Creamy, silky, and kissed with bold Vietnamese coffee, this vegan banh flan (Vietnamese coffee caramel flan) is the plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Made with simple ingredients, it has the same luscious texture and golden caramel top you know and love—without eggs or dairy. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a nostalgic Vietnamese dessert with a modern, vegan touch.

Jump to:

• ❓FAQs about Vegan Banh Flan
• ☕Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banh Flan
• 📝How to make Vegan Banh Flan
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

❓FAQs about Vegan Banh Flan

• What is Bánh Flan?
  Bánh Flan - Vegan Vietnamese coffee caramel flan is a plant-based version of the classic version. Instead of eggs and dairy, it uses creamy coconut or soy milk and starches to create that smooth, custard-like texture. The coffee infusion adds a subtle bitterness that perfectly complements the sweet caramel topping.
• How does it taste?
  It’s rich, silky, and slightly bittersweet. The caramel gives a glossy sweetness, while the coffee balances it with depth and warmth, making it less sugary than traditional flan.
• What are some variations of vegan coffee caramel flan?
  • Mocha Flan – add cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate with the coffee.
  • Vanilla Caramel Flan – skip the coffee and go classic with vanilla.
  • Spiced Coffee Flan – infused with cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a festive touch.
  • Salted Caramel Flan – add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel layer for extra flavour.
  • Coffee Game: Use strong Robusta coffee for that authentic Vietnamese flavor.
• Is vegan coffee caramel flan make-ahead friendly?
  Yes! In fact, it’s best made the day before serving, as it needs several hours in the fridge to set properly.

Here are some more cool dessert recipes for you 👇

• Vietnamese Avocado Pudding
• Vegan Mango Cheesecake
• Vegan Matcha Tiramisu

☕Why You’ll Love This Vegan Banh Flan

• Coffee twist – the gentle bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.
• Completely plant-based – no eggs or dairy, but all the classic creaminess you’d expect.
• Simple ingredients – most are already in your pantry or easily accessible.
• Make-ahead dessert – perfect for prepping the night before gatherings.

📝How to make Vegan Banh Flan

Ingredients

Caramel Layer

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• ½ cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ¼–⅓ cup water

Coffee Custard

• 500 ml plant milk (soy, oat or almond milk)
• 300 ml coconut cream
• 3 tablespoon condensed coconut milk
• 1½–2 tsp strong Vietnamese coffee (brewed)
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch 
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions (pictures below)

1. Make the caramel
   • Heat instant coffee, sugar, and water over medium heat.
   • Once it turns a deep amber, pour immediately into ramekins or small bowls, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Then set aside.
2. Prepare the custard
   • In a saucepan, mix plant milk, coconut cream, condensed coconut milk, coffee, cornstarch/agar, vanilla, and salt.
   • Heat gently over medium, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened and agar/cornstarch is fully dissolved (2–3 minutes).
3. Assemble the flan
   • Pour custard gently over the caramel in the ramekins or small bowls.
   • Let cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, ideally overnight.
4. Serve & impress
   • Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate to reveal that luscious caramel.
   • Optional toppings: whipped coconut cream, berries, mint leaves, crushed roasted cashews, or a sprinkle of coffee powder.

💡Pro Tips

• Cream Dream: Coconut cream + soy milk = velvety custard.
• Set Control: Agar for firm flan, cornstarch for a softer wobble.
• Make-Ahead: Chill overnight for maximum silkiness.

🌿Final Thoughts

This vegan banh flan or Vietnamese coffee caramel flan is proof that you don’t need eggs or dairy to enjoy a creamy, indulgent dessert. The coffee notes add sophistication while the caramel keeps it comforting and nostalgic. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever your sweet tooth calls!

What are some of your favorite moments eating Banh Flan? Let me know by leaving a comment below or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to hear your thoughts!

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📖 Recipe