Flan Recipe

This Flan Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines creamy custard with a sweet caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion, it captivates with its rich flavors and smooth texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this flan will impress your guests while being surprisingly simple to make. The balance of sweetness and creaminess makes it a standout choice for dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This flan recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners.
• Deliciously Creamy – The combination of sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and eggs creates an irresistibly smooth texture.
• Versatile Serving Options – You can serve it plain or with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Perfect for Gatherings – With enough servings for a crowd, it’s an ideal dessert for parties, celebrations, or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Option – This flan can be prepared the day before serving, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flan recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Round non-stick cake pan (9-inch by 2-inch)
• Medium heavy saucepan
• Blender
• Fine mesh sieve
• Roasting pan
• Kettle

Importance of Each Tool

• Round non-stick cake pan – Ensures easy removal of the flan after it’s set, preventing breakage.
• Blender – Quickly mixes ingredients to create a smooth custard without lumps.
• Fine mesh sieve – Strains out any foam or lumps from the mixture for a silky texture.
• Roasting pan – Holds the water bath that helps cook the flan evenly.

Ingredients

This Classic Flan recipe is a creamy, caramel-topped Spanish and Latin dessert made with eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream, and vanilla to form a smooth custard. The dessert is cooked slowly and refrigerated to set. It’s such a rewarding dessert to make and no one has to know how easy it is!

For the Caramel

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water

For the Custard

• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (preferably la lechera brand)
• 12 oz can evaporated milk (preferably Carnation brand)
• 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Garnish (Optional)

• Berries to serve (strawberries, raspberries or blueberries)

How to Make Flan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350˚F with a rack in the middle. Also, boil water in a kettle as you’ll need it for the water bath later. Prepare your round non-stick cake pan so it’s ready when you pour in the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium heavy saucepan:
1. Stir together sugar and water until dissolved.
2. Boil over medium-high heat without stirring for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Once golden, swirl the pan frequently until it reaches cinnamon color (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and swirl continuously until it turns amber-colored.

Carefully pour the melted sugar into your prepared cake pan, tilting it quickly to cover the bottom before it sets.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a blender:
1. Combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt.
2. Blend on low speed for about 1 minute to avoid too much foam.
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth if desired.
4. Pour this mixture into your cake pan over the caramel layer.

Step 4: Create the Water Bath

Cover your cake pan tightly with foil but ensure it doesn’t touch the custard’s surface:
1. Place the cake pan inside a large roasting pan.
2. Pour hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan halfway up the sides of your cake pan—avoid getting any water inside your cake pan.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven at 350˚F for about 70-80 minutes:
– Check if done by jiggling; there should be slight stiffness in center.
– If too liquidy, bake an additional 10 minutes if needed.

Once baked:
– Remove from oven,
– Allow cooling at room temperature,
– Cover with plastic wrap,
– Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.

Step 6: Serve

To serve:
1. Run a knife around edges of your flan carefully.
2. Place a rimmed platter over your cake pan and invert gently.
3. Tap if necessary until dislodged; lift off gently.
4. Garnish with berries if desired,
5. Spoon extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

Enjoy making this delightful Flan Recipe, perfect for impressing friends and family!

How to Serve Flan Recipe

Flan is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on its own, but there are many ways to enhance its presentation and flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your flan experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries – Sliced strawberries add a refreshing taste and a splash of color.
• Raspberries – Their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of flan.
• Blueberries – These not only look great but also provide a burst of juicy flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel – Warm up some extra caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Chocolate Sauce – For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can complement the flavors.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream – A fluffy topping adds creaminess and richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider vanilla or coconut-flavored whipped cream for added depth.

Served with a Citrus Twist

• Orange Zest – A sprinkle of orange zest brightens the dish and adds a citrus note.
• Lime Wedges – Serve lime wedges on the side for guests who enjoy a tangy contrast.

How to Perfect Flan Recipe

Creating the perfect flan takes practice, but these tips will guide you toward achieving that smooth, creamy texture everyone loves.

• Use room temperature eggs – This helps create a smoother custard as cold eggs can lead to an uneven mixture.
• Blend gently – When mixing ingredients in the blender, use low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can create bubbles in the custard.
• Strain the mixture – Straining through a fine mesh sieve ensures a silky texture by removing any lumps or bubbles.
• Monitor baking time – Keep an eye on your flan; baking too long can result in a rubbery texture. It should jiggle slightly when done.
• Cool before refrigerating – Allowing it to cool at room temperature helps set the custard properly without condensation forming in the fridge.
• Invert carefully – When serving, run a knife around the edges before inverting to ensure it releases smoothly from the pan.

Best Side Dishes for Flan Recipe

Pairing flan with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers freshness and balances the richness of flan.
2. Coconut Rice – This subtly sweet dish adds an exotic touch that pairs well with the custard’s flavors.
3. Churros – Crispy churros dusted with sugar serve as a fun finger food alongside your flan.
4. Mexican Chocolate Cake – Rich and decadent, this cake provides a contrasting texture and flavor profile.
5. Tres Leches Cake – Another popular Latin dessert, its moistness complements flan beautifully.
6. Spicy Nuts – Offering a crunchy contrast, spiced nuts add an unexpected kick that works well with sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making flan can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid when preparing your flan.

• Bold Caramel Mistake: Overcooking the caramel can result in a bitter flavor. Keep an eye on the color and remove it from heat once it turns amber.
• Bold Egg Temperature Error: Using cold eggs can lead to a lumpy custard. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
• Bold Foil Touching Custard: If the foil touches the custard while baking, it can create unwanted marks. Use a piece of foil that doesn’t touch the surface of the custard.
• Bold Water Bath Issues: Not using enough water in the water bath can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure the water reaches halfway up the sides of your cake pan.
• Bold Insufficient Cooling Time: Skipping the cooling time before refrigeration can affect the texture. Allow your flan to cool completely at room temperature before chilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover flan in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the flan with plastic wrap or foil to prevent odors from absorbing.

Freezing Flan Recipe

• Flan can be frozen for up to 2 months if stored in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Flan Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through without drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30 seconds on medium power; check and continue in 10-second intervals as needed.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this classic flan recipe.

What makes this Flan Recipe special?

This flan is rich and creamy, thanks to a combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, making it an indulgent dessert.

Can I modify this Flan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like orange zest or coconut milk for different variations. Fresh fruits also make excellent toppings.

How long does it take to set?

The flan needs at least 6 hours in the refrigerator after baking to fully set, but overnight is best for optimal texture.

Is this Flan Recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This recipe serves 12 people, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings where you want to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Flan recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding. Its creamy texture and caramel topping create a wonderful dessert that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize it with various toppings or flavors to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Flan Recipe

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Flan Recipe, a creamy custard dessert that boasts a luscious caramel topping. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal. The smooth texture and balanced sweetness of the flan will impress your guests while being incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and boil water for the water bath.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water to make the caramel. Cook until it turns amber, then pour into a round non-stick cake pan.
3. Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream, vanilla, eggs, and salt until smooth. Pour over the caramel in the cake pan.
4. Place the cake pan in a roasting pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Cover with foil.
5. Bake for 70-80 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 80 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg