruity dessert, or simply use it as a vibrant topping for store-bought varieties.
  • Parfaits & Trifles: Layer it beautifully with vegan whipped cream, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit to create visually appealing and incredibly delicious parfaits or trifles.
• Beyond the Obvious & Creative Uses:
  • Thumbprint Cookies: Use this sweet, fruity curd as the delightful center for vegan thumbprint cookies, adding a burst of color and flavor.
  • Smoothie Boost: Add a spoonful or two to your morning smoothie for an extra layer of tropical flavor and a hint of creamy richness.
  • Just a Spoonful: Let’s be honest, sometimes the best and most satisfying way to enjoy this delectable curd is straight from the jar with a spoon. No judgment here – it’s truly that good!

For an extra special pairing that truly highlights the mango, this curd is the perfect companion to my delicious vegan mango bundt cake, creating an explosion of harmonious tropical flavors.

Crafting Your Own Vegan Mango Curd: A Simple Guide to Tropical Perfection

Creating this irresistible vegan mango curd is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and less than ten minutes of active preparation. The key to success lies in selecting quality ingredients and meticulously following a few simple steps. You’ll be absolutely amazed at how quickly you can transform fresh, ripe mangoes into this creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious tropical spread.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need:

Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this eggless and dairy-free curd:

• Fresh Mangoes: As the star of our show, the mangoes are paramount. Choose ripe, fragrant varieties for the best, most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
• Full-Fat Tinned Coconut Milk: This ingredient is absolutely crucial for achieving the rich, creamy texture that defines a good curd. It acts as a fantastic dairy-free substitute for cream and eggs, providing the necessary fat content. Ensure you use full-fat tinned coconut milk, not light versions or other plant milks, for optimal results.
• Caster (Superfine) Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness that balances the mango’s natural tartness and contributes to the desired smooth consistency. Its fine texture dissolves quickly, preventing a grainy curd.
• Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice is essential. It brightens the flavor profile, prevents the curd from being overly sweet, and subtly enhances the tropical notes of the mango without overpowering them.
• Cornflour (Cornstarch): Our plant-based thickening agent! Cornflour is vital for achieving the classic, thick, and luscious curd consistency without the use of eggs.
• Coconut Oil: Added at the very end of the cooking process, coconut oil melts into the warm curd, contributing to its wonderfully silky smooth texture and adding a subtle, enriching richness.
• Pinch of Salt: A tiny bit of salt might seem unusual for a sweet recipe, but it’s a culinary secret weapon. It helps to bring out and enhance all the other flavors in the curd, making them pop.

Choosing the Right Mangoes for the Best Flavor and Color:

The resulting flavor and the beautiful, vibrant color of your vegan mango curd will largely depend on the specific variety of mango you select. I personally adore using Kesar mangoes due to their incredibly fragrant, almost floral flavor profile and their naturally deep orange hue, which lends a stunning color to the curd. However, please feel free to use whichever mango variety you prefer or can easily get your hands on. Popular choices like Alphonso, Ataulfo (also known as honey mangoes), or Tommy Atkins will also yield delicious results.

The most important factor, regardless of variety, is to ensure your mangoes are perfectly soft, ripe, and sweet. This ripeness is key to extracting the most intense, authentic mango flavor for your curd. Avoid under-ripe mangoes at all costs, as they can be fibrous, lack the necessary sweetness, and won’t blend into a smooth consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Vegan Mango Curd:

(For precise gram measurements and a detailed, printable recipe card, please scroll down to the end of the post.)

*For the absolute best and most consistent results in any baking or curd-making recipe, it is highly recommended to use gram measurements with a digital kitchen scale rather than relying on cup conversions. Volume measurements can be notoriously inaccurate, especially for dry ingredients and thick liquids, and may significantly affect the final texture and consistency of your homemade curd.*

Step 1: Blend All Ingredients (Except Coconut Oil) to Smoothness

Begin by combining all the essential ingredients – your diced fresh mango, full-fat tinned coconut milk, caster sugar, cornflour (cornstarch), fresh lime juice, and a delicate pinch of salt – into a high-speed blender. Blend this mixture until it is exceptionally smooth and creamy. A powerful blender will accomplish this task quickly and efficiently, ensuring no fibrous mango bits remain. If you’re using a less powerful blender, or if you simply prefer an extra-silky, perfectly smooth texture, I recommend passing the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This extra step will catch any lingering stringy pieces or pulp, guaranteeing a luxurious finish.

Step 2: Gently Cook the Curd to Perfect Thickness

Carefully pour the smooth mango mixture into a non-reactive saucepan. This is a crucial detail for two important reasons: DO NOT use an aluminum or copper pan. The acidity from the lime juice and the mango can react with these metals, potentially leading to a metallic, off-putting taste in your curd or, even worse, an unappetizing green discoloration. Stainless steel is always the ideal and safest choice for making fruit curds.

Place the saucepan over a medium-low heat. The absolute key here is constant stirring. Whisk or stir the mixture continuously as it gradually heats up. You’ll notice it slowly comes to a gentle simmer and then begins to thicken. It is critically important not to let it boil vigorously for more than a minute, as prolonged high heat can negatively affect the delicate texture and vibrant flavor of your mango curd. The cornflour will activate and thicken the curd beautifully as it reaches the correct temperature.

Step 3: Incorporate Coconut Oil and Prepare for Cooling

Once the curd has achieved your desired thick and creamy consistency, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Add the coconut oil directly into the hot curd and stir vigorously until it has completely melted and is thoroughly incorporated, leaving you with a wonderfully smooth, glossy, and enriched curd. Allow the curd to cool slightly at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before carefully pouring it into a clean jar. For optimal storage and to extend the shelf life of your delicious creation, it’s highly recommended to use sterilised jars (you’ll find detailed instructions on how to sterilise jars below).

Step 4: Chill Thoroughly for the Perfect Set

Once transferred to the jar, place your homemade vegan mango curd in the fridge. It needs to chill for at least a couple of hours, but for the best possible texture and set, I strongly recommend chilling it overnight. This extended chilling period allows the curd to properly cool down, solidify, and set to its full creamy potential. Before serving, give the curd a good stir with a spoon or whisk to ensure an even, smooth, and spreadable consistency. Your delectable homemade vegan mango curd will keep beautifully fresh in the fridge for about a week, ready to brighten up any meal or snack whenever you desire a taste of the tropics.

Tips for Success & Troubleshooting Your Vegan Mango Curd:

To ensure your vegan mango curd turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips and troubleshooting advice in mind:

• Ripe Mangoes are Non-Negotiable: Always, always use ripe, sweet, and fragrant mangoes for the best and most authentic flavor. Under-ripe mangoes will result in a less flavorful, potentially sour, and possibly more fibrous curd.
• Only Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Do not be tempted to substitute with light coconut milk or other thinner plant milks (like almond or oat milk); full-fat tinned coconut milk provides the essential richness and creamy body that is crucial for a luscious curd texture.
• Stir, Stir, Stir Constantly: This is a golden rule for curd making. Constant stirring while cooking prevents the curd from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming undesirable lumps. It ensures a smooth, even texture throughout.
• Embrace Accurate Measurements: For optimal and consistent results, invest in and use a digital kitchen scale for measuring your ingredients, especially the cornflour. Volume measurements (cups and spoons) can be less precise and may lead to variations in the final texture.
• Choose a Non-Reactive Pan: As reiterated in the instructions, always use a stainless steel or other non-reactive saucepan. Aluminum or copper pans can react with the acidity of the fruit, causing metallic flavors and discoloration.
• Curd Too Thin? If your curd isn’t thickening enough after cooking for the recommended time, you can continue to cook it for another minute or two, stirring constantly. If it still needs a boost, create a small slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the warm curd and cook for another minute until thickened.
• Curd Too Thick? If your curd becomes too thick after chilling (it will naturally thicken significantly in the fridge), you can easily adjust it. Simply whisk in a tiny bit of extra full-fat coconut milk or even a tablespoon of water, one at a time, until it reaches your desired smooth and spreadable consistency.

How to Sterilise Jars for Optimal Storage and Shelf Life:

Sterilising your jars is a simple yet incredibly important step to ensure your delicious vegan mango curd stays fresh and safe for as long as possible. This process effectively kills any lingering bacteria, significantly extending the shelf life of your homemade creation.

1. Preheat Oven: Just before you begin the exciting process of making your curd, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature of 140°C (275°F or Gas Mark 1).
2. Wash Jars & Lids Thoroughly: Wash your clean glass jars and their corresponding lids thoroughly in hot, soapy water. Ensure you rinse them exceptionally well under hot running water to remove every trace of soap residue, which could affect the flavor of your curd.
3. Dry in Oven: Place the clean, still-wet jars on their sides on a clean baking tray. Arrange the lids upside-down on the same tray. Carefully place this tray into your preheated oven.
4. Sterilise & Dry: Leave the jars and lids in the oven to dry and sterilise for at least 15-20 minutes, or simply while you are busy preparing your mango curd. This ensures they are completely dry and germ-free.
5. Fill Jars Safely: Once your mango curd is ready and still warm from the stove, carefully remove the hot jars from the oven (always use sturdy oven mitts!). Immediately pour the warm curd into the hot jars. It is absolutely crucial to pour hot curd into hot jars (and conversely, never hot into cold or cold into hot) to prevent thermal shock, which can cause the glass to crack or shatter.
6. Cool & Store: Promptly place the lids tightly on the filled jars. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge for chilling and setting. Proper sterilisation and handling will ensure your curd remains delicious for its full recommended shelf life.

Explore More Delicious Vegan Fruit Curd Recipes:

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed making and tasting this vibrant vegan mango curd, you might be inspired to explore my other equally delightful plant-based fruit curd creations. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for various culinary uses:

• Vegan Lemon Curd: A timeless classic, offering a bright, zesty, and incredibly refreshing taste that’s perfect for tarts and sponges.
• Vegan Coconut Lime Curd: A truly tropical delight that combines the creamy richness of coconut with a bright, tangy kick of lime, evoking sunny beach vibes.
• Vegan Blood Orange Curd: A beautifully colored and subtly tart curd, boasting unique citrus notes that are perfect for adding an elegant touch to special occasion desserts.

We sincerely hope you enjoy making and devouring this incredible homemade vegan mango curd! If you try this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your beautiful creations. Why not tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and hashtag it #domesticgothess? Your feedback and photos truly inspire us!