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A dairy free & guilt free alternative to a classic vanilla dessert.Β Made with almond milk and skipping the heavy cream, this Clean Eating Creme Brulee remake is one of my kids favorite desserts. It’s easier than you think, but there are a couple of recipe tips and tricks you do need to take note of if you want to achieve a smooth, silky custard.
Eating Clean does not mean you miss out on all the ‘good stuff’. Pizza, Chocolate cake and even fish and chips are all included. This clean eating makeover of creme brulee is my take on one one of my favorite classic desserts.
3 {SUPER} IMPORTANT TIPS FOR A SMOOTH CUSTARD
Couple of things you MUST DO to get a smooth custard. The custard thickens really, really quickly so you will NOT get a second chance to get it right. You do not want to end up with a lumpy custard coz’ nobody likes that.
Ready?Β
Here goes …
- DO NOT HEAT the mixture until EVERYTHING is smoothly combined. Read the recipe steps carefully BEFORE starting the recipe and not as you go along.
- DO NOT STOP Stirring. Yup. Stay at the stove the ENTIRE TIME. Do not get distracted by the kids, dog, hot fireman driving past. No distractions. Focus on stirring for the next three minutes.
- DON’T PANIC. The custard will go from watery liquid to thick SUPER QUICK. It’s OK. “Just keep stirring. Just keep stirring” (sung like Dory in Finding Nemo).Β
- CHILL before eating. The custard gets better once chilled. I know it tastes good now. go ahead and lick the spoon BUT resist the urge to eat it hot. Be patient – let it chill in the fridge.
THE WOBBLE TEST
So how do you know when your Clean Eating Creme Brulee creation is ready to eat? You give it the wobble test. Shake your bowl. Your dessert should wobble like firm jelly.
How to get the classic Sugar Topping
Maybe you noticed I didn’t add that classic crackle sugar topping to my Clean Eating Creme Brulee picture below? Like I tell my kids – I run a home, not a restaurant.Β Most of the time, my homemade version is simply topped with a brown sugar (you can substitute this for coconut sugar) and cinnamon mixture. Yes, it’s sugar (we didn’t quit sugar, and this is why).
If, however, you want that traditional toffee sugar topping, you will need one of these kitchen gadgets to melt the sugar or pop your ramekins under a hot grill and WATCH carefully to prevent burning.
Arrowroot Powder vs Corn Starch
The reason I use Arrowroot powder is that my daughter is Gluten intolerant. She misses out on so many delicious foods so sometimes I feel sorry for her.
Personally, I find cornstarch and arrowroot interchangeable as a thickener. Arrowroot is more nutritious but normally doesn’t mix as well with Dairy, but as this recipe uses Almond milk instead of cream, it works perfectly.
MORE CLEAN EATING DESSERTS
By far, one if our favorite desserts is my Clean Eating Chocolate Mug Cake You get your chocolate fix, except it’s good for you. One mug cake is enough to serve two, but if you want to go and eat the whole thing without the kids – go ahead! Or if you’re up for something a little fruity, whizz together this 2 minute strawberry ice cream.Β
Clean Eating Creme Brulee
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk unsweetened
- 3 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract
- 2 Eggs fresh, lightly beaten
- ΒΌ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs. arrowroot powder and 2 tablespoons of the almond milk until smooth. Add the remaining almond milk, one third at a time, whisking constantly until all the milk is combined and mixture is smooth.Whisk in maple syrup and vanilla.Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat gently on a low to medium heat. WHISK CONSTANTLY. As mixture begins to heat, it will thicken quickly. KEEP WHISKING. Turn off the heat and allow custard to simmer for 1 - 2 minutes. Pour into 4 ramekins or cups.Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon (and a little brown sugar if you plan on torching.Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.