Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe (A Classic Sweet Dessert)

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Discovering a vegan version of the beloved crème brûlée can seem like a daunting task for dessert enthusiasts.

The quest for that perfect blend of creamy texture and crisp, caramelized topping, all while adhering to a plant-based diet, often feels like an insurmountable challenge.

From my own journey in the kitchen, I’ve faced the disappointment of recipes that just didn’t deliver the classic experience I craved.

However, the breakthrough came when I decided to experiment with coconut milk and a few key ingredients. This vegan crème brûlée recipe not only captures the essence of the traditional dessert but also elevates it with a delightful, dairy-free twist.

It’s a testament to the fact that with the right approach, you can enjoy all the richness and decadence of your favorite desserts, no compromises necessary.

What Is Vegan Creme Brulee?

Vegan crème brûlée is a plant-based version of the classic French dessert, substituting dairy products with alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream to achieve its signature creamy texture.

Sweetened with natural sugars or syrups, it maintains the traditional dessert’s essence without using animal-derived ingredients.

Agar agar or tapioca starch often replaces gelatin for the custard’s setting agent, ensuring it remains vegan-friendly. This dessert is topped with a layer of sugar, which is caramelized to a crisp, golden crust, offering a delightful contrast to the smooth, rich custard beneath.

Quick Fact: Vegan crème brûlée swaps traditional dairy with coconut milk, offering a rich, lactose-free alternative. Agar-agar is used for setting, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and plant-based.

Recipe Directions

• Prepare Ramekins: Start by getting out 4-6 small ramekins. Alternatively, you can use one large dish, such as a pie dish or a small casserole dish. Set these aside, ready for use.
• Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine soy milk, coconut milk, corn starch, sugar, turmeric, and salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
• Cook: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Continuously whisk as the mixture warms up. It will begin to thicken after 2-8 minutes. Once it reaches a thick consistency, remove from heat. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
• Set the Custard: Immediately pour the thickened mixture into the prepared ramekins. To prevent a skin from forming, cover each with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the custard. Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 4 hours, or for best results, leave them overnight.
• Caramelize Sugar: After the custard has chilled and set, sprinkle a thin layer of crunchy caramelized sugar over each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar, aiming for an even layer of golden-brown crust.
• Serve: Once the sugar topping is caramelized to perfection, serve the vegan crème brûlée immediately.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Flavor Infusions: Infuse the milk mixture with different flavors such as lavender, rose, matcha, or espresso by adding them during the heating process. Strain out any solids before pouring into ramekins.
• Chocolate Vegan Crème Brûlée: Add cocoa powder or melted vegan chocolate to the mixture for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Twist: Incorporate citrus zest like lemon, lime, or orange into the custard for a refreshing flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée: Mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard for a fall-themed dessert.

Add-Ons

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries, sliced figs, or tropical fruit like mango or kiwi for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Top with coconut cream just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a berry coulis for added flavor and presentation.

Toppings

• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios over the caramelized sugar for a crunchy texture.
• Edible Flowers: Garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful, elegant presentation.
• Spices: Before caramelizing the sugar, sprinkle a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom on top for a subtle spiced flavor.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a delightful crunch and a hint of coconut flavor.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Cauliflower – A versatile substitute for rice, mashed potatoes, and even steak for grilling.
• Zucchini – Spiralized zucchini replaces pasta, offering a low-carb, nutritious alternative.
• Mushrooms – Particularly portobellos, mimic the texture and flavor of meat, perfect for burgers and stews.
• Eggplant – Provides a meaty texture, ideal for lasagnas, bakes, and as a bacon substitute when thinly sliced and seasoned.
• Butternut Squash – Used in place of noodles in casseroles and gratins for a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Spinach – A nutrient-rich filler for smoothies, quiches, and as a substitute for lettuce in wraps.
• Sweet Potatoes – Serve as a hearty base for vegan burgers, tacos, and as a filling, fiber-rich alternative to bread.
• Bell Peppers – Stuffed with grains and veggies, they make a colorful, nutritious replacement for meat-based fillings.

Quick Tip: For a creamy vegan soup without dairy, blend soaked cashews with your broth. It adds a rich texture and nutty flavor, perfect for enhancing any recipe.

Best Side Dishes

• Fresh Berry Salad A light, refreshing mix of seasonal berries with a hint of mint complements the richness of the crème brûlée.
• Citrus Sorbet A tangy, palate-cleansing sorbet offers a contrast to the dessert’s sweetness.
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Adds a touch of elegance and a chocolatey contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Vegan Shortbread Cookies These provide a delightful crunch and a buttery flavor that pairs well with the smooth custard.
• Espresso A shot of espresso or a small cup of strong coffee balances the sweetness and makes for a perfect ending to the meal.
• Almond Tuiles Thin, crispy almond-flavored cookies add a sophisticated texture contrast.
• Poached Pears Lightly spiced and poached in a sweet syrup, pears offer a soft, sweet complement to the dessert.
• Champagne Or Sparkling Wine A bubbly beverage can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall decadentdessert experience.

How To Serve?

• Chill Properly: Ensure the crème brûlée is thoroughly chilled, setting it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Sugar Topping: Just before serving, evenly sprinkle the top of each custard with a thin layer of sugar.
• Caramelize: Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it’s a golden brown. Move the torch in a circular motion for even caramelization.
• Garnish: Add a garnish for color and texture contrast. Fresh berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers work beautifully.
• Serve Immediately: Vegan crème brûlée is best enjoyed soon after caramelizing the sugar to enjoy the contrast between the warm, crispy top and the cool, creamy custard.
• Accompaniments: Offer side dishes like a citrus salad or vegan butter shortbread cookies to complement the dessert’s flavors.
• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a dessert wine, espresso, or herbal tea to round out the elegant dessert experience.

Quick Tip: To enhance flavor and reduce bitterness in homemade tomato sauce, add a pinch of baking soda. It neutralizes acidity, revealing the sauce’s natural sweetness.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store vegan traditional crème brûlée in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well sealed to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the custard base and refrigerate it overnight. This not only allows flavors to meld but also ensures a firm set, perfect for caramelizing sugar just before serving.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the custard, making it less creamy.
• Caramelizing Sugar: For best texture, caramelize the sugar topping right before serving. This maintains the crisp contrast to the creamy custard beneath.
• Serving: Return the chilled crème brûlée to room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding sugar and caramelizing for optimal flavor and texture.

Fact: The term “crème brûlée” means “burnt cream” in French, highlighting the dessert’s signature caramelized sugar topping that contrasts with its smooth, creamy custard base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Almond Milk Instead Of Soy Milk In Vegan Crème Brûlée?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk for soy milk in vegan crème brûlée. Almond milk will give a slightly different flavor profile, often nuttier and less rich compared to soy milk.

Keep in mind that the overall texture might be a bit lighter, as almond milk is generally less creamy than soy milk. Adjust the equal amounts of thickening agent, like cornstarch, if the mixture seems too thin.

How Do I Get A Smooth Custard For My Vegan Crème Brûlée?

Achieving a smooth custard texture involves a few key steps

• Whisk thoroughly: Make sure to whisk the mixture well to dissolve the cornstarch and brown sugar completely before heating.
• Heat gently: Cook the custard mixture over medium heat and constantly whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
• Strain the mixture: After adding the vanilla extract, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the ramekins to catch any lumps or solid bits.

Can I Make Vegan Crème Brûlée Without A Kitchen Torch?

While a kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar topping, you can use the broiler setting on your oven as an alternative.

Sprinkle the white sugar over your set custard, then place the ramekins under the broiler. Watch closely, as the sugar will caramelize quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes. Remove them as soon as the sugar turns golden brown.

Why Is My Vegan Crème Brûlée Not Setting Properly?

If your vegan crème brûlée isn’t setting, it might be due to a few reasons:

• Insufficient thickening agent: Ensure you’re using the right amount of cornstarch as specified in the recipe. Too little can result in a runny custard.
• Not enough chill time: The custard needs several hours, preferably overnight, to set properly in the refrigerator. Rushing this process can lead to a softer set.
• Measurement errors: Double-check your ingredient measurements to ensure accuracy, as too much liquid can affect the set.

How Can I Add Different Flavors To My Vegan Crème Brûlée?

Infusing your custard with different flavors is a great way to experiment with vegan crème brûlée. Here are some ideas:

• Vanilla bean: Instead of extract, use a whole vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor. Split the bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the milk mixture while heating.
• Citrus zest: Add the zest of lemon, lime, or orange to the milk mixture for a citrusy twist.
• Spices: Infuse the oat milk mixture with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for warmth and complexity.
• Coffee or tea: Brew strong coffee or tea and use it to replace part of the liquid in the recipe for a caffeinated or herbal flavor.