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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Vegan Flan

    Published: Apr 5, 2023 · by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This vegan flan is rich, creamy, and indulgent! The custard base is made with plant-based ingredients like oat milk, vanilla, and dairy-free butter, then it’s paired with a perfectly caramelized topping. Get ready to “wow” your friends and family as they take their first bite!

    What is flan? 

    Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a popular European dessert that is thought to have originated in ancient Rome. It’s now a popular dessert in many countries around the world, including Latin America and the Philippines.

    It features a creamy custard base infused with vanilla and is served with a thin caramel layer on top. Typically, the texture of flan is achieved with a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar.

    Is flan vegan?

    Of course, flan is not very vegan-friendly. However, creating a delicious vegan flan with the same rich and creamy textures is possible with plant-based ingredients.

    The combination of oat milk, cornstarch, and vegan butter emulates the egg-based custard that everyone loves. Rest assured, once you take your first bite, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference!

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients laid out for vegan flan in separate dishes with labels.
    • Oat milk: For the best custard consistency, do your best to source an oat milk barista blend. If you can’t find it, full-fat coconut milk is the next best option.
    • Vegan condensed milk: I find the most ideal flavor and texture come from oat-based condensed milk. However, you can also use coconut-based condensed milk. Alternatively, try making your own by reducing oat or coconut milk by about half. 
    • Cornstarch: To thicken the custard, creating a pudding-like mouthfeel. If you don’t have cornstarch, use potato starch or tapioca starch instead.
    • Agar agar: Made from algae, agar helps thicken and set the custard. You can use flakes or powder, adjusting the measurements accordingly. You should be able to find agar at any vegan market, health food store, or online.
    • Sugar: To sweeten the custard and create the golden caramel topping flan is known for. Depending on availability, use unrefined cane sugar or vegan-friendly granulated sugar. 
    • Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, creamy flavor and enhances the richness of the custard. Always opt for pure vanilla extract whenever you can!
    • Vegan butter: Adds another layer of richness and flavor that emulates eggs. Vegan butter shouldn’t be replaced with coconut oil or vegetable oil in this recipe. If you can’t find any, it’s better to just omit it.
    • Salt: Similar to vanilla, salt plays an important role in sweets to bring out the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt!

    How to make vegan flan

    As sauce pan with sugar in it.
    A sauce pan with caramel in it.
    A round baking dish with caramel in it.
    • Step 1: Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Carefully and evenly pour the hot syrup into a 9-inch round non-stick baking dish.
    Whisking custard with a whisk in a saucepan.
    • Step 2: Place both milks, cornstarch, agar, sugar, vanilla, and salt into a medium saucepan, but leave the butter out for now. Whisk all the ingredients until there are no more clumps of cornstarch left.
    A wooden spatula with custard coated on it and a clear path made through it.
    Coat a wooden spoon and run your finger through to check if the custard has thickened.
    • Step 3: Heat the custard mixture over low-medium until it starts to thicken. This process can take about 5 minutes, so be patient and remember to whisk it continually.
    A round baking dish with custard in it.
    • Step 4: Remove the thickened mixture from the stovetop and whisk in the butter until it’s completely incorporated. Wait 15 minutes for the custard to cool off, then pour it into the baking dish over the caramelized sugar. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then cover it and chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
    A round baking dish with firm custard in it and edges are loosened.
    A round baking dish with a upside down plate over it.
    Vegan flan in a round serving plate.
    • Step 5: Once it’s set, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges. Place a serving plate upside down over the baking dish, then tightly hold the dishes together to flip and invert the flan onto the serving plate.

    What to serve with vegan flan

    A slice of vegan flan topped with whipped cream.

    While vegan flan makes a perfect dessert on its own, here are some of my favorite toppings to create an even more extravagant treat:

    • Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or raspberries
    • Apple, strawberry, or mixed berry compote
    • Oat milk whipped cream
    • Vegan chocolate sauce
    • Vegan caramel sauce

    Storage

    • Fridge: You can store vegan flan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.  
    • Freezer: Unfortunately, the texture changes too much after freezing and thawing. It’s best to consume flan immediately or keep it in the fridge.

    Variations

    • Chocolatey: Before blending the mixture, add Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
    • Lavender: In place of some sugar, use some lavender simple syrup for a herbal twist.
    • Nutty: Add different nut extracts like hazelnut or almond to the mixture.
    • Pumpkin: Use pumpkin puree as the base of the flan, and season it with a healthy sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
    • Citrusy: Zest a lemon, lime, or orange and add it to the flan for a bright and refreshing element.
    Front facing slice of vegan flan with whipped cream.

    Top tips

    • Double-check the agar: The measurement varies depending on whether you use agar flakes or powder. Make sure to double-check the package before starting the recipe.
    • Watch the sugar: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. Sugar can burn quickly and the flavor will turn very bitter.
    • Cool first: Let the flan cool for at least 10-15 minutes before storing it in the fridge. This will allow it time to set properly.
    • Melt the caramel: Let the flan sit for 15 minutes at room temperature before inverting into a serving dish. This helps the caramel melt and have a glaze like consistency before flipping over.
    • Use a knife: Don’t forget to run a knife around the edges of your vegan before flipping it over. This makes it so much easier to remove!

    FAQ

    Can I use a different type of milk instead of oat milk?

    Yes, you can achieve a similar texture with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Just note that there will be mild coconut undertones in the final taste of the vegan flan. 

    Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?

    Yes, you can use other types of sweeteners like maple syrup or agave. The color of the custard and the caramel topping may both turn out slightly darker.

    Vegan flan pie in a round serving plate.

    Similar Recipes

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

    • Carrot Pie: Simple pie made with carrots and warming spices.
    • Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Small-batch chocolate chip cookies. 
    • Peach Ice Cream: A fruit-forward ice cream that’s made from home. 
    • Chai Hot Chocolate: Easy hot chocolate combined with chai spices. 
    A slice of flan on a pie lifter getting lifted from the flan pie.

    Easy Vegan Flan

    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 15 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 8 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    This rich and creamy vegan flan features a plant-based custard base infused with vanilla and served with a thin caramel layer on top. This silky smooth indulgence will be so hard to tell it's dairy-free and egg-free. Serve this with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and some fresh fruits.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    Custard

    • 1 cup oat milk barista oat milk barista
    • 11 ¼ ounces oat milk condensed milk sweetened
    • 1 ½ tablespoon cornstartch
    • 2 ½ teaspoon agar agar powder
    • 2 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoon vegan butter
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Caramel

    • ½ cup sugar

    METHOD
     

    • Melt sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until liquified. Carefully and evenly pour hot syrup into a 9-inch round non-stick baking dish. Set aside till you make the custard.
    • Place all the custard ingredients into a medium sauce pan minus the butter. 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.
    • 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.
    • Let the custard cool down for 15 minutes, then pour it into the baking dish over the caramelized sugar. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
    • Once set, remove the flan from refrigerator and let it sit at remove temperature for 15 minutes for the caramelized sugar to loosen up. Then use a butter knife to carefully loosening the edges around the whole pie. Place a serving plate upside down over the baking dish, then tightly hold the dishes together to flip and invert the flan onto the serving plate.
    • Let caramel sauce flow over flan. Slice up it up and serve it with a dollop of vegan whipped cream.

    NOTES

      • Double-check the agar: The measurement varies depending on whether you use agar flakes or powder. Make sure to double-check the package before starting the recipe.
      • Watch the sugar: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. Sugar can burn quickly and the flavor will turn very bitter.
      • Cool first: Let the flan cool for at least 10-15 minutes before storing it in the fridge. This will allow it time to set properly.
      • Melt the caramel: Let the flan sit for 15 minutes at room temperature before inverting into a serving dish. This helps the caramel melt and have a glaze like consistency before flipping over.
      • Use a knife: Don’t forget to run a knife around the edges of your vegan before flipping it over. This makes it so much easier to remove!
    •  
    •  
    •  

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 897kcal | Carbohydrates: 180g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 768mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 151g | Vitamin A: 1069IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Latin America, Mexican, Spain
    Keyword: Vegan Flan, vegan flan recipe
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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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