Name: Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 12 h 35 min
Cuisine: International
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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 59 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both stunning and comforting, the Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Silky smooth pumpkin custard meets a rich, glossy caramel topping to create an indulgent treat without any dairy or eggs. This flan brings together the warm spices of autumn and the creamy textures we crave, making it a perfect showstopper for gatherings or cozy nights in. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to festive dessert to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark metal baking tray holding six small black fluted tart pans filled with smooth, bright orange pumpkin batter. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with three decorative pumpkins nearby: one orange and two in green shades. The pumpkin batter in each tart pan looks creamy with slight swirls on top, filling each pan almost to the edge. A corner of a checkered orange and white cloth is visible at the bottom left of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples into a luscious flan that’s bursting with color and flavor. Each one is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of creamy custard, warming spices, and that irresistible caramel shine.

100 g granulated sugar: Essential for the silky caramel sauce that crowns the flan.
2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during caramelization.
200 g evaporated oat milk: Adds creaminess with a subtle oat flavor, perfect for the custard base.
20 g cornstarch: Key for thickening the custard to that flawless, spoonable texture.
1 teaspoon agar agar powder: A vegan-friendly setting agent that ensures the flan holds its shape beautifully.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings aromatic warmth and seasonal flair to every bite.
200 g pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and earthy depth.
200 g vegan whipping cream: Adds richness and lightness, making the custard luxuriously creamy.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with subtle sweetness and complexity.
60 g vegan butter (cold and cubed): Adds silky richness and an indulgent mouthfeel to the custard.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Flan Molds

First things first, get your flan molds ready by placing them on a tray. I use six 13.5 cm (5-inch) molds which are perfect for individual servings. This step might seem simple but having everything ready makes the process smoother and keeps the caramel from setting too quickly before you pour it in.

Step 2: Making the Caramel

In a saucepan over low heat, dissolve the sugar in water by stirring gently for several minutes. When fully dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high but now, resist the urge to stir. Watch closely as it boils and changes color from pale yellow to a beautiful deep amber. Swirl the saucepan carefully to ensure even caramelization. This caramel is the golden crown of your flan, so working quickly, pour it into each mold and let it set at room temperature for around 30 minutes.

Step 3: Crafting the Pumpkin Custard

Next, whisk together evaporated oat milk, cornstarch, agar agar powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, vegan whipping cream, and vanilla extract for a creamy, spiced base. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps or burning. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes until it achieves a silky custard consistency.

Step 4: Incorporating the Vegan Butter

Place cold vegan butter cubes in a bowl and sit a fine-mesh sieve over it. Pour the hot custard through the sieve into the butter, whisking vigorously until smooth and creamy. This step transforms your flan into an ultra-luxe texture that melts in your mouth. Let it cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes to avoid a skin forming on top.

Step 5: Filling and Chilling

Divide the cooled custard evenly into the caramel-lined molds. Cover with clingfilm to protect them and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. This chilling phase is crucial as it allows the custard to fully set, making the vegan pumpkin flan with caramel sauce recipe truly spectacular.

Step 6: Unmolding and Serving

Right before serving, place the flan molds in a shallow pan of hot water for a few minutes to loosen the edges. Run a sharp knife carefully around each mold’s inner edge, then invert the flan onto a serving plate. Watch the caramel cascade down the sides—that’s your delicious reward for some patient waiting!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe

The image shows four small white plates, each with a single pudding-like dessert centered on them. Each dessert has a flower-like shape with rounded petals and is covered by a smooth, shiny caramel sauce that pools slightly around the base on the plate. The caramel sauce is a rich amber color, contrasting gently with the lighter brown of the pudding underneath. The plates are placed on a white marbled surface, and a corner of a red and white checkered cloth is visible in the lower left of the image. The overall look is clean and simple, focusing on the glossy texture of the caramel and the soft shape of the desserts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dusting of cinnamon can add a lovely textural contrast and amplify the autumn vibes. Fresh herbs like a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme also bring an unexpected, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This flan pairs beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For a lighter accompaniment, a crisp apple salad or some spiced roasted nuts make a wonderful contrast to the creamy flan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try serving the flan in individual glass jars or ramekins with caramel drizzled on top. Adding edible flowers or small pieces of crystallized ginger can elevate the presentation for special occasions, turning this Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe into a real centerpiece dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, you might!), keep them covered in their molds in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flan maintains its delicate texture best when undisturbed until you are ready to serve again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this flan because the delicate texture and silky custard can become grainy or separate after thawing, which detracts from the luscious mouthfeel we love so much.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is unnecessary. However, if you’d prefer a slightly softer custard, allow the flan to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before unmolding and serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of plant milk instead of oat milk?

Absolutely! While oat milk offers a subtle sweetness that complements pumpkin, you can use almond, soy, or cashew milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness level of your flan.

Is agar agar powder easy to find?

Yes! Agar agar is usually available in health food stores, Asian markets, or online. It’s a fantastic vegan alternative to gelatin and works perfectly in this recipe to set the custard without affecting flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. All the ingredients in this Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your spices and vegan butter brands to be sure.

How long should I refrigerate the flan for the best texture?

For the flan to set properly and develop the best flavor, refrigerating for at least 12 hours is key. You can leave it up to 24 hours without any issues, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.

What’s the best way to unmold the flan without breaking it?

Gently warming the molds in hot water softens the caramel and custard edges just enough to release them cleanly. Running a knife around the sides after warming helps loosen it perfectly without cracking. Patience is the secret here!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Vegan Pumpkin Flan with Caramel Sauce Recipe that makes every bite feel like fall wrapped up in a creamy, caramel hug. Once you’ve made it, you’ll realize how simple ingredients and a little patience can create a show-stopping dessert that anyone, vegan or not, will adore. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved tradition in your kitchen!