Name: Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp coconut sugar; 1/4 tsp white vinegar (or lemon juice); 1/8 tsp salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tbsp water; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 and 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk; 3/4 cup coconut cream; 3 tbsp maple syrup (or sugar); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3/4 tsp agar powder; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp shredded coconut; 2 tbsp large coconut flakes; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/8 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delightfully creamy dessert that feels indulgent yet totally vegan-friendly, look no further than this Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe. This luscious plant-based custard offers the perfect silky texture paired with a rich caramel layer, and the salted coconut crumble adds a crunchy, tropical twist that makes every bite an absolute celebration. It’s a recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps that will win over even the sweetest tooth skeptics.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver metal pan filled with a single layer of amber to dark brown caramel liquid, showing a glossy surface with small bubbles and uneven texture. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and the handles are visible in the lower right part of the image. The caramel color deepens more towards the bottom right side, giving a warm gradient effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in a Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe starts with carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings a special element, from the creamy coconut base to the golden caramel and crispy crumble topping.

Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds subtle depth and richness to both the caramel and custard.

Coconut sugar: Provides a warm, caramel-like flavor perfect for refined sugar-free caramel.
White vinegar (or lemon juice): Reacts with the sweeteners to help create that authentic caramel complexity.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the coconut crumble.

Sugar: Essential for the traditional caramel, offering that classic amber color and flavor.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during the caramel-making process.
Unsweetened plant-based milk: Forms the creamy custard base while keeping it vegan and light.

Coconut cream: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel that’s pure indulgence.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the custard its perfect silky texture.
Agar powder: A plant-based gel that helps the custard set firmly without eggs.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a fragrant, sweet aroma that makes dessert feel homey.
Shredded coconut and large coconut flakes: Create the salty, crunchy coconut crumble topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth custard.

How to Make Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Choose Your Caramel Style

Deciding between a refined sugar-free caramel or a traditional caramel sets the tone for your dessert. Both options bring incredible flavor, so pick whichever suits your preference or pantry. The refined sugar-free caramel uses maple syrup and coconut sugar, making it a bit lighter, while the traditional caramel goes full classic with just sugar, water, and salt.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

For the refined sugar-free caramel, gently heat maple syrup, coconut sugar, white vinegar, and salt until boiling, then pour immediately into ramekins and cool. For the traditional version, carefully melt sugar with water and salt over medium heat without stirring initially, allowing it to crystallize before caramelizing to the perfect amber hue. Pour this golden caramel into ramekins and let it harden.

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

Whisk together plant-based milk, coconut cream, maple syrup or sugar, cornstarch, agar powder, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Allow the custard to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the caramel when poured.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the gently cooled custard over the set caramel in each ramekin. Let the ramekins reach room temperature before refrigerating. Chill them for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the custard to set firmly and the caramel layer to meld beautifully with the custard beneath.

Step 5: Make the Salted Coconut Crumble

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss shredded coconut, large coconut flakes, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Cool completely before sprinkling it on top of your creme caramel for that perfect crunchy finish.

How to Serve Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe

A smooth, round caramel flan sits in the center of a white plate, surrounded by a pool of shiny, rich amber caramel sauce. The flan has two layers visible: the top is a glossy caramel color, and the bottom layer is a soft cream color with a silky texture. A silver spoon scoops out a portion, showing the soft, creamy inside of the flan. A small green mint leaf garnish rests on top adding a fresh contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a few mint leaves scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The salted coconut crumble is the star garnish, offering a toasty contrast to the smooth custard. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color and freshness that elevates the presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh tropical fruits like mango slices or passion fruit pulp. A light herbal tea or a coffee alternative, such as oat milk latte, complements the dessert’s creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant, personal touch, or invert onto dessert plates to reveal the glossy caramel topping. For a fun twist, layer the crumble inside clear glasses with the custard for a parfait vibe that showcases all the textures beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creme caramel in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covered ramekins or transferred portions will retain their delicate texture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh and chilled rather than frozen, as freezing can affect the smooth texture of the custard and the crispness of the coconut crumble. For optimal enjoyment, freeze individual components like the crumble separately if needed.

Reheating

Gently bring refrigerated portions to room temperature before serving, but avoid reheating as warm temperatures can break down the delicate caramel layer and soften the crisp crumble topping. Serve chilled or slightly warmed for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coconut cream?

Yes, you can use full-fat canned almond or cashew cream as alternatives, but coconut cream provides that classic tropical richness which complements the salted coconut crumble perfectly.

Is agar powder necessary for this recipe?

Agar powder acts as the vegan gelatin to help the custard set. Without it, the custard might remain too runny. If you prefer, you can experiment with other plant-based gelling agents, but results may vary.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep a close eye on your caramel as it cooks, stirring when instructed and removing it from heat immediately once it reaches a golden amber color. Caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so timing is key.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses plant-based milks, coconut cream, and no flour. Just check that your agar powder is certified gluten-free to be safe.

What is the best way to unmold the creme caramel?

Run a small knife around the edges of the ramekin to loosen the custard, then invert onto a plate and gently lift the ramekin away. This reveals the silky custard topped with glossy caramel, ready to be enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about crafting a vegan dessert that feels so luxuriously creamy and delights every sense, and this Vegan Creme Caramel with Salted Coconut Crumble Recipe does just that. It brings a lovely balance of textures and flavors to your table, whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in. Don’t hesitate to try it out — your taste buds will thank you.