Ube Crème Brûlée (Vegan) – Simple Recipe for a Luxurious Treat

Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe takes the elegance of a French classic and adds the tropical charm of ube—a naturally purple yam beloved in Filipino desserts. The result is creamy, colorful, and indulgent, with a delicate crackly sugar top.

This version skips eggs and dairy, using coconut cream and plant-based milk for that silky custard texture. It’s beginner-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a personal treat. With its vibrant hue and unique flavor, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe

• Unique Flavor – Ube offers a sweet, nutty, vanilla-like taste you won’t get from typical crème brûlée.
• 100% Vegan – No eggs or dairy, yet just as creamy and indulgent.
• Gluten-Free – Naturally safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Beautiful Presentation – That natural purple hue is a showstopper.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques; perfect for beginners.

This dessert is proof that plant-based treats can be every bit as rich, luxurious, and beautiful as their traditional counterparts.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients (makes about 4 servings):

• 1 cup coconut cream (full-fat for best texture)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
• ½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) or 1 tsp ube extract
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Ramekins (4–6 oz size)
• Baking sheet
• Kitchen torch (or oven broiler)

How to Make Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe

1. Mix Custard Base – In a saucepan, whisk coconut cream, almond milk, ube halaya (or extract), sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Cook Until Thickened – Heat over medium, stirring constantly, for 5–7 minutes until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
3. Fill Ramekins – Divide the custard evenly into ramekins. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
4. Caramelize the Top – Just before serving, sprinkle 1–2 tsp sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to melt and brown the sugar, or place under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy – Crack through the caramelized top and enjoy the creamy ube custard beneath.

You Must Know

• Ube Options – Ube halaya gives richer flavor and color, but ube extract works well if halaya isn’t available.
• Thickening Tip – Cornstarch activates best when fully dissolved in the liquid before heating; this prevents lumps.
• Sweetness Level – Adjust sugar to taste; ube halaya is naturally sweet, so you may need less.
• Setting Time – Refrigeration is key. Letting the custard chill for at least 2 hours ensures a firm yet creamy texture.
• Torch vs. Broiler – A kitchen torch gives the most even caramelization, but the broiler works if watched carefully to avoid burning.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

• Low to Medium Heat – Avoid high heat, which can cause the mixture to split or become grainy.
• Constant Stirring – Keeps the custard smooth and prevents sticking at the bottom of the pan.
• Taste Before Setting – Once thickened but before pouring into ramekins, taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla if needed.
• Even Sugar Layer – For the brûlée top, sprinkle sugar evenly so it melts consistently into a thin, crisp shell.
• Serve Freshly Torched – Caramelized sugar will soften over time, so torch just before serving for the best texture.

Add Your Touch Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe

• Flavor Infusions – Steep pandan leaves, cinnamon sticks, or a bit of citrus zest in the milk before cooking for subtle flavor twists.
• Toppings – Add fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
• Texture Play – Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the caramelized layer for added crunch.
• Layered Dessert – Serve over a thin layer of crushed vegan cookies or graham crackers for a playful base.
• Color Boost – If using ube extract, you can add a pinch of butterfly pea flower powder for a deeper purple hue.

Storing & Reheating

Explore more vibrant smoothie ideas

• Refrigeration – Store the custard (without the caramelized top) covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Sugar Last – Only add and torch the sugar topping right before serving to keep the crisp texture.
• Freezing – Not recommended; freezing alters the custard’s texture.
• Reheating – This dessert is best served cold, but if you want it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping the day before an event—just finish with the brûlée step at the last minute.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe

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• Choose the Right Coconut Cream – Use full-fat for the creamiest custard; avoid “lite” versions.
• Ramekin Size Matters – Smaller ramekins set faster and make portion control easy.
• Patience Pays Off – Let the custard cool before chilling to prevent condensation on top.
• Sugar Type – Fine granulated sugar caramelizes more evenly than coarse sugar.
• Torch Technique – Move the flame in a circular motion for a consistent golden crust without burning.

FAQ for Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée Recipe

Can I make this without coconut cream?
Yes. Substitute with cashew cream or soy creamer for a similar texture.

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Where can I find ube halaya or extract?
Asian grocery stores or online retailers carry both; ube extract is shelf-stable and easy to store.

Can I make this without a kitchen torch?
Yes. Use your oven’s broiler, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Is it very sweet?
It’s lightly sweet with balance from the ube flavor. You can reduce sugar if preferred.

Can I use fresh ube?
Yes, but it must be boiled, mashed, and sweetened before using in this recipe.

Conclusion

Vegan Ube Crème Brûlée proves that plant-based desserts can be just as rich, elegant, and indulgent as the classics. With its creamy custard base, striking purple hue, and irresistible caramelized sugar topping, it’s a dessert that wows both in flavor and presentation. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions, making it a must-try for anyone who loves unique sweets.

Whether you’re introducing ube to friends for the first time or treating yourself to a luxurious moment, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and beauty. With make-ahead convenience and endless customization possibilities, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. One crack of that golden sugar top, and you’ll know you’ve found a new favorite.