Coconut Crème Brûlée – Dairy Free, Gluten Free

This easy coconut crème brûlée is smooth, creamy, and finished with a crisp caramelized topping. It’s dairy-free, naturally gluten-free, and lightly infused with maple and coconut for a clean, balanced flavor. The texture sits somewhere between a classic crème brûlée and a soft flan, simple to make, but with that same elegant finish.

Key Ingredients

This dairy-free coconut crème brûlée uses a simple list of ingredients to create a rich, creamy custard with a delicate coconut flavor. 

• Sweetened condensed coconut milk – This adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the custard. 
• Unsweetened coconut milk – Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest, creamiest result. Avoid using refrigerated carton coconut milk, as it will not provide the same texture.
• Eggs – Eggs create the silky custard base and help the crème brûlée set properly.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut – Finely shredded coconut adds a subtle coconut flavor and a delicate texture throughout the dessert. Long, thin shreds work best.
• Granulated sugar – Used to create the caramel layer and balance the sweetness of the custard.
• Pure maple extract – Adds a warm, subtle maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the coconut. You can substitute with pure vanilla extract if preferred.

Crème Brûlée with a Touch of Coconut

Who doesn’t love crème brûlée? Ask ten people, and chances are nine will say this classic French dessert is a favorite. I’ve wanted to create a crème brûlée recipe for a long time, but I wanted to make something a little more unique than the traditional version.

This dairy-free coconut crème brûlée adds a subtle tropical twist with finely shredded unsweetened coconut, which blends beautifully into the creamy custard while adding a delicate texture and flavor.

If you love French-inspired desserts, be sure to explore our collection of gluten-free French dessert recipes, including the popular gluten-free French pastry cheese cups. This coconut crème brûlée is an elegant yet simple dessert that proves dairy-free baking can be just as rich, creamy, and satisfying as the classic.

Start with the Dairy-Free Caramel Topping

To begin, you’ll make the caramel topping first. Traditionally, crème brûlée is made by preparing the custard and finishing it with a caramelized sugar topping, but this recipe takes a different approach. The caramel is created at the start by melting sugar in a small saucepan until it reaches a light amber colour, then carefully pouring it into the loaf pan.

That’s it, no stirring is needed. In just about three minutes, you’ll have a beautiful caramel layer ready for the creamy coconut custard.

Make the Creamy Dairy-Free Crème Brûlée Custard

The custard couldn’t be easier to make. Simply whisk together the sweetened condensed coconut milk, unsweetened coconut milk, eggs, maple extract, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then pour the mixture over the caramel and bake.

Don’t be concerned if the custard is still slightly jiggly when it comes out of the oven, that’s exactly what you want. Once chilled for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, it will firm up into a rich, silky crème brûlée with the perfect creamy texture.

How to Plate Coconut Crème Brûlée

Once the dessert is thoroughly chilled, it’s time to plate and serve. Fill a larger baking dish or pan with about 1 inch of hot water, then place the loaf pan in the water for 30 seconds. This gently warms the caramel, making it easier to release the dessert and peel away the parchment paper without sticking.

Carefully invert the crème brûlée onto a serving platter or plate. Spoon the rich dairy-free caramel sauce left in the pan over the top before slicing and serving. The result is an elegant, silky dessert with a luscious caramel glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Easy Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Dessert Anyone Can Make

Voilà, your coconut crème brûlée is ready to serve! Silky smooth and creamy, with delicate flavor of maple, coconut, and just the right amount of sweetness. This gluten-free, dairy-free take on the classic French dessert is surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create an elegant dessert with a crisp caramelized topping that’s guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. No special skills needed.

Hi, I’m Kristina — a professional gluten-free recipe developer since 2012. Every recipe on this site is created and personally tested in my kitchen (and taste-tested by my very honest family!).

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a quick review below — it helps other gluten-free bakers find this recipe too.

Want more gluten-free inspiration? Sign up for the Newsletter for new recipes delivered straight to your inbox — no spam, just good food. Or join our community on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.