Upgrade Your Dessert Game with This Easy Vegan Creme Brulee
As a vegan chef, I am always on the lookout for delicious and easy vegan dessert recipes that anyone can enjoy. Crème brûlée is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time, but sadly, it’s not typically vegan-friendly. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe for vegan crème brûlée with you!
Using plant-based ingredients like soft silken tofu, coconut milk, and unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream and dairy milk, this vegan crème brûlée is just as creamy and delicious as the original. With a crunchy caramelized sugar topping and a smooth and silky vanilla-flavored pudding made from plant-based ingredients, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of crème brûlée or you’re just looking to try something new, this recipe for vegan crème brûlée is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ramekins and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As soon as I heard about this vegan crème brûlée recipe, I knew it was a must-try. This vegan version of the classic French dessert is a game changer for anyone who loves rich and creamy desserts but doesn’t want to consume dairy or eggs.
One of the reasons why I love this vegan crème brûlée recipe so much is that it’s incredibly easy to make with plant-based ingredients. It only takes a handful of ingredients, and you can easily find all of them at your local grocery store. From the silken tofu, to the coconut milk or soy milk, and the arrowroot powder, everything comes together beautifully in a matter of minutes.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the texture and taste. You get all of the creaminess and richness that you would expect from a traditional crème brûlée, but without any animal products. The combination of the soft silken tofu and full-fat coconut milk (or soy milk) creates a silky smooth base that resembles pudding made with dairy cream. It’s sweetened with granulated sugar and vanilla extract, resulting in a luscious vanilla-flavored pudding that’s both light and indulgent.
And let’s not forget about our favorite part – the crispy caramelized top! This vegan crème brûlée is finished with a layer of sugar that’s caramelized under the broiler or using a kitchen blowtorch, resulting in an irresistible crunchy topping.
Overall, this vegan crème brûlée recipe is perfect for those looking for an easy, vegan-friendly dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. It hits all the marks: creamy, rich, indulgent, yet light at the same time. And best of all, it’s simple to make and satisfies all dessert cravings for those living a vegan lifestyle.
Ingredient List
To make this delicious Vegan Crème Brulee, you will need the following ingredients (make sure everything is vegan and gluten-free if necessary):
– 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– â…“ cup arrowroot powder
– â…“ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– ¼ tsp salt
– 12 oz soft silken tofu
– For the topping: â…“ cup caster sugar
You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or health food store. Keep in mind that the quality of the ingredients will impact the final result, so I recommend using high-quality plant-based options.
Also, to make this recipe even better, feel free to add some extra flavorings. For example, you can add a mango puree on the top or sprinkle cinnamon on it.
Now let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Time to make the vegan creme brulee! Don your apron and let’s get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of soft silken tofu
- 2/3 cup of full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp of tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a blender, combine the soft silken tofu, full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, and tapioca starch. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Add Maple Syrup
With your blender running on low, slowly pour in the pure maple syrup until fully combined.
Step 3: Pour into Ramekins
Pour the mixture evenly into four (4) oven-safe ramekins. The ramekins should be filled about three-quarters (3/4) of the way up.
Step 4: Create Bain Marie
Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and create a bain-marie (water bath). To do this, pour boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches about an inch up the sides of the ramekins.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until set but still jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before placing them in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight to cool and set completely.
Step 6: Caramelize Sugar Top
Before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar atop each ramekin with enough coverage to cover its entire surface. Use a chef’s torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden-brown and cracks under pressure when tapped with a spoon. For those without a kitchen torch, use your broiler set to high heat.
As you complete each step, savor the smell of creamy vanilla wafting through your kitchen. Once you have caramelized all of your sugar tops, it’s time to enjoy this delicious dairy-free dessert that’s as rich as it is satisfying.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are a variety of ingredient substitutions and recipe variations you can try with this vegan crème brûlée recipe.
For instance, instead of using soymilk, you could use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. This will give your dessert a slightly different flavor and texture. You could also experiment with adding different flavors to the custard mixture, like pumpkin spice or mango puree.
If you don’t have arrowroot powder on hand, tapioca starch or cornstarch can work as substitutes. However, keep in mind that the texture and consistency may not be exactly the same.
Another fun variation is to make crème brûlée donuts! Simply prepare a batch of vegan custard and fill some baked (or fried) donut holes with it. Then, sprinkle granulated sugar on top and use a blowtorch (or broiler) to caramelize the sugar to create that signature crunchy layer.
For those on a gluten-free diet, this recipe can easily be adapted by using gluten-free flour in place of wheat flour for the crust.
So go ahead and get creative with your vegan crème brûlée – there’s no limit to the delicious combinations and variations you can come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegan crème brûlée is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This creamy dessert can be an indulgent treat on its own, but you can take it up a notch by pairing it with something else.
One of the best ways to serve vegan crème brûlée is with fresh fruit. Sliced strawberries or raspberries complement the smooth and rich flavor of the pudding. You can also try tangy mango slices for a refreshing tropical twist.
Another delicious pairing option is a warm and crispy donut. Vegan donuts made with almond milk or gluten-free versions are perfect for those who prefer a lighter pairing option but still crave something sweet.
For those who love pumpkin spice desserts, try topping the crème brûlée with roasted pumpkin cubes or incorporating pumpkin puree into the recipe. It will add a touch of autumnal flavor to your vegan dessert spread.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with mixing and matching different desserts to create unique flavor combinations. For example, if you love custard-like desserts, you can layer your vegan crème brûlée with plant-based panna cotta or coconut cream.
No matter how you choose to serve it, vegan crème brûlée is a versatile and delicious dessert that will leave all your guests impressed.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this vegan crème brûlée recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. This means that you can prepare a dessert in advance, without the fuss and worry of trying to make everything perfectly on the day of your dinner party.
Once prepared, the crème brûlée can be kept in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before placing it under the broiler to caramelize the sugar topping.
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely considering how delicious this dessert is), store them again in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to two more days. However, be mindful that the sugar topping will start to become soft after being refrigerated for too long, therefore we recommend consuming all leftovers within two days.
To reheat, simply place each individual serving under a 350°F broiler for one minute (or until sugar topping becomes golden and crispy). Do not use a microwave since they don’t do well with food with caramelized toppings or delicate textures.
This recipe offers an ideal solution for those who enjoy making desserts ahead of time without sacrificing quality or taste. A perfect last-minute treat that impresses guests and adds a touch of elegance to any special occasion.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect vegan creme brulee, a few tips and tricks can make all the difference in creating a dessert that is creamy, smooth, and bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to ensure that you achieve perfect results every time.
Firstly, it is important to select the right type of plant-based milk for your creme brulee. Full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk are excellent choices as they provide a rich and creamy texture that mimics dairy cream. Using a thinner plant-based milk may result in a less creamy texture, so it is best to avoid using skim or low-fat plant-based milks.
Secondly, make sure to blend your silken tofu until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This will ensure that your creme brulee has a silky and smooth consistency.
Another essential step in making vegan creme brulee is to use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener instead of eggs. These starches work well in custard-based desserts and will help to thicken your mixture without changing its flavor.
A water bath (bain-marie) is also key for getting perfectly set vegan creme brulees. To create a water bath, place your ramekins in a baking dish filled with hot water before placing them in the oven. This will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking the custard.
Lastly, let your vegan creme brulee cool completely before adding sugar on top for caramelization. If you add sugar too early, it may become soggy, making it more difficult to achieve the characteristic crunchy caramelized top that makes this dessert so special.
By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to make an indulgent vegan creme brulee that rivals any traditional recipe.
FAQ
As you prepare this vegan creme brulee recipe, you may encounter some questions about ingredients, techniques, or substitutions. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues and optimize your recipe. So keep reading to get the answers to your burning questions!
What is vegan crème brûlée made of?
Get ready to indulge in a delicious vegan twist on the classic crème brûlée! This recipe features a luscious vanilla-flavored pudding that’s rich and creamy, yet completely plant-based. Instead of heavy cream and dairy milk, this version uses plant and coconut milk. And to thicken the mixture, agar and cornstarch are used instead of traditional egg yolks, creating a custard-like consistency that’s simply divine.
Can you substitute milk for cream in crème brûlée?
If you’re looking for a custard that’s a bit less heavy, consider mixing in some whole milk in place of the heavy cream. Even though I like using solely heavy cream for my creme brulee, you can swap out up to 2/3 cup of it with whole milk to achieve the desired texture. To add an extra punch of flavor, try adding in some liquor of your choice.
What is the difference between panna cotta and crème brûlée?
The ingredients used in panna cotta and creme brulee are quite similar since both are dairy-based desserts. However, creme brulee incorporates eggs, while panna cotta uses gelatin.
Why does crème brûlée need a water bath?
Let’s prepare a bain-marie to bake our yummy custards. Fill the baking dish with water, and ensure it is about halfway up the ramekins. Baking the custards in the water bath keeps them moist and prevents them from cracking.
Bottom Line
Why settle for non-vegan desserts when you can indulge in a vegan delight like this Vegan Creme Brulee? This recipe is not just a delicious and healthier alternative, but it also shows that vegan desserts can be just as delectable as traditional ones.
With simple ingredients, a little bit of patience, and some creativity, you can bake your own perfect batch of Vegan Creme Brulee. Whether you’re vegan or not, this dessert is something that everyone will love. Imagine the smooth and creamy vanilla-flavored pudding set on top of a thin layer of caramelized sugar – it’s pure decadence in every spoonful.
So don’t waste any more time and start baking now! Make it ahead for a dinner party or whip it up for an indulgent midweek treat. Whatever the occasion is, this easy-to-make Vegan Creme Brulee is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests.
Give this recipe a try, and see for yourself that you don’t need animal products to enjoy a damn good dessert. All you need is the right combination of plant-based ingredients, creativity, and passion. Happy baking!
Vegan Creme Brulee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package soft silken tofu
- 1/2 cup fruit sugar
- 1/3 cup soymilk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar (to sprinkle on the top of the brulee for browing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF (160ºC).
- Drain and slightly press the tofu while you prepare the remaining ingredients and tools.
- Prepare 6 ramekins and a shallow brownie baking pan, cutting a piece of parchment to evenly cover the pan.
- Boil a kettle full of water.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tofu, sugar, vanilla, soy milk and salt.
- Once smooth, whisk in the arrowroot with the motor running.
- Pour prepared custard into the ramekins and distribute them into the baking pan.
- Carefully pour the boiling water from the kettle into the bottom of the pan so the water comes 2/3 of the way up the sides of the ramekins; taking care not to splash water into the custard.
- Cover the pan with the parchment paper and slowly transfer everything into the oven.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until set. The centers may have a slight jiggle, but well set more as they cool.
- Remove the ramekins from the water and transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely, about an hour.
- To brûlée the custards, sprinkle enough sugar to evenly coat each top (about 1 tsp). Using a hand held blowtorch, pass the tip of the flame over the sugar until it begins to turn amber and caramelize.
- Once finished, the caramel should be thin, crisp and crackly.
- Bon Appetit!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.