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

Prepare to be enchanted by our exquisite vegan crème brûlée! This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece that defies expectations, proving that plant-based delights can rival any traditional confection. We’ve crafted a dairy-free and gluten-free version that loses absolutely none of the rich, velvety flavor or that iconic, satisfyingly crisp top layer you adore. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this “ooh-la-la” worthy treat!

Vegan creme brulee in a white ramekin with a raspberry garnish, showcasing its creamy texture and caramelized top.

Why This Vegan Crème Brûlée Recipe is a Must-Try

Our dairy-free crème brûlée stands out for several compelling reasons. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that delivers on taste, ease, and adaptability, making it a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.

An Unforgettable Culinary Adventure! From the moment you wield that kitchen blowtorch to create the perfect caramelized crust, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef. There’s something undeniably exciting about seeing sugar transform into a golden, brittle shell right before your eyes. And the eating? Pure bliss! The delightful crack of the crisp topping gives way to a smooth, incredibly creamy, and rich custard underneath – a textural symphony that’s simply irresistible. This contrast of sweet crunch and luscious creaminess makes every spoonful a pure delight.
Surprisingly Simple & Stress-Free. Forget the intimidating techniques often associated with traditional crème brûlée. This vegan version is remarkably easy to prepare, significantly simpler than its classic counterpart. You won’t need a fussy water bath, nor does it require any extraneous baking, which streamlines the entire process. This means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert for Any Occasion. Hosting a dinner party, planning for the holidays, or simply craving a special treat? Our vegan crème brûlée is your answer. The custard can be prepared up to three days in advance, covered tightly, and refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, simply dust with sugar and torch the tops for a fresh, impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it was just made. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than last-minute preparations.
Allergy-Friendly & Inclusive. For those navigating dietary restrictions, this recipe is a true game-changer. Being entirely dairy-free and gluten-free, it caters to common allergies and preferences without compromising on the luxurious experience of a classic crème brûlée. It’s a dessert everyone at the table can enjoy, ensuring no one feels left out.

Fun Fact: The name “Crème Brûlée” is French for “burnt cream,” a fitting description for the delectable caramelized sugar topping.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Crème Brûlée

Crafting this incredible vegan crème brûlée relies on a few key plant-based ingredients that deliver on flavor and texture. Let’s dive into what makes them so special and essential for achieving that perfect creamy custard.

Cashews: The Creaminess Powerhouse. These wonderfully sweet nuts are the secret to our custard’s unparalleled richness and silky smooth texture, replacing dairy cream with incredible success. When blended, cashews create a luscious, naturally thick base that perfectly mimics traditional custard. Beyond their culinary utility, cashews are a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Some studies even suggest they contribute to heart health. For this recipe, it’s crucial to use unsalted and unflavored cashews, often labeled as “raw” cashews. While they’re called raw, it’s important to note that they are typically steamed to safely remove irritating chemicals present in their shells, making them safe and delicious for consumption. Soaking your cashews (even if just for 30 minutes in hot water) before blending can further enhance their creaminess and ensure an ultra-smooth consistency.
Arrowroot Powder: Your Gluten-Free Thickener. Arrowroot powder is an incredible natural thickener that makes this vegan crème brûlée perfectly set. It’s a gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly alternative to cornstarch. Extracted from the rhizomes of the arrowroot plant through a gentle process that avoids high heat or harsh chemicals, it boasts a neutral flavor profile, ensuring your custard’s delicate taste shines through. Arrowroot also offers the benefit of remaining stable when heated and creating a beautifully clear, glossy finish, which is ideal for desserts. Nutritionally, it contains more dietary fiber and calcium than cornstarch, adding a subtle boost to your dessert.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk: The Foundation of Flavor. This is another critical component for achieving the luxurious texture of our vegan crème brûlée. Unlike lighter versions, full-fat coconut milk (preferably with at least 12 grams of fat per serving) provides the richness and fat content necessary for a truly decadent and well-set custard. Its subtle coconut flavor beautifully complements the sweetness and vanilla, without overpowering the overall profile.
Vegan Granulated Sugar: Sweetness Without Compromise. To ensure your crème brûlée is 100% vegan, it’s vital to choose a granulated sugar that is certified vegan. Traditional granulated sugar often uses bone char in its refining process, making it unsuitable for a plant-based diet. Brands like Sugar in the Raw or other organic granulated sugars are typically vegan-friendly. This sugar provides the necessary sweetness for the custard and, of course, creates that iconic, brittle caramelized crust on top.
Vanilla Extract: Aromatic Depth. A generous amount of pure vanilla extract is essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the custard. It adds a warm, sweet, and comforting aroma that is synonymous with classic desserts and beautifully complements the creamy cashew base.
Turmeric (Just a Pinch!): For a Golden Hue. While optional, a tiny pinch of turmeric is used in this recipe not for flavor, but purely for aesthetic appeal. It imparts a lovely golden color to the custard, mimicking the rich yellow hue of egg yolks found in traditional crème brûlée, making your vegan version even more visually appealing. Rest assured, such a small amount will not affect the taste.

Crafting Your Delicious Vegan Crème Brûlée: Step-by-Step

Making this dairy-free crème brûlée is a surprisingly straightforward process that culminates in an elegant and decadent dessert. Follow these steps to create your own perfectly creamy, crispy treat.

Start on the Stove: The Custard Base. Begin by combining the full-fat coconut milk, arrowroot powder, and raw cashews in your favorite medium-sized saucepan. Whisk them together until the arrowroot powder is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a boil, you’ll notice it beginning to thicken. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to stop the cooking process.
Flavor Infusion. While the mixture is still warm, stir in the vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and just a tiny pinch of turmeric (if using, for color). Mix thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the vanilla and turmeric are evenly distributed throughout the rich cashew mixture.
Blend to Silky Smooth Perfection. Carefully transfer the warm custard mixture to a high-speed blender. This is a crucial step for achieving that signature silky-smooth crème brûlée texture. Blend on high until the cashews are completely pulverized and the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no grainy bits remaining. Be cautious when blending hot liquids – ensure your blender lid is securely fastened, and consider removing the center insert and covering the opening with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape while preventing splatters. Blend in batches if necessary, filling the blender no more than halfway.
Chill and Set. Divide your beautifully blended custard mixture evenly among individual ramekins or crème brûlée dishes. Fill them to about three-quarters full. Allow them to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 to 5 hours, or preferably overnight, until the custard is completely set and firm. The longer they chill, the firmer they will become.
The Grand Finale: Caramelization! Once your custards are perfectly set, it’s time for the magic. Remove the ramekins from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to warm up slightly, which helps prevent thermal shock if using a blowtorch. Dust the top of each chilled custard generously and evenly with an additional layer of vegan granulated sugar. Using a kitchen blowtorch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and turns into a beautiful, amber-brown, glassy crust. Move the flame constantly to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning. Alternatively, use the broiler method as described in our Chef’s Tips.
Serve and Savor. Let the caramelized topping cool for a minute or two to harden. Then, with a gentle tap of a spoon, crack the exquisite sugar shell to reveal the creamy custard beneath. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy every luxurious, dairy-free, gluten-free bite of your homemade vegan crème brûlée!

Hand holding a blowtorch setting the top layer of vegan creme brulee, creating a crisp, caramelized crust.

Chef’s Tips for Vegan Crème Brûlée Perfection

To ensure your vegan crème brûlée turns out absolutely flawless every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Choose Full-Fat Coconut Milk Wisely: The type of coconut milk you use is paramount for the texture of your crème brûlée. Always opt for full-fat canned coconut milk, specifically one that contains at least 12 grams of fat per serving. Lower fat coconut milks will result in a less rich and less creamy custard, and they will also take significantly longer to set, if they set properly at all. The fat content contributes directly to the luxurious mouthfeel and structural integrity of the dessert.
No Blowtorch? No Problem! Use Your Broiler: While a blowtorch offers the most precise and satisfying caramelization, you can achieve a wonderfully similar effect using the broiler in your oven. To do this, move your oven rack to the highest position. Allow the chilled, sugar-dusted ramekins to sit out for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before broiling; this helps prevent the cold ramekins from cracking due to sudden heat exposure. Place the ramekins under the hot broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, carefully monitoring them at all times. The sugar will melt and brown quickly, so watch closely to prevent burning. While this method won’t create quite as crunchy a shell as a blowtorch, and the custard might warm slightly, it effectively gets the job done and still provides that delightful caramelized topping.
Safety First When Blending Hot Liquids: Blending hot liquids requires caution. Hot liquids are thinner than cold ones and can create a higher vortex, causing them to expand and potentially force the lid off your blender, even if you’re holding it down. To ensure safety:
- Always allow the liquid to cool a little before blending, if possible.
- Never fill your blender more than halfway with hot liquid. If you have a large batch, work in smaller portions.
- Remove the center insert from the blender lid. This allows steam to vent safely.
- Hold a folded kitchen towel firmly over the opening where the insert was.
- Start blending on the lowest speed, then gradually increase to high.
Optimize Cashew Creaminess: For the absolute smoothest custard, consider soaking your raw cashews. Even a quick soak in very hot water for 30 minutes (then drained) can make a big difference in how easily they blend into a super fine, velvety cream. If you have more time, an overnight soak in cool water is also effective.
Uniform Ramekin Size Matters: Using ramekins of roughly the same size and depth will ensure that all your crème brûlées set at the same rate and offer consistent portion sizes. This is particularly helpful when preparing multiple servings.
Garnish for a Flourish: While delicious on its own, a simple garnish can elevate your vegan crème brûlée. Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or a delicate sprig of mint add a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich dessert beautifully.
Storage and Best Serving Practices: Once the custard is set, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered. However, for the best textural experience, caramelize the sugar topping just before serving. The crunchy crust is at its finest when freshly torched.

Close-up of a ramekin containing vegan creme brulee garnished with fresh raspberries, highlighting the smooth custard.

Discover More Irresistible Vegan Desserts

If you’re loving the delightful flavors and textures of this dairy-free crème brûlée, you’re in for a treat! The world of plant-based desserts is vast and full of delicious possibilities. Here are some more incredible vegan dessert recipes to explore that will satisfy your sweet cravings:

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

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For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.

Vegan Crème Brûlée

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Setting Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Our vegan crème brûlée is a delightful dairy-free and gluten-free dessert that captures all the rich flavor and classic creamy texture you expect, topped with a perfectly crisp caramelized sugar shell. It’s an elegant, plant-based treat perfect for any occasion!

Cheryl Malik, the recipe author Cheryl Malik

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Ingredients

▢ 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
▢ 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
▢ 2 cups raw cashews (preferably soaked)
▢ ¾ cup vegan granulated sugar (see Notes)
▢ 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
▢ pinch of turmeric (optional, for color – see Notes)
▢ 2 teaspoons vegan granulated sugar for topping

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Equipment

High-speed Blender
Small Saucepan
2-ounce ramekins or crème brûlée dishes
Kitchen blowtorch or oven broiler

Instructions

Combine coconut milk, arrowroot powder, and raw cashews in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, then immediately remove from heat.
Stir in the vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of turmeric (if using) until fully combined and sugar is dissolved.
Carefully transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, ensuring all cashew pieces are thoroughly pulverized.
Pour the liquid into small ramekins or crème brûlée dishes. Chill in the refrigerator until fully set, approximately 4 to 5 hours, or overnight.
Once set, dust the top of each custard with additional sugar and caramelize with a kitchen blowtorch until evenly browned and crisp. Alternatively, use your oven’s broiler (see Chef’s Tips). Let cool slightly, then crack the top layer with a spoon and enjoy!

Notes

Not all granulated sugar is vegan. To ensure your crème brûlée is 100% plant-based, be sure to use a vegan granulated sugar, often found as organic cane sugar or brands like Sugar in the Raw.
For a truly gluten-free vegan crème brûlée, double-check that your turmeric is gluten-free. While most herbs and spices are naturally safe, especially if fresh, some manufacturers may add a small amount of flour or anti-caking agents that contain gluten.
If you don’t own a kitchen blowtorch or prefer not to use one, you can achieve a similar caramelized effect using your oven’s broiler. Place the ramekins of set custard under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the sugar is evenly browned and bubbly. Keep a very close eye on them to prevent burning.

Nutrition Information

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. Result will be the weight of one serving.