Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Vegan Crème Brûlée

Prepare to be enchanted by our revolutionary Vegan Crème Brûlée, a dessert that redefines indulgence without compromise. This exquisite creation is not only dairy-free and gluten-free but also delivers all the luxurious richness, silken texture, and iconic caramelized crunch you expect from a classic crème brûlée. Crafted for those who seek plant-based perfection, our recipe proves that ethical eating can be utterly decadent. Say goodbye to dietary limitations and hello to a sophisticated treat that will impress even the most discerning palates. Ooh-la-la, indeed!

Why This Vegan Crème Brûlée Stands Out as a Culinary Gem

Our plant-based crème brûlée isn’t just a delicious dessert; it’s a culinary triumph, offering a multitude of reasons to fall in love:

• Effortlessly Elegant & Fun to Create: Forget the intimidating reputation of traditional crème brûlée! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Plus, how often do you get to wield a blowtorch in the kitchen? The process itself is a delightful experience, culminating in that satisfying moment when you crack through the golden, crunchy sugar topping to reveal the smooth, creamy custard beneath. It’s a sensory journey from start to finish!
• Uncomplicated Preparation, Superior Results: Unlike its traditional counterpart, our vegan version remarkably simplifies the baking process. There’s no fussy water bath required, nor any extraneous baking steps that can often lead to overcooked or cracked custards. This streamlined approach ensures a perfect, velvety custard every time, making it significantly easier to achieve professional-level results at home.
• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dessert for Any Occasion: Planning a dinner party, a holiday feast, or a special celebration? This crème brûlée is your secret weapon! The custard can be prepared up to three days in advance, covered tightly in ramekins, and refrigerated. When it’s time to serve, simply dust with sugar and caramelize with a blowtorch for a freshly made experience that will leave your guests in awe. Its make-ahead convenience takes the stress out of last-minute dessert preparations.

Fun Fact: “Crème Brûlée” is French for “burnt cream,” aptly describing its signature caramelized sugar crust.

Understanding the Key Ingredients for a Perfect Plant-Based Crème Brûlée

The magic of our vegan crème brûlée lies in a few carefully selected ingredients that mimic the richness of dairy while offering unique nutritional benefits. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted creamy texture and profound flavor:

Cashews: The Creamy Foundation

Cashews are the unsung heroes of many vegan creamy dishes, and they truly shine in this crème brûlée. These sweet, kidney-shaped nuts are packed with essential vitamins, including several B vitamins, and important minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Furthermore, studies suggest cashews can offer significant heart benefits due to their healthy monounsaturated fats. For this recipe, it’s crucial to use unsalted and unflavored “raw” cashews. While commercially labeled “raw,” it’s worth noting they aren’t technically uncooked; they’ve typically been steamed to neutralize chemicals present in their toxic shells and make them safe for consumption. Soaking your cashews before blending is a critical step, as it softens them, allowing them to blend into an incredibly smooth, silky cream that forms the luxurious base of our custard, perfectly replacing dairy cream.

Arrowroot Powder: The Natural Thickener

Arrowroot Powder is a star in gluten-free and vegan baking and cooking, acting as a superb thickening agent. Extracted from the rhizomes of the arrowroot plant, it is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. It’s an excellent alternative to cornstarch, often preferred for its neutral taste and ability to create a glossy, clear finish in sauces and custards. Nutritionally, arrowroot powder often boasts more dietary fiber and calcium than cornstarch. Crucially, its extraction process typically avoids high heat or harsh chemicals, making it a more natural choice. In this recipe, arrowroot powder is essential for giving the custard its perfect set and luscious texture without using eggs or gelatin, ensuring a truly plant-based and firm yet delicate consistency.

Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For Unrivaled Richness

Beyond cashews, full-fat coconut milk is paramount to achieving the rich, decadent mouthfeel that defines a great crème brûlée. The high-fat content of full-fat coconut milk contributes significantly to the custard’s creaminess and helps it set beautifully. Lower-fat varieties simply won’t yield the same luxurious texture and may take considerably longer, if at all, to firm up. Always opt for canned, unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for the best results, as carton coconut beverages are too thin.

Vegan Granulated Sugar: Sweetness Without Compromise

While sugar might seem straightforward, it’s important to specify vegan granulated sugar. Some conventional granulated sugars are processed using bone char, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. Brands like Sugar in the Raw, or those specifically labeled as vegan, ensure your dessert remains entirely plant-based. The sugar not only sweetens the custard but also forms that indispensable crispy topping.

Vanilla Extract and Turmeric: Flavor and Subtle Hue

A generous amount of vanilla extract is vital for infusing the custard with its classic, comforting aroma and flavor. It brightens the entire dessert. A tiny pinch of turmeric, while not impacting flavor, is a clever addition to impart a beautiful, subtle golden hue to the custard, mimicking the color of traditional egg-yolk-based crème brûlée without any artificial coloring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Divine Vegan Crème Brûlée

Creating this plant-based crème brûlée is a rewarding process that begins on the stovetop and ends with a satisfying crack! Follow these steps closely for a flawlessly creamy and crunchy dessert.

1. Prepare the Custard Base: Grab your favorite medium-sized saucepan. Combine the full-fat coconut milk, arrowroot powder, and raw cashews. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly before heating to ensure the arrowroot dissolves completely and prevents lumps. Gradually bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.

   

2. Infuse Sweetness and Flavor: Into the hot mixture in the saucepan, stir in the vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and just a tiny pinch of turmeric. The turmeric is purely for color, giving the custard a beautiful golden glow without affecting the taste. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.

   

3. Achieve Silky Smoothness: Carefully transfer the warm mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend everything together on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible cashew pieces remaining. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Ensure the cashews are finely pulverized to achieve that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If working with hot liquids, remember our safety tips outlined below!

   

4. Chill to Perfection: Divide your velvety mixture evenly among individual ramekins or crème brûlée dishes. Fill them almost to the rim. Once filled, cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for a minimum of 4-5 hours, or preferably overnight, until the custard is fully set and firm. This chilling time is essential for the arrowroot and fats to bind and create the perfect custard consistency.

   

5. Create the Iconic Caramelized Crust: Once the custard is perfectly set and chilled, remove the ramekins from the refrigerator. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of vegan granulated sugar (about 1 teaspoon per ramekin) over the top of each custard. Using a kitchen blowtorch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and turns into a beautiful, amber-colored, crunchy crust. Keep the torch moving to prevent burning. Alternatively, use the broiler method described in our Chef’s Tips. Allow the caramelized top to cool and harden for a minute or two. Then, with a gentle tap of a spoon, crack the top shell, revealing the creamy delight within. Serve immediately and savor every bite!

   

Expert Tips for Vegan Crème Brûlée Success

Achieving a restaurant-quality vegan crème brûlée is within your reach with these expert tips:

• For the Ultimate Creaminess: The secret to an exceptionally creamy crème brûlée lies in your choice of coconut milk. Always opt for full-fat coconut milk with at least 12 grams of fat per serving. This higher fat content is crucial for the custard to achieve its desired richness and to set properly. Lower-fat coconut milks contain too much water and will result in a less luxurious texture and a significantly longer, potentially incomplete, setting time. For the best results, refrigerate your cans of full-fat coconut milk overnight and scoop out only the thick cream that solidifies at the top, leaving the watery liquid behind. This concentrated cream will yield an even richer custard.
• Mastering the Caramelized Top: Blowtorch vs. Broiler:
  • Using a Blowtorch (Recommended): A kitchen blowtorch offers the most control and yields the most authentic, thin, and brittle caramelized sugar crust. Hold the torch about 4-6 inches above the sugar, moving it constantly in small circles to heat the sugar evenly. The sugar will melt, bubble, and then caramelize to a beautiful golden-brown. Stop once the desired color is achieved to prevent burning. This method minimizes heat transfer to the custard, keeping it perfectly chilled.
  • Using Your Oven’s Broiler: If a blowtorch isn’t available, your oven’s broiler can get the job done. Move your oven rack to the highest position, ensuring the ramekins are close to the heating element. Allow the chilled ramekins to sit out at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before broiling. This crucial step prevents the cold ceramic from cracking under sudden high heat. Sprinkle the sugar evenly, then place the ramekins under the broiler for 1-3 minutes. Watch them continuously and closely, as sugar can burn very quickly. Rotate the ramekins if necessary for even browning. While effective, this method might warm the custard slightly and may not produce quite as brittle a crust as a blowtorch, but it still delivers a delicious result.
• Safety First When Blending Hot Liquids: Blending hot liquids requires extreme caution. Hot liquids are thinner and can create a higher vortex, which can build pressure and force the lid off your blender, even if you’re holding it down. To ensure safety:
  • Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the stove before transferring it to the blender.
  • Don’t Overfill: Never fill your blender more than halfway with hot liquid. If you have a large batch, work in smaller batches.
  • Vent Steam: Remove the center insert from the blender lid. Cover the opening with a folded kitchen towel to allow steam to escape while preventing splatters.
  • Start Slow: Begin blending on the lowest speed setting, gradually increasing the speed as the liquid smooths out.
• Choosing the Right Ramekins: While 2-ounce ramekins are specified in the recipe card, traditional crème brûlée dishes or shallow 4-ounce ramekins are also excellent choices. Shallower dishes allow for a larger surface area for the caramelized sugar, maximizing the delightful crunch-to-custard ratio. Ensure all your chosen dishes are oven-safe if you plan to use the broiler method.
• Prepping Cashews for Optimal Creaminess: For the smoothest possible custard, soaking your raw cashews is key. Place them in a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. If you’re short on time, you can boil them vigorously for 10-15 minutes. Always drain and rinse them thoroughly before blending. This softens the nuts, making them easier for your blender to pulverize into a perfectly silky consistency.

Why Embrace Vegan Crème Brûlée?

Beyond its incredible taste and texture, choosing a vegan crème brûlée offers several compelling advantages:

• Dietary Inclusivity: This recipe is a blessing for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or gluten sensitivities. It allows everyone to enjoy a classic dessert without concern, making it a perfect choice for gatherings where diverse dietary needs are present.
• Ethical and Environmental Choice: Opting for a plant-based dessert reduces your environmental footprint and supports animal welfare. It’s a delicious way to make a positive impact, proving that compassionate choices can also be incredibly satisfying.
• Nutritional Advantages: While still an indulgence, our vegan crème brûlée leverages the benefits of whole food ingredients like cashews and arrowroot. Cashews provide healthy fats and minerals, while arrowroot offers dietary fiber, contributing more nutritional value than traditional dairy and egg-based versions.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Garnishes

Once your vegan crème brûlée is perfectly torched and cooled, consider these serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

• Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries adds a burst of tartness and vibrant color that beautifully contrasts the sweet richness of the custard.
• Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint provides a refreshing aroma and a sophisticated touch.
• Chocolate Shavings: For the ultimate chocolate lover, a sprinkle of vegan chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• Coffee Beans: A few roasted coffee beans offer an elegant garnish and a subtle aromatic complexity.
• Citrus Zest: A delicate sprinkle of orange or lemon zest can brighten the dessert with a fragrant, zesty note.

Troubleshooting Common Vegan Crème Brûlée Issues

Even with the best recipes, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

• Custard Not Setting: If your custard is still too liquid after chilling, it’s likely due to insufficient arrowroot powder or using low-fat coconut milk. Ensure you’re using full-fat coconut milk with at least 12g fat, and measure the arrowroot precisely. Sometimes, inadequate blending of cashews can also affect the set. If it’s only slightly soft, try chilling for longer.
• Grainy Custard: This almost always indicates that the cashews were not blended long enough or effectively. You need a high-speed blender to pulverize them into an ultra-fine consistency. Soaking cashews beforehand is critical for this.
• Burnt Sugar Topping: Caramelizing sugar requires a watchful eye! If using a blowtorch, keep it moving constantly. If using a broiler, monitor it continuously as sugar can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. If it burns, carefully scrape off the burnt layer and re-torch with a fresh sprinkle of sugar.

More Irresistible Vegan Dessert Recipes

If you loved this vegan crème brûlée, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful plant-based treats:

• Vegan Apple Crisp
• Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Truffles
• Vegan Cookie Dough
• Vegan Pecan Pie
• Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Vegan Crème Brûlée

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Setting Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Our vegan crème brûlée is dairy-free and gluten-free, without sacrificing any of the rich flavor or classic texture you know and love. This plant-based delight is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any special occasion!

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk (ensure at least 12g fat per serving)
• 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 2 cups raw cashews (unsalted, unflavored)
• ¾ cup vegan granulated sugar (see Notes)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of turmeric (for color, see Notes)
• 2 teaspoons vegan granulated sugar (for topping)

Equipment

• High-speed blender
• 2-ounce ramekins or crème brûlée dishes
• Kitchen blowtorch or oven broiler
• Small saucepan

Instructions

1. Combine coconut milk, arrowroot powder, and raw cashews in a small saucepan. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, then turn off the heat and remove from the stovetop.
2. Stir in the vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of turmeric until all sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
3. Carefully transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, ensuring all cashew pieces are fully pulverized. (Refer to safety tips for blending hot liquids.)
4. Pour the liquid custard into individual ramekins or crème brûlée dishes. Chill in the refrigerator until fully set, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Once the custard is set, remove the ramekins from the fridge. Evenly sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of vegan granulated sugar over the top of each custard. Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen blowtorch until it melts, bubbles, and turns a beautiful golden-brown. Alternatively, use the broiler method as described in the Chef’s Tips. Allow the caramelized crust to cool and harden for a minute or two.
6. Crack the top layer with a spoon, serve immediately, and enjoy your exquisite vegan crème brûlée!

Notes

• Not all granulated sugar is vegan; some are processed with bone char. Be sure to use a vegan sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw, or any brand explicitly labeled vegan.
• For gluten-free vegan crème brûlée, ensure your turmeric and other spices are certified gluten-free. Most pure herbs and spices are safe, but some manufacturers may add anti-caking agents that contain flour.
• If you don’t own a blowtorch and prefer not to buy one, you can achieve a similar effect using the broiler in your oven. Place the ramekins of set custard under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the sugar is evenly browned. Keep a very close watch, as sugar burns quickly.
• For ultra-smooth custard, soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse before blending.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 930 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 69g
• Saturated Fat: 41g
• Total Carbs: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 42g
• Net Carbs: 68g
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Sodium: 34mg
• Potassium: 866mg
• Calcium: 66mg
• Iron: 11mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik