This Flan Recipe is a delightful creamy dessert that serves as the perfect ending to any meal. With its rich caramel topping and smooth custard base, this classic treat is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Whether for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or an everyday indulgence, this flan will impress all your guests. Best of all, it’s easier to make than you might think!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor – The combination of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it plain or topped with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
- Make Ahead – Flan can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation – The glossy caramel layer makes for an eye-catching dessert that looks like it took hours to prepare.
- Simple Ingredients – You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your flan-making experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick cake pan (9-inch by 2-inch)
- Medium heavy saucepan
- Blender
- Fine mesh sieve
- Roasting pan
- Kettle
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick cake pan – Ensures easy release of the flan without sticking, which is crucial for presentation.
- Blender – Creates a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly combining all ingredients.
- Fine mesh sieve – Helps eliminate bubbles for a silky texture in your flan.
- Roasting pan – Provides a water bath that helps cook the flan evenly and gently.
Ingredients
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
For 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. Place an oven rack in the middle position. Bring a kettle of water to boil; you will need this for the water bath later.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium heavy saucepan, stir together sugar and water until dissolved. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring for about 3-5 minutes. Once it starts turning golden brown, swirl the pan gently until it reaches a cinnamon color—this should take another minute or two. Remove from heat and swirl constantly for an additional 30 seconds until it turns amber-colored.
Step 3: Pour Caramel into Cake Pan
Immediately pour the melted sugar into your non-stick cake pan. Quickly tilt the pan to spread the caramel evenly across the bottom before it sets. Be careful; the pan will be hot!
Step 4: Make the Custard
In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt. Blend on low speed for about one minute to avoid creating too much foam. Strain this mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth if desired, then pour it over the caramel layer in your cake pan.
Step 5: Cover with Foil
Cover your cake pan with aluminum foil, ensuring that it doesn’t touch the custard surface as you don’t want any foil imprints on your flan.
Step 6: Create Water Bath
Place your cake pan inside a large roasting pan and then place both in your preheated oven. Pour hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan until it is halfway up the sides of your cake pan—make sure no water gets inside!
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350˚F for about 70-80 minutes. When done, jolt the pan gently; if you see a stiff jiggle in the center, it’s ready! If too wobbly, bake for an additional ten minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool at room temperature before refrigerating covered in plastic wrap for at least six hours or overnight.
Step 8: Serve
To serve your flan, run a knife around the edges of the pan periodically cleaning it as needed. Invert onto a rimmed platter; if necessary, tap gently until dislodged. Optionally garnish with fresh berries and spoon extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Flan Recipe!
How to Serve Flan Recipe
Flan is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions for your flan.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the flan directly from the pan with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This traditional method showcases the beautiful caramel layer.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the flan perfectly.
Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the creamy custard.
Mint Leaves
- Decorate with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Mint enhances the overall presentation and provides a refreshing taste.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the flan before serving. This adds richness and an extra layer of flavor that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
How to Perfect Flan Recipe
Creating the perfect flan takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a smooth and creamy custard.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs, milk, and cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother mixture that blends well.
Blend gently: When blending the custard ingredients, use low speed to avoid incorporating too much air. Too many bubbles can affect the final texture.
Strain your mixture: Always strain your custard through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into the pan. This removes any lumps or bubbles for a silky finish.
Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your flan as it bakes. A gentle jiggle in the center indicates it’s ready; if it seems too liquidy, give it extra time in the oven.
Best Side Dishes for Flan Recipe
Flan can be complemented by various side dishes that balance its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
Citrus Salad
A refreshing salad made with oranges, grapefruits, and a hint of mint adds brightness alongside your flan.Churros
These fried dough pastries dusted with sugar provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of flan.Fruit Sorbet
A light fruit sorbet, such as mango or lemon, serves as a palate cleanser between bites of rich flan.Coffee
A cup of strong coffee pairs beautifully with flan, offering a nice bitter balance to its sweetness.Almond Cookies
Crunchy almond cookies add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dessert’s smoothness.Pineapple Salsa
A sweet and spicy pineapple salsa brings tropical vibes and acidity that brighten up each serving of flan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making flan can be a breeze, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
Bold mistake: Skipping the water bath. Always use a water bath when baking flan to ensure even cooking and prevent the edges from becoming too firm.
Bold mistake: Overcooking the caramel. Watch your sugar closely as it cooks; it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Remove it from heat when it reaches an amber color.
Bold mistake: Not blending enough. Make sure to blend your custard mixture thoroughly until smooth for a creamy texture; lumps can spoil the presentation.
Bold mistake: Forgetting to refrigerate. Allowing flan to cool at room temperature is essential, but chilling it in the fridge for at least 6 hours is crucial for proper setting.
Bold mistake: Using cold eggs. Room temperature eggs mix better and help create a smooth custard; take them out ahead of time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover flan in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Flan Recipe
- Flan can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Flan Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a pan with a little water, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Flan Recipe that may help you along your cooking journey.
How do I know when my flan is done?
The flan is done when it has a slight jiggle in the center but is not liquidy. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this Flan Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free condensed milk alternatives available in stores.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract in my flan?
You can use almond extract or any other flavoring you prefer, such as orange or lemon zest, for a unique twist on this classic Flan Recipe.
How long does homemade flan last in the refrigerator?
Homemade flan lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add flavors to my Flan Recipe?
Absolutely! You can infuse the custard with flavors like coffee, chocolate, or citrus zest before blending for delicious variations.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Flan recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding. Its creamy texture and rich caramel topping make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors, such as fruit or flavored syrups. Give it a try, and impress your guests with this delightful treat!
Flan Recipe
Indulge in the delightful experience of making this classic Flan Recipe, a creamy custard dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. This luxurious treat features a rich caramel topping and smooth custard base, creating an irresistible combination. Perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a simple weeknight indulgence—this flan is surprisingly easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. With just a few steps, you can create a stunning dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Elevate your dessert game with this elegant and satisfying dish!
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position an oven rack in the middle. Boil water in a kettle for the water bath.
- For the caramel, combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until dissolved; boil without stirring until golden brown (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat when amber-colored.
- Quickly pour the caramel into a non-stick cake pan, tilting to spread evenly before it sets.
- Blend sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt on low speed until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for extra silkiness if desired.
- Pour the custard mixture over the caramel layer in the pan.
- Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil without touching the custard surface.
- Place the cake pan in a roasting pan; pour hot water into the roasting pan halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
- Bake for 70-80 minutes or until there’s a slight jiggle in the center; let cool before refrigerating for at least six hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the pan before inverting onto a platter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg