Is the vegan version of this classic dessert gluten-free?

Good news. This easy vegan crème brûlée recipe is not only vegan but naturally gluten-free too!

Can I use vegan heavy cream in place of coconut milk?

We have not tested it, but substituting the full-fat coconut milk with a vegan cream should work. Try this Homemade Heavy Cream Substitute , or opt for a store-bought version such as Country Crock Plant Cream .

Is this vegan crème brûlée freezer-friendly?

We would not recommend freezing crème brûlée. This will alter the smooth texture of the creamy vanilla custard and make it separate and become grainy.

Can I replace the sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar?

In theory, this will work, but it will alter the flavor and drastically alter the color of the final dessert. For the best results and traditional-looking color, white sugar is the best choice.

Can I make this elegant dessert without a culinary torch?

A torch is certainly best and worth the investment (even if it's just to make this simple recipe once on Valentine's Day!), but you may be able to caramelize the sugar under the oven broiler. Place the individual ramekins together on a baking tray and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Vegan Creme Brûlée

Description

This Vegan Creme Brulee is simple to make, but as impressive and decadent as it gets! A rich and creamy coconut milk custard topped with crunchy sugar, then torched until warm and caramelized. Perfect for holidays and indulging from the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

Custard

¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (26.66g) cornstarch
⅔ cup non-dairy milk
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

For Assembly

About ¼ cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Begin the custard filling. In a medium-sized saucepan (over no heat), combine the cornstarch and sugar. Add half of the non-dairy milk and whisk until the cornstarch and sugar are completely dissolved and no clumps remain. Then, whisk in the remaining non-dairy milk plus the coconut milk.
Thicken over medium heat. Set the saucepan over medium heat, and cook the mixture for 4-6 minutes, mixing constantly. When ready, the consistency should be slightly thinner than condensed milk.
Stir in the remaining custard ingredients. Remove the crème brûlée custard from the heat and continue to stir for another minute. Then add the vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir through until the butter is melted and the custard is completely smooth.
Transfer to a serving dish. Pour the mixture evenly between individual ramekins, or any shallow, heat-proof serving dishes of choice. Press a piece of plastic directly over the surface of the filling to prevent the crème brûlée from developing a skin.
Allow the custard to thicken. Place the ramekins in the fridge overnight to set.
Torch. Once ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap from the top of the custard and sprinkle each with granulated sugar, about one tablespoon each. The surface should be covered in sugar but it should be a thin layer. Using a culinary torch, caramelize the sugar until hardened and golden.
Serve. Allow the sugar topping set for 1 minute, then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Crème brûlée is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 1-2 days.
Freezing: We would not recommend freezing crème brûlée. This will alter the smooth texture of the creamy vanilla custard and make it separate and become grainy.
Brown or coconut sugar: In theory, opting for a different sugar should work but it will alter the flavor and drastically alter the color of the final dessert. For the best results and traditional-looking color, white sugar is the best choice.
Kitchen Torch Alternative: Though a torch is certainly best and worth the investment, you may be able to caramelize the sugar under the oven broiler. Place the individual ramekins together on a baking tray and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Prep Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French