Name: Vegan Flan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 12 h 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 100 g granulated sugar; 30 ml water; 360 ml evaporated coconut milk; 250 g sweetened condensed coconut milk; 200 ml non-dairy milk (oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk); 200 g vegan cream cheese; 40 g cornstarch; 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder (NOT agar flakes); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste); ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 60 g vegan butter (cold and cubed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things plant-based, this Vegan Flan Recipe is going to be your new dessert obsession. Creamy, silky, and topped with golden caramel, this flan captures all the delightful textures and flavors of the traditional classic, but without any eggs or dairy. It’s surprisingly simple to make, with rich coconut milk, vegan cream cheese, and a touch of agar-agar to set everything perfectly. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious to try something new, this Vegan Flan Recipe will charm your taste buds and have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a dark gray pot filled with a bubbling amber liquid, likely caramel or syrup, showing small bubbles across the surface mainly clustered in the center, sitting on a round wooden trivet with a natural wood finish. The background features a white marbled texture surface with some blurred objects in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Flan Recipe lies in its thoughtful yet straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and that luscious jiggly texture you expect from flan. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this impressive dessert:

Granulated sugar (100 g): The foundation for that rich caramel topping everyone loves.
Water (30 ml): Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during caramelization.
Evaporated coconut milk (360 ml): Adds deep coconut creaminess, giving the flan its smooth body.
Sweetened condensed coconut milk (250 g): Naturally sweet and thick, perfect for a luscious custard layer.
Non-dairy milk (200 ml): Use oat, almond, or soy milk to adjust creaminess and flavor.
Vegan cream cheese (200 g): Provides richness and a slight tang that mimics traditional flan beautifully.
Cornstarch (40 g): The secret to that silky, firm texture that holds the custard together.
Agar-agar powder (2 teaspoons): This plant-based gelling agent ensures your flan sets perfectly without gelatin.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness that complement the coconut.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Vegan butter (60 g, cold and cubed): Adds silkiness and a slight richness to the custard’s mouthfeel.

How to Make Vegan Flan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Start Caramelizing

Grab a flanera or an 8-inch cake pan without a removable base and place it on a stable tray. This setup catches any spills as you work quickly with the caramel. Begin by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until dissolved. Then crank up the heat and resist the urge to stir; instead, swirl the pan gently to encourage even caramelization. Watch closely as it darkens to that perfect deep amber; this golden layer will create the signature sweet-tart crust on your flan.

Step 2: Pour the Caramel and Let It Set

Pour the hot caramel carefully into your prepared pan, quickly spreading it around before it hardens. Set it aside at room temperature to let it chill and harden fully, about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for that satisfying caramel crack when you serve the flan.

Step 3: Blend the Custard Mixture

Now for the creamy filling. In a high-speed blender, combine evaporated coconut milk, sweetened condensed coconut milk, nondairy milk, vegan cream cheese, cornstarch, agar-agar powder, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth with no lumps—that silky texture is the heart of this Vegan Flan Recipe.

Step 4: Cook the Custard Gently

Transfer your blended custard to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, whisking constantly to avoid burning. Bring it to a gentle simmer and keep whisking for about 5 minutes as the custard thickens beautifully. This active stirring is key to developing that creamy, custard-like consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Strain

Place your cold cubed vegan butter in a large bowl and strain the hot custard through a fine sieve right into it. Whisk vigorously until your mixture turns smooth and luxuriously creamy. Let it cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, giving it a good whisk every 5 minutes to keep a skin from forming on top.

Step 6: Assemble and Refrigerate

Pour the custard gently over the set caramel in your flan pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature before covering with clingfilm. Pop it in the fridge to chill for 12 to 24 hours; patience here guarantees that perfect set and unmistakably silky texture.

Step 7: Unmold and Serve

Before serving, run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen the flan, then flip it onto a plate slowly so the caramel cascades down the sides. Your stunning, glossy Vegan Flan Recipe is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Vegan Flan Recipe

A single slice of smooth, creamy flan sits on a white plate with a thin golden rim, showcasing its light beige body topped with a shiny, rich amber caramel layer, slightly dripping down the sides. Behind the slice, the rest of the flan is visible on a white plate, shaped in a ring with evenly spaced rounded sections and a glossy caramel top. In the background, a bunch of fresh, bright red raspberries rests atop the whole flan. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture to the warm, soft lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the flan is already quite the showstopper, a few carefully chosen garnishes can elevate the experience. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness, while toasted coconut flakes bring a wonderful crunch. Alternatively, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt atop the caramel to highlight the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing side. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing balances out the richness of the flan, or fresh fruit sorbets can be a playful way to complement its creamy texture. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea to round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making individual flan servings in ramekins instead of a cake pan—this makes for elegant, personal desserts. You can also drizzle some vegan chocolate sauce or a bright berry coulis on the plate around the flan to create a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any flan leftovers (which might be rare), keep them in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The flan holds up well refrigerated for 1-2 days, maintaining its rich flavor and smooth texture.

Freezing

Freezing this Vegan Flan Recipe is not recommended as the texture tends to suffer when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge for that classic silky mouthfeel.

Reheating

Since flan is best served chilled, reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of plant milk for this flan?

Absolutely! Oat, almond, or soy milk all work beautifully here. Each will impart a subtle difference in flavor and creaminess, so feel free to experiment according to your preference.

What if I don’t have agar-agar powder?

Agar-agar powder is essential for achieving the perfect set in this vegan flan. Agar flakes are less responsive for this recipe, so if you can’t find powder, consider purchasing it online or at specialty stores to get the best results.

Can I make this flan gluten-free?

This Vegan Flan Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just make sure your vegan cream cheese and other packaged products are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Why does the custard need to be strained?

Straining removes any lumps and ensures that your custard is silky smooth. This small step makes a big difference in the final texture, giving you that luscious, velvety flan everyone loves.

What’s the best way to unmold the flan?

Run a knife carefully around the edge and invert onto a plate swiftly but gently. If the flan doesn’t easily come out, you can briefly dip the bottom of the pan in hot water to loosen the caramel. Just be careful not to let water touch the custard itself.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Flan Recipe is a spectacular way to enjoy a classic dessert with a compassionate twist. It’s creamy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try it, you’ll see just how delicious plant-based desserts can be. I can’t wait for you to share this creamy caramel dream with your loved ones and see those faces light up with joy!