Gluten Free Lemon Rolls

If you’re craving a deliciously bright twist on your usual breakfast or dessert, these Gluten Free Lemon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls bursting with zesty lemon curd, all luxuriously topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese icing. You won’t believe how each bite delivers an explosion of fresh, vibrant lemon flavour wrapped in a soft, pillowy texture, and all completely gluten free. Perfect for impressing guests or brightening your mornings, these rolls balance sweet and tart in a way that feels truly special and summery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is easy with a simple collection of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from making the dough wonderfully fluffy to layering that signature lemon tang throughout the rolls. Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible recipe:

• Lemon curd: Brightens the rolls with fresh lemon zest and juice, balanced by creamy butter and silky egg yolks for richness.
• Psyllium husk: Acts as a binder in the gluten free dough to give it structure and hold it together beautifully.
• Gluten free flours: A blend of millet, tapioca, and sorghum flours creates the perfect soft, tender crumb without gluten.
• Instant yeast and baking powder: Provide a gentle rise and light texture, helping the dough puff up just right.
• Lemon cream cheese icing: Combines cream cheese, butter, and a hint of lemon curd for a dreamy, zesty topping that melts in your mouth.

How to Make Gluten Free Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

Start by infusing sugar with zesty lemon to release all those amazing citrus oils. Then, mix in whisked egg yolks and gently cook everything with fresh lemon juice until it thickens into a luscious curd. Adding cubed butter at the end makes it rich and smooth. Remember to avoid metal utensils here to keep the lemon curd’s flavor pure and bright.

Step 2: Make the Gluten Free Dough

Create a psyllium husk gel by soaking it in warm water; this gel mimics gluten’s binding properties in the dough. Mix together your flours, yeast, and leavening agents, then add the psyllium gel, warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Knead this dough until smooth and slightly sticky – the secret to those soft, fluffy rolls. Don’t worry if it’s sticky; just flour your surface lightly and resist adding more flour to avoid density.

Step 3: Assemble the Lemon Rolls

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, then generously spread the lemon curd filling mixed with cornstarch to keep it thick and luscious. Cut into strips and roll each into a spiral to create that perfect swirl of tangy lemon goodness. Place the rolls snugly in a buttered pan, so they just touch one another, ensuring they steam up nicely for a soft bake.

Step 4: Proofing the Rolls

Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size; this can take about an hour and 15 minutes. This step is crucial to achieving those heavenly pillowy layers. Wrap them gently to prevent drying, and if your kitchen is cool, try proofing them inside a lukewarm oven with a cup of hot water to maintain humidity.

Step 5: Baking Your Gluten Free Lemon Rolls

Bake covered with foil initially to trap steam and keep the rolls fluffy, then remove the foil halfway to allow the tops to turn a gorgeous golden color. Baking time is roughly 35 to 40 minutes in total at 350ºF (180ºC). This technique produces rolls with a tender crumb and just the right amount of browning.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

Whip together cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and the remaining lemon curd for a frosting that’s tangy, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Spread it generously over the warm rolls so it either melts into the crevices or holds a soft peak on top, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Gluten Free Lemon Rolls

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top adds a burst of color and an extra punch of lemon aroma. For an elegant touch, you might also dust with a little powdered sugar or scatter some finely chopped fresh mint leaves to brighten their appearance even more.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them the perfect companion for quiet mornings or cozy brunches. Serve alongside fresh berries or a crisp green salad for a balanced contrast of flavors and textures that keeps your meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your gluten free lemon rolls on a beautiful serving platter lined with parchment for a rustic look, or place them in individual ramekins for a charming, single-serve presentation. For a party, stack them in tiers or offer a variety of frostings to delight your guests with personalized options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Gluten Free Lemon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. This preserves their soft texture and freshness, so you can enjoy your lemony treat a little later without losing any of that homemade magic.

Freezing

If you want to make these rolls well in advance, freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Wrap individually or in a batch tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating, or warm gently from frozen for a quick indulgence.

Reheating

Pop your rolls in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds just before serving to revive their melt-in-your-mouth softness. Alternatively, warming them briefly in a low oven helps maintain their fresh-baked texture and keeps the icing delightfully gooey.

FAQs

Can I substitute any of the flours?

Yes! The recipe uses millet, tapioca, and sorghum flours for a great balance, but you can swap millet for brown rice flour or sorghum for buckwheat or teff flour depending on your preference and tolerance. Just note that some substitutions may slightly affect fluffiness.

Is psyllium husk necessary?

Psyllium husk acts like gluten in this recipe, providing elasticity and moisture retention. Without it, the rolls might crumble or not hold their shape well. If you can’t find whole psyllium husk, psyllium husk powder works too, but use slightly less.

Can I make these lemon rolls dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the butter with a non-dairy alternative and using plant-based cream cheese in the icing, you can create dairy-free versions. The lemon curd may require vegan egg replacements if you want a fully vegan lemon roll.

How long do I need to proof the dough?

Proofing should take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in a warm environment until the rolls double in size. Cooler temps will cause longer proofing times, so keep an eye on the dough rather than the clock.

Can these rolls be made ahead and frozen before baking?

Yes! After shaping the rolls, freeze them before the final proofing. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then proof as usual before baking. This is great for preparing ahead for busy mornings or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

These Gluten Free Lemon Rolls are truly a bright, buzzy treat that proves gluten free baking can be incredibly indulgent and satisfying. I hope you fall in love with the perfect balance of soft dough, tangy curd, and sweet icing just like I have. Give them a try—you deserve a slice of lemony sunshine any day of the week!