Vegan Creme Brulee

One big challenge for vegans is searching for delicious desserts. This Vegan Creme Brulee tastes so good you won’t miss the eggs and dairy. 

Crème Brulée is a classic French dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It originated in France in the 17th century and has since become a globally popular dessert! 

However, since the traditional recipe contains eggs and heavy cream, it is not an option for vegans. 

That’s why I decided to create a vegan version of this classic dessert that not only tastes delicious but also fits vegan standards. 

 

Why you should try this Vegan Crème Brulée Recipe

 

A healthier alternative to the traditional French dessert. Vegan Crème Brulée can be a healthier option than traditional Crème Brulée, as it is often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.  I used coconut milk which is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. I also used erythritol for the custard. Erythritol has a glycemic index of 0, which means it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It has 0.2 calories per gram compared to regular sugar, which has 4 calories per gram.

Deliciousness: Despite being made without dairy and eggs, Vegan Crème Brulée can be just as creamy and delicious as its traditional counterpart. In fact, many people who have tried Vegan Crème Brulée have said that they prefer it over the traditional version. You can serve your dessert with berry sauce, jam, or dried fruits for a more luscious experience!

It’s easy to make. The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in about 30 minutes. The key ingredient in traditional Crème Brulée is the custard, which is typically made with eggs, heavy cream, and sugar. To create a lighter, vegan version, I had to come up with a substitute for these ingredients that would still provide the same creamy and rich texture.

For the Vegan Custard, I decided to use a combination of coconut milk and cornstarch. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture, while the cornstarch acts as a thickener. I also added a vanilla pod. Once the custard is prepared, it’s time to move onto the topping. 

 

Vegan Crème Brulee Recipe Quick facts

 Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 15 min

Chilling time: 4 hrs.

Total time: 4 hrs. 20 min

Serves: 2

 

Ingredients in Vegan Creme Brulee:

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1/3 cup erythritol
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 vanilla pod
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to make Vegan Creme Brulee (step by step):

1. Combine the coconut milk, erythritol, and cornstarch in a saucepan; give it a good stir. Whisk vigorously until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Slice the vanilla pod in half and scrape out the seeds. Add 1/2 of the vanilla pod and seeds to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes (make sure to stir continuously using a wire whisk to avoid lumps).
3. Remove from heat. Pour your Crème Brulee into 2 ramekins (or 2 serving bowls). Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours.
4. Before serving, sprinkle the top of each custard with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar and create a crispy top coating.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

 

 

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.1g | Protein: 2.4g | Fat: 24.1g | Saturated Fat: 21.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 12.6g | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3.8mg

8 WW Points

 

Vegan Crème Brulée Variations/Substitutions

 

Get creative. Vegan Crème Brulée can be a fun and creative way to experiment with plant-based cooking, and is a great way to showcase the versatility of vegan ingredients. It can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences by adding different flavors. 

• For instance, you can make chocolate Vegan Custard! Add a few tablespoons of vegan chocolate chips to the custard mixture before cooking to create a rich chocolate flavor. 
• Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder instead of caramelized sugar. Nutty Vegan Custard is also a good variation of this dessert, where the creaminess of the dessert and its velvety texture create a delightful contrast with the crunchy nuts. You can add chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to the custard mixture. Top with granulated sugar and nuts and use a kitchen torch to caramelize nuts. 
• Other great variations include Pumpkin Crème Brulée, Coconut Crème Brulée, Chai Crème Brulée, and so forth.

The key is to sweeten it properly. Many Vegan Custard recipes use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar, which can add a unique flavor profile to the dessert.

Go one step further. Some Vegan Crème Brulée recipes use aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, to create a frothy topping that mimics the traditional burnt sugar topping of a classic dessert. 

 

Tips and Tricks for making Vegan Crème Brulée

 

• Vegan Crème Brulée is a dreamy creamy dessert with a decadent crunchy topping that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. However, the process of making Vegan Custard can be somewhat challenging, as it requires careful attention to detail and precise cooking temperatures to achieve the perfect texture and consistency:
• Use full-fat coconut milk. It is a great substitute for heavy cream in Vegan Crème Brulée, giving the dessert a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Let the custard mixture rest: Once you’ve made the custard mixture, let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow any bubbles to rise to the surface.
• A kitchen torch is the best tool for caramelizing the topping. Hold the torch 2-3 inches away from the surface and move it in circular motions until the sugar is melted and caramelized. Be careful not to over-caramelize the sugar topping, as this can burn the custard underneath. Aim for a golden-brown color.
• Serve the Vegan Crème Brulée immediately after caramelizing, as the sugar topping will start to soften over time.
• Technically, you can freeze Vegan Crème Brulée, but the texture may not be as desirable once thawed. The custard may become watery and lose its creamy consistency. The burnt sugar crust may also become soggy as it thaws. If you still must freeze Vegan Custard, keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.