Dessert

Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Name: Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 12 h 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 100 g granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 200 g evaporated oat milk; 20 g cornstarch; 1 teaspoon agar agar powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 200 g pumpkin puree; 200 g vegan whipping cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 60 g vegan butter (cold and cubed)

Byreem everly December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

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Introduction

Pumpkin flan is a velvety, comforting dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a smooth, spiced treat. This vegan version uses oat milk and a blend of warming pumpkin pie spices, creating a rich and creamy custard with a luscious caramel topping.

The image shows three small white round bowls filled with a smooth caramel flan dessert that has a shiny, golden-brown top layer with a soft, gel-like texture. The flan has a rounded dome shape with slight ridges around the sides. It sits in a golden caramel sauce that pools around the base of the flan in each bowl. One spoon rests inside the bowl in the foreground, touching the caramel sauce near the flan. The bowls are placed on a bright white marbled textured surface with an orange and white checkered cloth partially visible in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

100 g granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
200 g evaporated oat milk
20 g cornstarch
1 teaspoon agar agar powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
200 g pumpkin puree
200 g vegan whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
60 g vegan butter (cold and cubed)

Instructions

Step 1: Place your flan molds on a tray and set aside. (Use six 5-inch molds if available.)
Step 2: For the caramel, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then increase to medium-high heat and do not stir. Watch closely as the mixture boils and bubbles, swirling the pan gently to caramelize evenly. When it turns deep amber, remove from heat.
Step 3: Quickly pour the caramel into the flan molds. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it hardens.
Step 4: In a saucepan, whisk together evaporated oat milk, cornstarch, agar agar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, vegan whipping cream, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking continuously. Simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Place the cubed vegan butter in a large bowl. Pass the warm custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl and whisk together until smooth and creamy. Let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes to prevent a skin forming.
Step 7: Pour the custard over the set caramel in each mold. Cover with clingfilm and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to set fully.
Step 8: Before serving, warm each flan mold in a saucepan with shallow hot water for a few minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen.
Step 9: Place a small plate on top of each mold and invert it quickly. The flan should unmold smoothly with caramel sauce flowing over it.
Step 10: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense caramel flavor, allow the sugar mixture to reach a slightly darker amber before removing from heat, but be careful not to burn it.
Use full-fat vegan whipping cream for a richer custard and better texture.
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to taste.
To make this gluten-free, ensure your agar agar powder is certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store the flan covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them in their molds and only unmold just before serving to maintain their delicate texture. Reheat gently in a warm water bath as described before unmolding if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows four small white round plates each holding a single flan dessert. Each flan is shiny and smooth with a deep caramel brown color on top, surrounded by a pool of lighter orange caramel sauce. The flans have a flower-like shape with rounded petal edges that create soft shadows and highlights. The close-up view reveals a moist, jelly-like texture and a glossy surface that reflects light softly. The plates are set on a white marbled texture surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dairy milk instead of oat milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated dairy milk if you aren’t avoiding dairy. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I substitute for vegan butter?

If you don’t have vegan butter, you can try coconut oil, but it may alter the flavor. Choose a neutral oil or butter substitute that remains solid when cold for best results.