Authentic Mexican Flan

Name: Authentic Mexican Flan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar (for caramel); 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz); 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz); 3 large eggs; 2 egg yolks; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

Published: December 18, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients, making this flan is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Deliciously Creamy: The combination of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth and rich custard that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday, holiday celebration, or a simple family dinner.
Impressive Presentation: The golden caramel topping not only adds flavor but also makes for an eye-catching dessert when served.
Chill Time Enhances Flavor: Letting the flan chill ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more indulgent treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious flan, certain tools are essential for achieving the perfect result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Round baking dish
Medium saucepan
Blender
Larger baking pan (for water bath)
Knife (for serving)

Importance of Each Tool

Round baking dish: This is crucial for shaping the flan and allowing even cooking during the baking process.
Blender: A blender ensures that your custard mixture is smooth and free of lumps, key to achieving that silky texture.
Larger baking pan: Using this creates a water bath which helps in evenly cooking the flan while keeping it moist.

Ingredients

For the Caramel

1 Cup Sugar (for the caramel)

For the Custard

1 Can of evaporated milk (12 oz)
1 Can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
3 Large eggs
2 Egg yolks
1 Tbsp Vanilla extract
1/4 Tsp Salt

How to Make Authentic Mexican Flan

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once it turns a golden amber color:
1. Quickly pour it into a round baking dish.
2. Swirl the dish to coat the bottom evenly with caramel.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a blender:
1. Combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture over the prepared caramel in your baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Flan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the filled baking dish into a larger baking pan.
Add hot water to the outer pan until it’s about halfway up the sides of the flan dish.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the flan to cool in its water bath.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it.
Invert onto a plate so that caramel flows over the custard beautifully.

Now you have an irresistible Authentic Mexican Flan ready to be enjoyed! Whether for special occasions or everyday treats, this dessert promises satisfaction with every bite.

How to Serve Authentic Mexican Flan

Serving authentic Mexican flan can elevate your dessert experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present this creamy treat to your guests.

Elegant Plating

Use a decorative plate to enhance the visual appeal.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce around the flan for a gourmet touch.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color.
Add slices of kiwi or mango for a tropical twist.

Whipped Cream

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for added flavor.

Mint Leaves

Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast.
This adds both color and aroma to your presentation.

How to Perfect Authentic Mexican Flan

To achieve the best results with your authentic Mexican flan, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and high-quality milk for a richer taste.
Blend Smoothly: Ensure the custard mixture is blended well to avoid lumps and achieve that silky texture.
Water Bath: Bake your flan in a water bath to regulate temperature and prevent cracking.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow the flan to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving; this helps it set properly and enhances flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Mexican Flan

Pairing side dishes with authentic Mexican flan can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

Churros: These crispy pastries add a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of flan.
Tres Leches Cake: A moist cake soaked in three types of milk offers a sweet contrast to the creamy flan.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and provide a light balance to the richness of flan.
Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice pairs beautifully with flan, adding an exotic flavor profile.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: The spiced warmth of hot chocolate makes an excellent beverage pairing with this dessert.
Pineapple Salsa: A zesty pineapple salsa brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the flan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making authentic Mexican flan, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the caramel: If you cook the sugar too long, it can burn and become bitter. Stir constantly and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a golden amber color.
Not blending the custard enough: A smooth flan requires a well-blended custard. Make sure to blend the evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, and other ingredients until completely smooth.
Skipping the water bath: Baking without a water bath can lead to uneven cooking and cracks. Always use a larger pan filled with hot water to gently bake your flan.
Rushing the chilling process: Flan needs time to set properly in the fridge. Allow at least 4 hours of chilling for the best texture and flavor.
Not running a knife around the edges: Before inverting the flan onto a plate, run a knife along the edges to loosen it. This step helps prevent sticking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Authentic Mexican Flan

- Duration: Flan can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Authentic Mexican Flan

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 15-20 minutes until slightly warm.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place on low heat in a non-stick pan covered with lid, reheating slowly for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding authentic Mexican flan:

What is Authentic Mexican Flan made of?

Authentic Mexican flan is primarily made of eggs, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar for caramel, vanilla extract, and salt.

How do I know when my Authentic Mexican Flan is done?

The flan should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up while cooling.

Can I customize my Authentic Mexican Flan?

Yes! You can add various flavors such as citrus zest or spices like cinnamon for unique variations of this classic dessert.

What if my flan cracks during baking?

Cracking often occurs due to high temperatures or not using a water bath. Make sure to bake gently and use hot water for an even cook.

Is there a vegan version of Authentic Mexican Flan?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with silken tofu or plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk options while maintaining similar flavors.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Mexican flan is not only delightful but versatile as well. Its rich texture and sweet caramel topping make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with flavors that suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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