Easy No-Bake Vegan Creme Brulee with Just 8 Ingredients

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the classic French dessert creme brulee without eggs or dairy, this vegan no-bake version is here for you. Combining simple ingredients, a rich vanilla custard, and a crunchy caramelized sugar topping, it’s a deliciously easy treat that will wow anyone — vegan or not.

Plus, it’s made without baking, taking just minutes to prepare before chilling. Let’s dive into how this dessert works and how you can make it flawlessly at home.

Why This Vegan Creme Brulee Works So Well

This recipe is a standout vegan dessert for several reasons. First, it uses a combination of full-fat coconut milk, which Healthline notes is rich in healthy fats, and unsweetened soy milk to create a creamy yet light custard base without eggs or dairy.

The cornstarch helps thicken the mixture to the perfect pudding-like consistency, a property confirmed in food science studies, but without heating the oven. Adding a pinch of turmeric mimics the subtle yellow hue of egg yolks without altering flavor.

Finally, sprinkling granulated sugar on top and caramelizing it with a kitchen torch gives you the signature crackly, caramelized sugar crust that makes creme brulee irresistible. This version is faster to prepare, lighter in fat, and just as satisfying.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need for Vegan Creme Brulee

To get the best results making this no-bake vegan creme brulee, having the right equipment is key. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Ramekins or small heatproof dishes: Use 4 to 6 small ramekins for individual servings or a single shallow baking dish for a shared dessert.
• Kitchen torch: This tool makes caramelizing the sugar topping quick, easy, and precise. If you don’t have a torch, you can use an oven broiler as a backup, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Whisk: For smooth custard texture without lumps.
• Saucepan: A medium-sized non-stick or stainless steel pan works best for even heating while stirring the custard.
• Plastic wrap: To cover the custard directly to prevent skin formation while chilling.

Having these simple tools prepped before you start will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Ingredients for No-Bake Vegan Creme Brulee with Substitutions

This recipe keeps things simple with just 8 basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some substitutions if you want to switch things up:

• Unsweetened soy milk (1 cup): Provides a neutral base with good protein. Substitute with almond, cashew, or oat milk if you prefer.
• Full-fat canned coconut milk (13.5 ounces): Adds richness and creaminess important for custard texture. If you’re sensitive to coconut, vegan cream alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based creamers can work.
• Cornstarch (1/3 cup): The thickener that gives the custard firmness.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup plus extra for topping): Sweetens the custard and forms the caramelized crust. Granulated sugar is ideal for torching.
• Turmeric (1/8 teaspoon, optional): For color only, mimicking the yolk’s golden hue.
• Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances and enhances flavors.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): For that signature vanilla aroma. You can also infuse the custard with a vanilla bean for a richer flavor.

These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and keep the recipe accessible for everyone.

How to Make No-Bake Vegan Custard for Creme Brulee

Follow these straightforward steps to create your vegan custard base:

1. Mix the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy milk, coconut milk, cornstarch, granulated sugar, turmeric, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Heat and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps and scorching. In about 2 to 8 minutes, the mixture will thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
3. Finish with vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to preserve its delicate flavor.
4. Pour and cover: Immediately pour the custard evenly into ramekins or your chosen baking dish. Cover each lightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent skin forming.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set and chilled.

This no-bake method ensures a creamy texture and full flavor without turning on the oven or using eggs.

How to Get the Perfect Caramelized Sugar Crust Without Baking

The signature element that makes creme brulee so special is its crisp caramelized sugar topping, a technique perfected by pastry chefs worldwide. Here’s how to nail it with a kitchen torch:

• Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled custard surface, making sure to cover the edges completely.
• Hold the kitchen torch a few inches away and move it continuously in small circular motions, melting and caramelizing the sugar until it’s golden brown and crackly.
• Avoid lingering too long in one spot to prevent burning or melting the custard beneath.
• Serve immediately after torching for that satisfying cracking experience.

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the ramekins under an oven broiler set on high for 1-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning and remove as soon as the sugar caramelizes. Remember, torching right before serving lets you enjoy the delightfully crisp top without it softening.

Helpful Tips for Making Vegan Creme Brulee Like a Pro

• Prep ahead: Have all ingredients and equipment ready before starting since the process moves quickly.
• Vanilla off heat: Adding vanilla extract after removing the custard from heat preserves its aroma.
• Chill sufficiently: The custard needs at least 4 hours to set but overnight chilling improves texture.
• Even sugar layer: Distribute sugar evenly on top to get a uniform caramelized crust.
• Move the torch: Keep the torch moving in circles to avoid burning.
• Torch just before serving: To keep the crust crisp, caramelize sugar only when ready to enjoy.

Following these pointers improves success and enjoyment from this elegant dessert.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Vegan Creme Brulee

Some issues might arise as you perfect your vegan creme brulee. Here’s how to fix them:

• Custard didn’t thicken: Make sure you whisk constantly over medium heat and cook until the mixture visibly thickens. If too thin, cook longer.
• Lumpy texture: This usually happens if cornstarch isn’t fully dissolved before heating. Whisk well initially and strain if needed.
• Sugar burns quickly: Keep the kitchen torch moving and don’t focus heat in one spot.
• Cracked custard base: Temperatures that are too hot can crack the custard. Remove from heat as soon as thickened.
• Caramelized sugar melts too fast: Serve immediately after torching to maintain the crisp top.

Addressing these common pitfalls makes your dessert reliably delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips for Vegan Creme Brulee

Serve your vegan creme brulee straight after torching for that signature crackly experience. Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, or a sprig of mint for color and freshness.

To store:

• Keep the custard covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Only add and caramelize sugar on top right before serving to preserve the sugar crust’s texture.

Avoid freezing as it may change the texture and make the custard grainy. Enjoy this dessert as an elegant finale to dinner parties, romantic meals, or anytime you want a luxurious vegan treat, perhaps alongside a cup of rich and creamy vegan hot chocolate!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Creme Brulee

Can I make vegan creme brulee without a kitchen torch?

Yes! You can carefully use your oven broiler set to high and watch closely to caramelize the sugar topping.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely, it’s naturally gluten free with no wheat ingredients, just like our popular moist gluten-free vegan banana bread.

Can I customize the flavors?

Yes! Try adding citrus zest, a splash of coffee liqueur, or whisk in cocoa powder for a chocolate version.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Custard can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Always add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Freezing isn’t recommended as texture may become grainy upon thawing.

Can I use other plant milks?

Yes, unsweetened almond, cashew, or oat milk can substitute for soy milk, but may slightly change texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

This no-bake vegan creme brulee checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, minimal effort, and impressive results. With its creamy custard and perfectly crackled sugar crust, it’s a dessert that’s easy to make and delightful to eat.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just love trying new decadent desserts, this recipe will become a go-to favorite, much like our fan-favorite one-hour vegan cinnamon rolls. Grab your ramekins and kitchen torch, and treat yourself to a homemade classic reinvented!