Crème brûlée is the epitome of elegance—a delicate, creamy custard with a perfectly caramelised sugar top, ready to crack under the spoon. It’s a dessert traditionally known for its indulgent ingredients, like heavy cream and egg yolks. But what if I told you that you can enjoy this luxurious treat without compromising your plant-based lifestyle?
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just exploring healthier dessert options, this vegan crème brûlée recipe will surprise you with its rich flavour and velvety texture—proving that healthy desserts can still be indulgent.
A Healthier Crème Brûlée?
Yes, you read that right! This plant-based crème brûlée variation is made with wholesome ingredients like plant based milk, giving it that creamy consistency without the need for dairy. Not only is this recipe free from animal products, but it’s also lower in cholesterol and refined sugars, making it a healthier alternative to the classic version.
Ready to try it yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Vegan Crème Brûlée Recipe
Ingredients:
• 250ml unsweetened soy milk (or any plant based milk of your choice)
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 25 grams cornflour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Extra sugar (for caramelising the top)
Instructions:
1. Place soy milk, sugar, cornflour and vanilla extract in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
2. Heat the Custard: Pour the mixture into a saucepan and stir until thickens. Be sure not to let it boil, as you want a smooth custard consistency.
3. Pour into Ramekins: Once thickened, remove from heat and pour the custard into small ramekins. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
5. Caramelise the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the surface of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelise the sugar, forming that signature crunchy topping. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under the grill for a minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the caramelised sugar harden for a minute or two, then serve immediately. Pair it with fresh berries for a vibrant touch.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial: How to Make Vegan Crème Brûlée
If you’re ready to take your plant-based dessert game to the next level, we’ve got you covered! Check out our step-by-step video tutorial that walks you through this vegan crème brûlée recipe—from preparing the custard to achieving that perfect caramelised sugar topping.
👉 Watch the full video tutorial here!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
• Calories: 130
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fibre: 0.5g
• Sugar: 18g
This version is lower in calories and fat, making it a lighter and healthier dessert option while still delivering the indulgent experience of a classic crème brûlée.
Pairing Vegan Crème Brûlée with Wine
A dessert this luxurious deserves a perfect wine pairing to enhance its flavours. For this vegan crème brûlée, here are a few options that balance the creamy sweetness and caramel notes:
1. Sauternes (France): This classic dessert wine is rich, sweet, and has fruity notes of apricots and honey. The natural acidity helps cut through the richness of the crème brûlée, creating a harmonious balance.
2. Moscato d’Asti (Italy): If you prefer something lighter, Moscato’s slight effervescence and floral, citrusy notes complement the sweetness of the dessert without overpowering it.
3. Late Harvest Riesling: With its honeyed sweetness and acidity, this wine pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar crust and the smooth custard base.
For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, a glass of chilled coconut water or a sweet herbal tea, such as chamomile with a dash of cinnamon, makes an excellent pairing.
FAQ’s
- What is vegan crème brûlée made of?
Vegan crème brûlée is typically made with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or coconut milk. Ingredients like cashews or cornstarch may be used to achieve a creamy consistency, and the eggs are replaced by thickeners like cornflour or agar-agar. - What is a substitute for heavy cream in crème brûlée?
In vegan recipes, heavy cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or other rich plant-based milks like soy or oat milk. - Is Starbucks caramel brûlée vegan?
No, Starbucks’ caramel brûlée contains dairy, so it is not suitable for vegans. - Does crème brûlée have egg in it?
Traditional crème brûlée contains egg yolks, but vegan versions use egg substitutes like cornflour or other plant-based thickeners.
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