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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Vegan Crème Brûlée

    Published: Feb 21, 2023 · Modified: Mar 30, 2023 · by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This vegan crème brûlée is crunchy, creamy, and ultra-satisfying. Try this plant-based twist on a classic that features silky custard with a crackly caramelized topping. Once you try your first bite, you may never go back to the original!

    Vegan Crème brûlée in a couple ramekins topped with raspberries.

    What is crème brûlée? 

    Crème brûlée is an iconic French dessert made from a base of custard (or vegan custard in this case). What makes it so special is the top layer of caramelized sugar, which is achieved with a kitchen torch.

    Typically, the custard is vanilla flavored, but there are so many variations you can experiment with. I can’t wait for you to try this one!

    Is crème brûlée vegan?

    Of course, a traditional crème brûlée is not vegan-friendly since it’s made with both eggs and dairy. But you can make a vegan version by swapping out the dairy with vegan butter and oat milk.

    For the egg replacement, I've opted for cornstarch and agar flakes. The final result is not exactly the same, but it closely emulates a non-vegan version while still tasting incredible!

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients with labels laid out in individual dishes to make vegan crème brûlée.
    • Oat barista blend: I recommend oat barista blend for its extra rich and creamy taste. You can also use other options like soy, cashew, or almond milk.
    • Sugar: To delicately sweeten the custard and caramelize the top. I prefer vegan-friendly granulated sugar, but you could also use organic cane sugar.
    • Cornstarch: To thicken the custard, creating a creamy texture. If you don’t have cornstarch available, replace it with potato starch. I find tapioca starch a bit too gummy.
    • Vegan butter: Provides a rich flavor and velvety texture. It also adds a subtle yellow color, making this vegan crème brûlée look similar to classic recipes. 
    • Agar flakes: Gives the custard structure and provides a flan-like texture, which is traditionally what crème brûlée tastes like.
    • Vanilla extract: I recommend pure vanilla extract as the aroma and flavor are far superior to artificial extract. Plus, a little goes a long way!
    • Salt: To enhance the other ingredients in this crème brûlée. Use fine-ground salt for an even distribution of flavor.
    • Turmeric: Again, for a touch of custard yellow color.

    Instructions

    A saucepan with plantbased milk, agar agar flakes and turmeric in it.
    • Step 1: Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan, but leave the butter and the extra  sugar to the side for now. Whisk the ingredients together until there are no more clumps of cornstarch.
    Whisking a milk-like content with a metal whisk, inside a sauce pan.
    • Step 2: Heat the saucepan over low-medium while continuously whisking it (do not let it boil). It will start to thicken after a couple of minutes, then fully thicken after about 5 minutes.
    A wooden spatula coated with custard with a finger clean path through it.
    • Step 3: Once it looks thickened, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the butter until it completely dissolves into the custard.
    • Note: Use a wooden or silicone spatula to check if your custard is ready. Coat the spatula with custard and run your finger through it. If it stays clean, it is ready to go!
    A firm custard in a ramekin.
    • Step 4: Pour the custard evenly into ramekins and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 6 hours, but it’s best to leave them overnight.
    Custard topped with a layer of sugar on top and aimed with a kitchen torch.
    • Step 5: Caramelize them by evenly spreading a layer of sugar on top of each custard.
    A kitchen torch caramelizing the sugar on top of the custard.
    • Step 6: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by aiming it 2-3 inches away from the ramekins. Keep moving the torch in a circular motion to avoid burning one area.
    Vegan crème brûlée in a ramekin topped with raspberries and mint.
    • Step 7: Let the caramel harden for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve your dairy-free crème brûlée as soon as the caramel hardens.

    Vegan crème brûlée toppings

    Some popular additions to crème brûlée include fresh berries, coconut whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Each of these will add a bit more texture and flavor to the dessert.

    Storage

    Once you’ve made your vegan crème brûlée, follow these steps for the perfect storage:

    • Fridge: Store your dessert in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from becoming dry.
    • Freezer: Freeze vegan crème brûlée in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw: Thaw your dessert in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another treat.
    • Prep ahead: Prepare crème brûlée ahead of time, then keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it. Just add the sugar topping right before you serve it.
    A spoon scooping in a vegan crème brûlée topped with raspberries and mint.

    Variations

    • Coconut: Bring a creamy tropical flavor to your vegan crème brûlée with full-fat canned coconut milk in place of oat milk.
    • Chocolate: For an even more decadent variation, replace some of the custard mixture with melted vegan dark chocolate.
    • Colored: Add superfood powders like matcha, butterfly pea, pitaya, or blue spirulina for a unique and festive twist on the color of your treats.
    • Salted caramel: Swirl some vegan caramel sauce throughout the custard base, then add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of the crunchy caramel for a knockout flavor combo!

    Top tips

    • Don’t let it boil: Do not let the custard mixture boil in the saucepan. Keep it at a low simmer until it thickens.
    • Cool first: Let your custard cool completely before adding the caramelized sugar layer to avoid the topping from melting.
    • Kitchen torch: If you can, it’s best to use a kitchen torch to achieve that quintessential caramelized finish.
    A spoonful of vegan crème brûlée over a ramekin topped with raspberries and mint.

    FAQ

    Can I make a dairy-free crème brûlée without a torch? 

    If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can still make a great dairy-free crème brûlée. All you have to do is place the ramekins under the broiler in the oven for a minute or so.

    Can I use any sweetener for the caramelized topping of the crème brûlée? 

    Yes, you can use many sweeteners other than white sugar. A few other examples include coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave.

    How can I prevent my vegan crème brûlée from cracking?

    To prevent a cracked crème brûlée, make sure you don’t cook it for too long and let it cool down slowly to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.

    Similar recipes

    If you enjoyed this vegan crème brûlée recipe, be sure to check out some more of my favorite treats like these:

    • Chai Hot Chocolate: An easy hot chocolate recipe with chai spices.
    • Vegan Peach Ice Cream: Simple vegan ice cream with a fruit-forward flavor.
    • Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: A small batch recipe that’s simple to prepare.
    • Carrot Pie: A fun take on a sweet potato pie made from 100% carrots.
    • Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream: Beautiful, soft and fluffy cupcakes topped with easy to make strawberry buttercream.
    Vegan Crème brûlée in a couple ramekins topped with raspberries.

    Vegan Crème Brûlée

    5 from 3 votes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Resting Time: 6 hours hrs
    Total Time: 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 3 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    Crème brûlée, the iconic French dessert, made 100% vegan. Smooth creamy and silky custard layered with crackly caramelized sugar. A dessert that leaves you ultra-satisfied.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 ¾ cups oat brista blend
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
    • 1 ½ tablespoon agar agar flakes
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • turmeric (tiny pinch) optional: for custard color
    • 2-3 tablespoon sugar to caramelize the top

    METHOD
     

    • Place all the ingredients into a medium sauce pan minus the butter and the sugar to caramelize. Whisk all the ingredients together till there are no more clumps of corn starch.
    • Place the sauce pan on the low-medium heat and continuously whisk till it starts to thicken. This process can take 4 to 5 minutes.
      Note - Do not let it come to a boil.
    • Once it starts to thicken, immediately remove from the heat. Whisk in the butter till it completely dissolves into the custard.
      Note: Use a wooden or silicone spatula to check if you custard is ready. Coat the spatula with custard and run your finger through the custard. If it stays clean, then it is ready.
    • Pour it evenly into ramekins and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
    • To caramelize: Evenly spread a layer of sugar on top of each custard.
    • Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar by aiming the torch 2-3 inches away from ramekins. Keep moving the torch in a circular motion to evenly caramelize the top of the custard and to avoid burning one area.
    • Let the caramel harden for a couple of minutes before serving.
      Note: Vegan crème brûlée should be served immediately once the caramel hardens.

    NOTES

    • Don’t let it boil: Do not let the custard mixture boil in the saucepan. Keep it at a low simmer until it thickens.
    • Cool first: Let your custard cool completely before adding the caramelized sugar layer to avoid the topping from melting.
    • Kitchen torch: If you can, it’s best to use a kitchen torch to achieve that quintessential caramelized finish.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.02mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: French
    Keyword: vegan creme brulee
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    Puja from Green Heart Love

    I’m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

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