Name: Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 oz Full-fat Coconut Milk; 1/3 cup Water; 5 tablespoons Sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons Egg Replacer Powder (Ener-G brand recommended); 1 1/2 tablespoons Organic Cornstarch; 1/2 Vanilla Bean Caviar (scraped from the inside of a vanilla bean); 1/2 teaspoon Nutritional Yeast; A pinch of Salt; Extra Sugar for brûlée-ing (caramelizing on top, about 1-2 teaspoons per ramekin)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 87 reviews

If you have ever craved the rich, creamy indulgence of a classic Crème Brûlée but needed to avoid dairy and eggs, then you are in for a delightful surprise. This Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe reimagines the iconic dessert using simple plant-based ingredients to create a luscious, velvety custard with that perfect caramelized sugar top everyone loves. It is a comforting and elegant treat that tastes every bit as luxurious as the original, and it’s sure to become your new favorite sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface: a container of nutritional yeast flakes on the left, a yellow mixing bowl behind a box of egg replacer and a box of organic corn starch, with a small can of coconut milk in front. A vanilla bean pod lies beside the ingredients. On the right side, a yellow measuring spoon holds white powder, heaped above the edges with some powder spilled on the surface. The colors are natural and warm from the wooden texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps it straightforward with a handful of accessible ingredients that each play an essential role. From the creamy coconut milk that forms the base to the subtle hint of vanilla bean caviar for depth, every component works in harmony to bring velvety texture, sweetness, and that unmistakable crème brûlée flavor.

Full-fat Coconut Milk: Creates the rich, creamy body essential for a smooth custard.
Water: Adjusts consistency so the custard sets perfectly without being too thick.
Sugar: Sweetens naturally and caramelizes on top for the signature brûlée crunch.
Egg Replacer Powder: Provides structure and stability without eggs—Ener-G works wonderfully.
Organic Cornstarch: Thickens the mixture gently for that silky custard texture.
Vanilla Bean Caviar: Adds an authentic and fragrant vanilla flavor more intense than extract.
Nutritional Yeast: Gives subtle depth and richness, balancing sweetness with a slight savory note.
Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Extra Sugar for Caramelizing: Creates the crunch that defines a perfect crème brûlée topping.

How to Make Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by combining all the custard ingredients—coconut milk, water, sugar, egg replacer, cornstarch, vanilla bean caviar, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt—in a blender. Puree them thoroughly for at least 30 seconds until smooth with no powdery bits. This ensures an even texture before cooking.

Step 2: Heat Gently and Thicken

Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat, depending on your stove. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps as it simmers. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard coats the back of a spoon thickly but still wobbly, similar to jello—that perfect balance for silky vegan crème brûlée.

Step 3: Prepare the Water Bath and Bake

Place your ramekins inside a casserole dish and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Pour the custard evenly into each ramekin and carefully transfer everything to the oven preheated at 325ºF. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes depending on the size of your ramekins—smaller ones cook faster. You want the custard to be set but gently jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Chill Until Firm

Once baked, allow the ramekins to cool enough to handle, then transfer them to a cooling rack and place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial to fully set the custard and develop its creamy texture.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar evenly over each custard. Use a culinary torch or the oven broiler to melt the sugar, watching closely until it turns a lovely amber brown. If the sugar clumps or melts unevenly, pulse it in a dry blender for a finer texture that caramelizes more easily. Serve immediately for that iconic crisp sugar top.

How to Serve Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe

The image shows a white oval ceramic dish filled with a pale yellow custard base topped with an even layer of raw, sparkling granulated sugar. The top sugar layer is being caramelized by a blue flame from a torch held close above the surface. The custard underneath is smooth and creamy, visible through the sugar that glistens with light reflections. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holds the torch steadily near the right side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by topping your vegan crème brûlée with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. A sprig of mint adds a refreshing contrast against the creamy custard. For a touch of elegance, dust a light sprinkle of edible gold dust or toasted coconut flakes.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines best after a light, fresh meal. Think crisp green salads or simple grain bowls. If you want to elevate the experience, serve alongside a cup of aromatic herbal tea or a rich, smooth vegan coffee to complement the vanilla sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe in colorful ramekins or mini mason jars. Layer the custard with a swirl of berry compote or vegan whipped cream before caramelizing the sugar for a twist. You can also create individual spoons of brûlée for a party-friendly, bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten vegan crème brûlée in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard will continue to thicken slightly as it chills, so it may firm up more but will remain creamy and delightful.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing crème brûlée isn’t ideal because the custard texture can become grainy when thawed. For best results, enjoy this Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. If you want to refresh the crunchy caramelized sugar topping after refrigeration, sprinkle a little more sugar and use a torch or broiler again to recrisp it before serving.

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?

Coconut milk’s richness helps achieve the creamy texture crucial in this recipe. Almond milk is thinner and may result in a less silky custard, but you can try using it mixed with a tablespoon of coconut cream to get closer to the original texture.

What can I substitute for the egg replacer powder?

Egg replacer helps with setting and structure; you might experiment with a blend of agar-agar or soaked flaxseed, but results may vary. Ener-G egg replacer is reliable because it thickens without flavor impact.

How important is using vanilla bean caviar?

Vanilla bean caviar provides an intense, authentic vanilla flavor and beautiful speckles within the custard, elevating the dessert dramatically. If unavailable, high-quality vanilla extract can work but expect slightly less depth.

Can I prepare this recipe without a kitchen torch?

Absolutely! You can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Just place the ramekins close to the heat source and watch carefully to avoid burning. Use a fine sugar for even melting.

Is this recipe suitable for people with soy allergies?

Yes, this Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe uses coconut milk and does not contain soy, making it great for those with soy allergies or intolerances.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Vanilla Crème Brûlée Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite desserts to share with friends and family. It captures the essence of the classic crème brûlée in a plant-based, allergy-friendly way that satisfies cravings and impresses with its elegance. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just love exploring new flavors, give it a try—you’ll fall in love with that silky custard and caramelized sugar crack every time.