Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée

Try this Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée recipe.

Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée
Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée

Step-by-step

  • Remove the pits from the dates. If your blender is not particularly powerful, you can soak your dates for roughly an hour before using.
  • Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until everything has combined. Depending on your blender, you may get a really smooth caramel, or it may be slightly lumpy in appearance, but the lumps are delicious!
  • Place roughly 2 large tablespoons in the bottom of each ramekin, and smooth the mixture until it covers the bottom.
  • Place the ramekins in the fridge whilst you make the custard.
  • Drain the cashews.
  • Place all ingredients EXCEPT the water in a blender and blend until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Add more almond milk if needed.
  • Taste the mixture, and adjust the maple syrup to your taste.
  • Pour the mixture into the ramekins, and place in the freezer for 30-40 minutes to allow them to firm up.
  • Once firm, remove from the freezer and place in the fridge until they are ready to be eaten.
  • Before serving, cover the top of each crème brûlée with a layer of coconut sugar, then using a kitchen blow torch, heat the coconut sugar until it melts and forms a hard, sugary crust. You need to keep the flame moving so that you don't burn the sugar. I found that the coconut sugar had a tendency to burst into flames; if this happens blow out the little flame, and continue blow torching, it won't affect the taste!

My Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Adventure: A Sweet Escape from the Everyday

As a busy working mom, finding time for myself feels like a luxury. Weekends are a whirlwind of errands, family time, and trying to squeeze in a little self-care before collapsing into bed. But this past weekend, I decided to prioritize a little indulgence – a recipe I’d been eyeing for weeks: Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée. The thought of a decadent, creamy dessert without the guilt of refined sugar and processed ingredients was too tempting to resist. And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it!

The recipe itself was surprisingly simple, a testament to the power of good quality, natural ingredients. I love how the raw nature of the dessert meant I could feel good about indulging. The process of making it was a relaxing escape – the gentle hum of the blender, the sweet aroma of caramel and coconut filling my kitchen, and the satisfying crackle of the caramelized coconut sugar topping. It felt therapeutic, a moment of calm amidst the usual chaos.

The taste? Oh my goodness. The creamy cashew custard was rich and intensely flavorful, the perfect balance of sweetness and salt. The homemade salted caramel base added another layer of deliciousness, its subtle caramel notes perfectly complementing the creamy custard. And that crunchy coconut sugar topping? It provided the perfect textural contrast, adding a satisfying snap with every bite. It’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and wholesome, a perfect treat for those who appreciate quality ingredients and mindful indulgence.

This Raw Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée wasn't just a delicious dessert; it was a mini-break. It's a recipe I'll be cherishing, not just for the amazing taste, but for the precious time it gave me to reconnect with my creativity and indulge in a little bit of self-care. It's a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always room for small moments of joy and deliciousness.

Tips and Variations:

  • Date Preparation: Soaking the dates beforehand, especially if your blender isn’t powerful, makes them much easier to blend into a smooth caramel.
  • Nut Milk Alternatives: While almond milk worked beautifully, you can experiment with other plant-based milks like cashew milk or oat milk. The flavor profile might shift slightly, adding its own unique twist.
  • Sweetener Adjustments: The amount of maple syrup is easily adjustable to your preference. If you like a sweeter crème brûlée, add a touch more; if you prefer a slightly less sweet version, reduce the amount.
  • Coconut Sugar Alternatives: While coconut sugar works wonderfully for the brûlée topping, you can also try other natural sweeteners like maple sugar or raw cane sugar. Keep in mind that their caramelization properties might be slightly different.
  • Presentation: These little ramekins are perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for a small gathering or a special treat for yourself. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt or a fresh sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.

Making this dessert wasn't just about creating a delicious treat; it was about slowing down, appreciating the process, and savoring the moment. It was a reminder that even amidst the daily grind, we can carve out moments of peace and pleasure, creating something beautiful and delicious in the process. So, take your time, enjoy the journey, and savor every delightful bite of this raw salted caramel crème brûlée.

Beyond the recipe, this experience highlighted the importance of incorporating moments of self-care into our busy schedules. This dessert wasn’t just food; it was a small act of rebellion against the pressures of daily life, a reminder to take a breath and celebrate the simple joys. It's about finding balance between the demands of daily life and the need for personal replenishment.

This recipe serves as a perfect example of how we can transform everyday moments into opportunities for mindful enjoyment and self-care. And what better way to do that than with a delectable, healthy, and utterly satisfying dessert? So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Embrace the therapeutic process of blending, pouring, and torching, and create a little magic in your own kitchen. The delicious rewards, both in taste and in self-care, are well worth the effort.