Flan 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This flan recipe offers a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious. The creamy custard paired with the luscious caramel topping provides a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Granulated sugar

• Water

• Large eggs

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Evaporated milk

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color. Carefully pour the caramel into a round baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.​

2. Make the Custard: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend or whisk until smooth

3. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.​

4. Bake: Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set with a slight jiggle in the center.​

5. Cool and Serve: Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan, place a serving plate on top, and invert to release the flan with the caramel sauce on top

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 1 hour​

• Additional Time: 4 hours (chilling)

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

• Variotion:

• Coconut Flan: Add coconut milk to the custard mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.​

• Chocolate Flan: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the custard for a rich, chocolaty flavor.​

• Pumpkin Flan: Blend in pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flan is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it slightly warm, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can alter the custard’s texture.​

FAQs

What is flan?

Flan is a creamy custard dessert topped with caramel sauce, popular in many cultures, including Spanish and Latin American cuisines

Can I make flan ahead of time?

Yes, flan is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, making it perfect for preparing a day in advance.​

Why is my caramel hardening too quickly?

Caramel can harden quickly once removed from heat. To manage this, work swiftly when pouring it into the baking dish, and ensure the dish is warm to slow down the hardening process.​

How do I prevent bubbles in my flan?

To achieve a smooth custard, avoid overmixing the custard mixture to prevent air bubbles. Straining the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish can also help.​

Can I use low-fat milk instead of evaporated milk?

For the creamiest texture, it’s recommended to use evaporated milk. Substituting with low-fat milk may result in a less rich custard.​

What can I do if my flan doesn’t set?

If your flan isn’t setting, it may need more baking time. Ensure it’s baked until the center has a slight jiggle, similar to gelatin.​

Is a water bath necessary for baking flan?

Yes, a water bath provides gentle, even heat, which is crucial for cooking the custard evenly without curdling.​

Can I make flan without a blender?

Absolutely. You can whisk the custard mixture by hand until smooth. Just ensure all ingredients are well combined.​

How do I know when my flan is done baking?

The flan is done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. An inserted knife should come out clean.​

Can I freeze flan?

Freezing flan is not recommended, as it can alter the custard’s smooth texture.​

Conclusion

Flan is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence. Its creamy custard and rich caramel topping make it a favorite across various cultures. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a sweet treat after dinner, this flan recipe is sure to delight. Experiment with the variations to find your perfect flavor, and enjoy the process of creating this classic dish.

Flan 

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This classic Flan recipe features a creamy custard topped with rich caramel sauce, offering a smooth texture and a delightful sweetness that’s loved worldwide. Perfect for special occasions or a casual treat, this simple yet elegant dessert is easy to make with just a few ingredients. Serve chilled for a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American / Spanish
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

5 large eggs

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium-low heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar turns a golden amber color. Carefully pour the caramel into a round baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.

• Make the Custard: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend or whisk until smooth.

• Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.

• Bake: Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the baking dish (creating a water bath). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set with a slight jiggle in the center.

• Cool and Serve: Remove from the water bath and let the flan cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan, place a serving plate on top, and invert to release the flan with the caramel sauce on top.

Notes

• Ensure the baking dish is warm when adding the caramel to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

• Straining the custard mixture before pouring it into the dish can help avoid bubbles.

• For extra flavor, you can try variations like coconut flan, chocolate flan, or pumpkin flan by adding different ingredients to the custard.