If you have a sweet tooth and love that classic, silky dessert with a crispy caramelized crust, then you’re going to adore this Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe. It captures the luxurious creaminess and wonderful texture of traditional crème brûlée but is completely plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to indulge without dairy. Creamy coconut milk, smooth tapioca starch, and a hint of vanilla come together in this recipe to create something truly delightful. Trust me, once you try this Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe, it might just become your favorite decadent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two white round ramekins filled with creamy, pale yellow custard topped with a thin, caramelized golden-brown crust that has slightly darker toasted spots scattered across the surface. The ramekins sit on a white marbled table, with a small white bowl of plump, dark blueberries to the side. A silver spoon with a wooden handle rests nearby, and a folded light beige linen napkin lies in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe lies in its simplicity and the pure, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create a luscious dessert. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s delivering creaminess, sweetness, or that signature vanilla essence that makes creme brûlée so irresistible.

Full-fat coconut milk: The star ingredient providing a rich, creamy texture that’s essential for indulgence.
Plant-based milk (½ cup): To balance the coconut’s richness while maintaining smoothness and a mild flavor.
Tapioca starch (3 tbsp): Acts as the perfect natural thickener, giving the custard its silky consistency.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the caramelized topping.
Agar-agar powder (¾ tsp): A vegan-friendly gelling agent that helps set the custard without baking.
Pinch of sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the custard with that classic warm, aromatic note that makes this dish irresistible.
Sugar for caramelizing (1 tsp per ramekin): Creates the crunchy, brûléed top that is an absolute delight when cracked through.

How to Make Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Base

The first step is all about bringing the ingredients together. Combine the full-fat coconut milk, plant-based milk, tapioca starch, sugar, agar-agar, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend everything until it’s completely smooth. This ensures the starch dissolves well for that perfect creamy finish. If you don’t have a blender handy, whisk everything by hand but take your time to avoid lumps.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Next, pour your blended mixture into a medium saucepan and set it to medium-low heat on the stove. This is where patience pays off: whisk constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the edges for the first small bubbles. That’s your signal the custard is thickening. Remember, do not wait for a full boil since that can ruin the delicate texture.

Step 3: Pour and Cool

Once thickened, carefully pour the custard into ramekins. Allow them to rest at room temperature for about an hour so they start to set gently. This slow cooling helps avoid cracks and maintains creaminess.

Step 4: Refrigerate Until Firm

Wrap the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for several hours or until fully firm. This refrigeration step is essential for the perfect custard consistency.

Step 5: Caramelize the Top

When you’re ready to enjoy your Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe, sprinkle one teaspoon of sugar evenly over each chilled custard. To create that iconic caramelized crust, use a kitchen blow torch to melt and brown the sugar evenly. If you don’t have a torch, place the ramekins on a baking sheet under the oven broiler for about a minute, watching vigilantly as it browns quickly. This crisp top is the final touch you’ll love cracking into.

How to Serve Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a creamy light yellow base layer topped with a shiny, thin, orange caramelized sugar crust. On one side of the bowl, there are fresh blueberries, some whole and some sliced in half showing their dark purple inside, alongside bright red raspberries and a small green mint leaf. A silver spoon with a wooden handle is scooping into the caramelized top, breaking it to reveal the creamy layer underneath. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries elevates the presentation and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy custard. A small sprig of mint also adds a pop of color and complements the vanilla notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Although this Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe is a dessert star, pairing it with light, fresh fruit salads or a delicate almond biscotti can perfect the meal. These sides bring texture and balance without overpowering the rich custard.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your custard in mini mason jars or small decorative glasses. You could also add edible flowers on top of the caramelized sugar for a stunning look that impresses guests at dinner parties. Presentation truly makes the experience even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep them covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent the custard from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

While you can freeze the custard, it’s better to freeze before caramelizing the top. Pour the base mixture into containers and freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and caramelize just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy the custard warm, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave in short bursts. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling. Always caramelize the sugar topping fresh after reheating for that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based milk in this Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, or any other plant-based milk can work. Just choose one with a neutral flavor so it doesn’t overpower the coconut and vanilla.

Is agar-agar necessary or can I substitute it?

Agar-agar is important to get the firm custard texture in this vegan recipe since there are no eggs. If you don’t have it, you can try cornstarch or arrowroot but the texture might be less firm.

How do I get the perfect caramelized top without a blow torch?

Using your oven’s broiler is a great alternative. Just keep a very close eye as sugar can burn in seconds. Broil on high for about one minute until golden brown.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure to check your vanilla extract and plant-based milk for any additives.

How long does the sugar crust stay crispy?

The caramelized sugar crust is crispiest right after you create it. Over time, especially in the fridge, it can soften. For the best crackly top, caramelize the sugar just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe truly proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to enjoy a luxurious, creamy dessert with a perfectly caramelized top. It’s simple to make, uses accessible ingredients, and feels downright indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings to your table. Once you do, it might become your go-to dessert for impressing friends or satisfying your own sweet cravings.