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    Home » Dessert » Creme Brulee

    Published: Jun 21, 2013 · Modified: Jun 13, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

    Creme Brulee

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    Two white dishes with creme brulee topped with blackberries, with a white napkin and two spoons in the upper left corner.

    The moment that you have all been waiting for, has finally arrived! I wish to present to you.....dairy-free Creme Brulee!!! Let's all pause for a moment. Okay, for those of you who are not lactose intolerant, this may not be all that exciting. For those of us who drool over the rich, creamy desserts at neighboring tables in restaurants, this is a major accomplishment!Two white dishes with creme brulee topped with blackberries, with a white napkin and two spoons in the upper left corner.
    If you are not looking for a dairy-free version, keep reading! You can easily substitute heavy cream for the coconut milk, since all I did was swap out the same amount of coconut milk for the cream in the original recipe. It really is that simple folks.

    Looking down on two Creme Brulee topped with caramelized sugar and blackberries.

    How to make Creme Brulee without Dairy

    Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Fill a large pot with an inch or two of water and bring to a boil.

    In a large stainless steel mixing bowl, beat together egg yolks, 4 Tablespoons sugar, and pulp from one vanilla bean until thick and creamy.

    Eggs, sugar and vanilla bean paste in a stainless steel bowl.

    In a small saucepan over LOW heat, stir and heat coconut milk until it almost comes to a boil. Remove from heat.

    Cream simmering in a saucepan.

    Use a ladle to pour a small amount of heated milk into the egg yolk mixture. We do not want to make scrambled eggs. Pour in a second ladle of milk.

    The hot coconut milk being whisked into the egg mixture in a stainless steel bowl.

    Pour in remaining milk, and beat to combine.

    Place mixture on top of the pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to simmer, and stir over simmering water until mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 - 4 minutes.

    Creme Brulee mixture in a double boiler on the stove.

    Remove mixture from heat and pour into one large shallow oven-proof dish, or four small ones.

    Creme Brulee in four small ramekins on a silcone lined baking sheet.

    Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

    Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.

    Creme Brulee baked on a silicone lined baking sheet.

    Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or overnight.

    Just before you are ready to serve, mix 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar with remaining 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl.

    Sprinkle sugar mixture over chilled custard.

    Chilled custard with sugar sprinkled on top.

    Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar on top of the creme brulee.

    A kitchen torch melting the sugars on top of the creme brulee.

    Allow sugar to cool, and place in refrigerator for a few minutes until custard is set again.

    A big spoonful of Creme Brulee hovering over the dessert in a ramekin topped with two blackberries.

    This picture was taken about 5 minutes after I melted the sugar, so it looks a bit soft. If you place it back in the refrigerator and allow it to cool back down, it is just as thick and luscious as the real ones!

    Our astrological Cancer friends are ruled by the moon, and I thought I would take this opportunity to try out a dairy-free creme brulee...since it reminds me of the moon. Well okay, maybe it was just an excuse to try out a new recipe! I don't think anyone would complain about being forced to eat this for dessert.

    Recipe Notes

    For the vanilla bean: 

    Simply slice thru the top of the vanilla bean, then use the side of the knife to scrape out the inside. I used everything that I scraped out of one vanilla bean to make this recipe.

    vanilla bean cookingwithcurls.com

    This is the kitchen torch that I used to melt the sugar.

    cookingwithcurls.com torch

    It's not really for the kitchen, but it works perfectly.

    Apparently I do not own a double-boiler, crazy right? I thought I owned everything you could possibly use in a kitchen. Then I remembered seeing chef's on TV use a stainless steel bowl, so I gave it a try. It worked perfectly, and I don't have to store any additional pans!

    Creme Brulee mixture in a double boiler on the stove.

    Please remember that I am not a trained chef. I just get an idea in my head and go for it. Sometimes it works, and other times it does not. If I can make this recipe then trust me, you can too!

    More recipes in this Cancer meal:

    • Shaved Fennel Salad with pineapple
    • Italian Seafood Pasta 
    • Italian Fritatta 

    Enjoy!!

    Two white dishes with creme brulee topped with blackberries, with a white napkin and two spoons in the upper left corner.

    Creme Brulee

    Rich and creamy Creme Brulee, with or without the dairy. It's the perfect dessert to impress your guests any time of year!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: French
    Keyword: dairy-free dessert recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Chill: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Calories: 456kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Torch

    Ingredients

    • 6 large egg yolks
    • 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar divided
    • 1 whole vanilla bean scraped
    • 2 ½ cups full fat coconut milk shake before using
    • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
    • berries for garnish optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Fill a large pot with an inch or two of water and bring to a boil.
    • In a large stainless steel mixing bowl, beat together egg yolks, 4 Tablespoons sugar, and pulp from vanilla bean until thick and creamy.
    • In a small saucepan over LOW heat, stir and heat coconut milk until it almost comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
    • Use a ladle to pour a small amount of heated milk into the egg yolk mixture. We do not want to make scrambled eggs. Pour in a second ladle of milk.
    • Pour in remaining milk, and beat to combine.
    • Place mixture on top of the pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to simmer, and stir over simmering water until mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 - 4 minutes.
    • Remove mixture from heat and pour into one large shallow oven-proof dish, or four small ones.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
    • Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or overnight.
    • Just before you are ready to serve, mix 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar with remaining 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl.
    • Sprinkle sugar mixture over chilled custard.
    • Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar on top of the creme brulee.
    • Allow sugar to cool, and place in refrigerator for a few minutes until custard is set again.

    Notes

    • If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can place under the broiler in your oven for a minute or two to melt the sugar. Watch very closely, or it will burn!
    • You can substitute equal amounts heavy cream for the coconut milk if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 277mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 339mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 5mg

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says

      June 21, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      Love this! Definitely going to try this for my husband... we both love creme brulee and try to eat lactose free as much as possible. Pinned it! 🙂

      Reply
    2. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

      June 21, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      So many things to do with coconut milk. And I think you nailed this one Lisa! I need to learn how to use my blowtorch btw. Creme brulee is one of the best desserts.

      Reply
    3. Tanya says

      June 21, 2013 at 7:01 pm

      Well you had a fabulous idea with this recipe!!! It's gorgeous Lisa!

      Reply
    4. Cindy Eikenberg says

      June 22, 2013 at 3:54 am

      Lisa, Creme Brulee is my very favorite dessert, hands down and yours looks fantastic!!! Thanks so much for sharing and pinning - have a happy weekend!!! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Danni@SiloHillFarm says

      June 22, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Yummm!...and yes please!

      Reply
    6. Paula says

      June 22, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      My husband's fav dessert is creme brulee and I only make a chocolate one, I'll try this for him, Thanks for sharing at Sat. Dishes! Pinned.

      Reply
    7. Sarah says

      June 23, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Looks amazing! I bet the coconut milk gives it a great sweet taste. And the consistence looks perfect. Great work.

      Reply
    8. Linda says

      June 24, 2013 at 1:40 pm

      This sounds delish! I have to try it. Thanks for bringing it over to Saturday Dishes.

      Wishes for tasty dishes,
      Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa

      Reply
    9. Felicia says

      June 29, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      This looks absolutely amazing! I love Creme Brulee, it's become one of my favorite desserts, so I'm really excited to have come across this recipe. It'll be great to be able to make it for friends and family who are lactose intolerant. Great share!

      Reply
    10. One TIPsy Chick says

      June 29, 2013 at 9:55 pm

      Ooooh, this looks amazing!
      Stopping by from the Sunday Showcase.

      Reply
    11. Lea @ Lea's Cooking says

      June 29, 2013 at 10:55 pm

      Love this idea!!! Definitely trying it 🙂

      Reply
    12. Kim @ Soliloquy Of Food & Such says

      June 30, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      Ha! My husband has a Benzomatic....I keep telling him "I gunna steal it!" (he has hidden it). I need a torch...I have torch-envy, apparently 🙂
      Great job with these being dairy free. I have a family member that ALWAYS stumps me when it comes to desserts. I will remeber this one, for sure!!

      Reply
    13. Susan D says

      June 30, 2013 at 8:54 pm

      This looks great!!! Thanks for sharing at my Sunday Funday Linky Party! 🙂

      *Susan

      Reply
    14. Marguerite (My rural French Life) says

      July 01, 2013 at 4:42 am

      Love the look of this recipe and will certainly try it as I have a friend for lunch and she is Dairy free...excellent. Thank you, have a lovely day <3

      Reply
    15. Lisa says

      July 01, 2013 at 4:10 pm

      This looks wonderful! I hope you will come share at this week's From the Farm Blog Hop hosted by 6 great blogs!

      Lisa
      Fresh Eggs Daily

      Reply
    16. Rebekah says

      July 01, 2013 at 8:56 pm

      I have yet to try any creme brulee-dairy or dairy free. I have been dying to try it! Thanks for sharing. I actually ended up clicking on both of your recipes at Kathe's blog hop and am pining both. They look so good!

      Reply
    17. Heather Who Needs a Cape? says

      July 02, 2013 at 8:10 am

      Creme Brulee is my favorite - but I have never attempted to make it! YUM

      Thanks again for linking up to Super Sunday - See you next week!

      Reply
    18. Amber says

      July 02, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      Holy NOM NOM! That looks divine! Thanks a bunch for the share! Found you via Whimsy Wednesday at the NY Melrose Fam linky!

      Reply
    19. Cynthia L. says

      July 02, 2013 at 8:22 pm

      I have always wanted to make something that I could "torch" I even asked for one for my birthday. I will have to remember this recipe and give it a try! Lovely looking dessert!

      Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link party! So glad you are here!

      Reply
    20. Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says

      July 03, 2013 at 12:30 am

      Delish! I will be sharing this on FB tomorrow! Thanks so much for partying with us this week 🙂

      Reply
    21. Alanna @Toronto Mama says

      July 03, 2013 at 9:01 pm

      My lactose intolerant husband is going to adore this! What a brilliant idea to use coconut milk. Pinning this now!

      Reply
    22. Anyonita says

      July 04, 2013 at 10:02 am

      You've got a blowtorch!!!! I've been trying to get a blowtorch for months but always get distracted by other kitchen gadgets lol. Your creme brulee looks FANTASTIC, by the way! 🙂 Yummy and perfectly bruleed!. Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers! Please be sure to stop back by the party and check out some of the other links!

      Reply
    23. Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures says

      July 04, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      Mmmm... This looks wonderful. I bet the coconut milk is delicious in this recipe! Thank you for sharing at Tuesdays with a Twist! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

      Reply
    24. Diana Rambles says

      July 05, 2013 at 8:05 am

      Oh wow! Looks amazing!

      Reply
    25. Carrie This Home says

      July 05, 2013 at 6:30 pm

      This looks so good! I saw your link on a linky party and I just had to click on it! I've had creme brulee once in my life and it was divine! I'm stopping by from Tatertots & Jello (#26 Easy & Flavorful Italian Chicken #37 Favorite Crock Pot Recipes) Have a great weekend!

      Reply
    26. Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile says

      July 06, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Oh Yum, Crème Brulee is my all time favorite, no exception dessert!!! I will be giving this a try, thank you. I pinned it and I'm sharing on facebook.
      Hugs,
      Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

      Reply
    27. Rikki says

      July 06, 2013 at 7:04 pm

      This looks yummy! New follower through bloglovin. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    28. Cynthia L says

      July 07, 2013 at 1:40 pm

      I have never had Creme Brulee, but have always wanted to try it! I have also wanted to own and try out one of those torches!

      Thank you for linking this to the In and Out of the Kitchen LInk party. I will be sharing it as Big's favorite in my Top 10 Favorites from the In and Out of the Kitchen Link party.

      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    29. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says

      July 08, 2013 at 9:29 am

      I love creme brulee and try to stay away from dairy for health reasons (and am a bit intolerant of straight milk too!) so this recipe is perfect. Can't wait to try it.
      I've chosen it as one of my favorites from last week's Project Inspired party.

      Nancy

      Reply
    30. Diane Balch says

      July 08, 2013 at 7:29 pm

      Coconut milk sounds delicious as a milk substitute in this dish. Can't get over how authentic it looks. Thanks for sharing your creme brulee on foodie friday.

      Reply
    31. Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says

      July 08, 2013 at 8:16 pm

      Mmm! Just seeing that fresh vanilla bean is making my mouth water! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #20!

      ~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!

      Reply
    32. Joanne T Ferguson says

      July 26, 2013 at 10:07 pm

      G'day Lisa, this looks so yum, true!
      Dairy free...bonus too; viewing as part of Food Friends Friday Party too!
      Cheers! Joanne

      Reply
    33. Diane Balch says

      June 10, 2014 at 7:15 am

      My lactose son might even kiss you for this dessert. Pinning.

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        June 17, 2014 at 12:45 am

        I'll take it! He will love this Diane. 🙂

        Reply
    34. Chaya says

      June 10, 2014 at 10:31 am

      I love creme brulee and yours looks fantastic. I am guessing that this won't work using a light coconut milk????

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        June 17, 2014 at 12:27 am

        No, I don't think that light coconut milk would work. You need the fat and creaminess to make it all come together and thicken. 🙂

        Reply
    35. Adelina Priddis says

      June 24, 2014 at 11:51 am

      We love creme brulee! I think I'll have to surprise my husband with this version sometime this week.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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