Vegan custard recipe is a silky delight that offers a lush texture and rich taste without any animal products. Crafted from plant-based ingredients, it’s a versatile dessert base or topping, shining in its simplicity.
Coconut milk and vanilla essence lend it a creamy depth, while turmeric adds a hint of color. Perfect for those seeking dairy-free indulgence, it’s a testament to culinary innovation.
WHY IT WORKS?
- Incorporates natural sweeteners, offering a healthier alternative.
- Agar-agar or cornstarch thickens the custard without eggs, catering to vegan diets.
- Infused with vanilla or almond extract for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Versatile in use, from filling pies to a standalone dessert, enhancing its appeal.
- A homemade approach allows for customization, suiting various tastes and preferences.
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Craving a dessert that aligns with your vegan lifestyle can sometimes be daunting. I remember scouring the internet for a vegan custard recipe that kept the taste and texture intact.
The journey led me to experiment in my kitchen, determined to create a solution that would satisfy my sweet tooth while adhering to vegan principles.
This quest enlightened me on the versatility of plant-based ingredients and culminated in the discovery of a creamy, indulgent vegan custard.
If you’ve got a similar craving and are searching for a delicious and dairy-free dessert, you’re in for a treat. This homemade vegan custard recipe is a game-changer, offering the perfect blend of richness and flavor without animal products.
What Is Vegan Custard?
Vegan custard is a plant-based alternative to traditional custard, typically containing eggs and dairy. This version eschews animal products, utilizing ingredients like coconut, almond, or soy milk to achieve its creamy texture.
Thickeners such as cornstarch or agar-agar are commonly used to mimic the custard’s signature viscosity. Natural sweeteners and flavorings, such as maple syrup and vanilla extract, are added to enhance its taste.
Vegan custard serves as a versatile dessert component, great for filling pies, topping fruits, or enjoyed on its own as a silky, indulgent treat.
Quick Fact: Vegan custard commonly uses turmeric, which imparts a vibrant yellow hue naturally without the need for artificial colors, making it not only visually appealing but also healthier.
Recipe Directions
- Preparation: Off the heat, combine plant milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon peel in a pot. Use a whisk to stir the mixture until all lumps have dissolved and it is smooth.
- Cooking: Place the pot on a stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The liquid will thicken as it heats, transforming into a creamy custard. This process should take 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the heat and the specific quantities of your ingredients.
- Finishing Touches: Once the custard reaches your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and continue stirring for another minute. This helps prevent overcooking, and the custard will continue to thicken slightly.
- Consistency Check: To ensure your custard has reached the perfect consistency, perform a simple test. Dip a wooden or silicone spatula into the custard, then run your finger through it on the spatula (be cautious as it will be hot). If the line remains clear and the custard does not run, it’s ready.
- Serving: Pour the custard into your desired dish or use it as a component in other desserts. Allow it to cool slightly if serving warm, or chill in the refrigerator if you prefer it cold.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Chocolate Vegan Custard: Mix in cocoa powder or melted vegan chocolate during the cooking process for a rich, chocolatey version.
- Fruit-Flavored Custard: Incorporate pureed fruits like mango, strawberry, or raspberry for a refreshing fruit-flavored custard.
- Spiced Custard: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Coffee Custard: Dissolve instant coffee or espresso powder in hot water and add to the mix for a coffee-infused custard.
Add-Ons
- Fruit Compote or Fresh Fruits: Top your custard with a berry compote or fresh fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or peaches for added sweetness and texture.
- Nuts and Seeds: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios or seeds like chia or pumpkin seeds.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream on top of the custard adds a luxurious creaminess.
- Vegan Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
Toppings
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes offer a crispy texture and tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Vegan chocolate shavings or chips can add a touch of indulgence.
- Cookie Crumbles: Crumbled vegan cookies or graham crackers add a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Edible Flowers or Mint Leaves: For a more elegant presentation, garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Mushrooms For Meat: Mushrooms, especially portobellos, offer a meaty texture for burgers or stews.
- Cauliflower For Chicken: Cauliflower can mimic chicken in texture and is great for buffalo cauliflower wings or stir-fries.
- Jackfruit For Pulled Pork: When cooked, young green jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork, making it ideal for BBQ sandwiches.
- Eggplant For Fish: Eggplant can substitute for fish in vegan sushi or seafood dishes when sliced and seasoned.
- Lentils For Ground Meat: Lentils work well as a ground meat substitute in tacos, bolognese, or shepherd’s pie.
- Chickpeas For Tuna: Mashed chickpeas combined with vegan mayo and seasonings create a convincing “tuna” salad.
- Zucchini For Noodles: Spiralized zucchini makes a low-carb, gluten-free noodle alternative in pasta dishes.
- Butternut Squash For Cheese: When pureed, butternut squash adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness to mac’ n’ cheese.
Quick Tip – For a richer vegan custard, blend a tablespoon of cashew butter into your plant milk before cooking. It adds creaminess and subtle nutty undertones, enhancing the texture.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Shortbread Cookies Their buttery texture and simplicity make them a delightful accompaniment.
- Fresh Fruit Salad A mix of berries, kiwi, and mango offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy custard.
- Coconut Whipped Cream Adds a light, fluffy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
- Vegan Lemon Cake The zesty flavor pairs well with the smoothness of the custard.
- Almond Biscotti Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the custard’s creaminess.
- Chocolate Vegan Brownies For a decadent treat, the richness of chocolate brownies goes perfectly with the custard.
- Grilled Peaches When in season, grilled peaches provide a warm, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with custard.
- Vegan Scones Serve with a dollop of custard instead of cream for a delightful twist on a classic.
How To Serve?
- In Glass Parfaits: Layer the custard with fruits, granola, and vegan whipped cream in clear glasses for an elegant presentation.
- As Pie Filling: Use it as a creamy filling for your favorite vegan pie crust, topped with fresh fruit.
- With Fresh Berries: For a refreshing dessert, serve the custard in bowls topped with a colorful assortment of fresh berries.
- In Trifle Dishes: Layer vegan sponge cake, custard, and fruit compote in trifle dishes for a visually stunning dessert option.
- As a Dip for Fruit Skewers: Serve the custard as a dip alongside skewers of assorted fruits for a fun and interactive dessert.
- Topped with Vegan Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the custard with vegan caramel sauce for a decadently sweet treat.
- With Vegan Shortbread: Pair the custard with vegan shortbread cookies on the side for dipping.
- Frozen into Custard Pops: Pour the custard into molds and freeze for a cool, creamy treat on a hot day.
Quick Tip – Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface until ready to serve to prevent skin from forming on your vegan custard as it cools.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store vegan custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare your custard up to two days in advance to streamline dessert preparation for events. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Freezing: While freezing can alter the texture, pour into ice cream molds for a frozen treat and enjoy as custard pops.
- Reheating: Gently reheat over low heat or in a microwave, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Layering: For parfaits or trifles, assemble a few hours before serving to prevent sogginess and keep the layers distinct and visually appealing.
Fact – Vegan custard traditionally uses agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed. This allows it to set without eggs, making it a unique, inclusive dessert option for various dietary preferences.
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-Measure Ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting. This mise en place approach saves time and reduces stress during cooking.
- Blend to Mix: Combine the custard ingredients in a blender before cooking. This ensures a smooth mixture without lumps, eliminating the need for extensive whisking.
- Microwave for Initial Heat: To save time, heat the plant milk in the microwave for a minute before adding it to the pot with the other ingredients. This reduces overall cooking time.
- Strain for Smoothness: Instead of spending time trying to whisk out lumps, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the cooking pot. This guarantees a smooth custard without extra whisking.
- Cook on Medium-High Heat: Cooking the custard on medium-high heat, with constant stirring, can speed up the thickening process. Just be careful not to let it boil or burn.
- Cool in an Ice Bath: If you need to cool the custard quickly for immediate use, place the custard container in an ice bath, stirring occasionally to expedite cooling.
- Use Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a quicker thickener than other agents like agar-agar, which might require more precise temperature control and time.
Vegan Custard Recipe (Rich Aromatic Flavors)
Vegan custard is a delightful, plant-based dessert that mirrors the classic’s creamy texture without using dairy or eggs. Made with ingredients like almond milk, cornstarch, and natural sweeteners, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as a component in various desserts. Perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or with dietary restrictions.
4
servings5
minutes2
minutes150
kcal1
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For a Low-Fat Lighter Custard
2 cups 2 Plant Milk (soy, almond, oats, rice)
½ cup ½ Cornstarch
⅓ cup ⅓ Sugar
⅛ Tsp ⅛ Turmeric
1 Tsp 1 Vanilla Extract
½ Peel ½ Lemon Peel
- For A Full-Fat Richer Custard
1½ cups 1½ Plant Milk (soy, almond, oats, rice)
⅔ cup ⅔ Plant Cream (soy cream, rice cream, coconut cream/milk)
½ cup ½ Cornstarch
⅓ cup ⅓ Sugar
⅛ Tsp ⅛ Turmeric
1 Tsp 1 Vanilla Extract
Directions
- Preparation
- In a medium-sized pot, off the heat, combine the plant milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla extract, and turmeric. If you’re using lemon peel for extra flavor, add it now.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the cornstarch is dissolved and smooth, ensuring no lumps.
- Cooking
- Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
- Continue to stir the mixture continuously. This is important to prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to avoid lumps.
- As the mixture heats, it will start to thicken. This usually takes between 2 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring to achieve a creamy, smooth custard.
- Finishing Touches
- Remove the pot from the heat once the custard has thickened to your liking. If you used a piece of lemon peel, now is the time to remove and discard it.
- Continue stirring the custard for about one more minute off the heat. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures the custard thickens to the perfect consistency.
- Consistency Check
- To check if the custard is ready, take a spoon or spatula, dip it into the custard, and then run your finger through it. If the line made by your finger stays clear without the custard running back together, your custard is set.
- Serving
- Transfer the custard to your desired serving dish. If you prefer it warm, allow it to cool slightly before serving. If you prefer a cold dessert, let the custard cool to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator.
- Vegan custard can be served as is or used as a component in various desserts, such as fruit tarts, vegan trifle, or simply topped with fresh fruit.
- Equipments List
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Blender (optional)
- Heat-Resistant Spatula
- Refrigerator-Safe Storage Container
- Serving Dishes
Notes
- Choice of Plant Milk: Soy, almond, oats, or rice milk affects the flavor; choose based on preference.
- Sugar Alternatives: Maple syrup or agave can be used for a different sweetness profile.
- Flavor Variations: Add cocoa powder for chocolate custard or fruit purees for a fruity twist.
- Thickening Agents: Agar-agar can substitute cornstarch for a firmer texture.
- Storage: Custard can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
- Serving Cold: Chill thoroughly for a refreshing dessert, especially in warm weather.
- Vegan Cream: For a richer custard, add plant-based cream for extra creaminess.
- Lemon Peel: Adds a subtle zest; remove before serving for a smoother texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Vegan Custard Without Cornstarch?
Yes, you can make vegan custard without cornstarch by using alternative thickeners. Agar-agar is a popular choice, derived from seaweed, and works well for setting custards firmly.
Arrowroot powder is another option, offering a similar texture without altering the flavor. When substituting, please pay attention to the thickening power of your alternative, as it may differ from cornstarch, requiring adjustments to the quantity used.
How Can I Sweeten Vegan Custard Without Using Sugar?
Vegan custard can be sweetened with natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Maple syrup, agave nectar, and date syrup are excellent choices, offering distinct flavors and sweetness.
Coconut sugar is another option, providing a caramel-like taste. When using liquid sweeteners, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to maintain the desired consistency.
Is It Possible To Make Vegan Custard Nut-Free?
Absolutely. To make a nut-free vegan custard, choose a plant milk that isn’t derived from nuts. Soy, oat, and rice milk are great nut-free alternatives that still provide a creamy texture suitable for custard.
Ensure that any added ingredients, like plant-based creams or flavorings, are also nut-free to keep the dish safe for those with allergies.
Can Vegan Custard Be Frozen For Later Use?
Vegan custard can be frozen, but it’s important to note that the texture may change upon thawing. Freezing can cause the custard to separate slightly or become grainy.
For best results, freeze in an airtight container and whisk well after thawing to restore some of the smoothness. Consider using frozen vegan custard in baked goods or blended into smoothies rather than as a standalone dessert.
How Can I Flavor My Vegan Custard For Variety?
Vegan custard is incredibly versatile and can be flavored in numerous ways. Vanilla and lemon peel are classic options, but you can experiment with cocoa powder for a chocolate version or blend in fruit purees for a fruity custard.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth. Coffee extract or liqueurs can introduce sophisticated flavors suitable for adult palates. The possibilities are nearly endless, inviting creativity into your vegan dessert repertoire.
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