Flan Recipe

This Flan Recipe will delight your taste buds with its creamy texture and sweet caramel topping. Perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this dessert is remarkably easy to prepare. The combination of condensed and evaporated milk creates a smooth custard that pairs beautifully with the rich caramel. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this flan will impress everyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Preparation – This flan recipe requires minimal effort, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
  • Rich Flavor – The blend of sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream gives the flan a luscious taste that’s hard to resist.
  • Versatile Serving Options – You can serve it as-is or dress it up with fresh berries for added flavor and decoration.
  • Make Ahead Option – Flan can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – This dessert is always a hit at gatherings, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Flan Recipe, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and helps achieve the perfect texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Non-stick cake pan (9-inch by 2-inch)
  • Medium heavy saucepan
  • Blender
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Cheesecloth (optional)
  • Roasting pan

Importance of Each Tool

  • Non-stick cake pan – Ensures easy release of the flan after baking, preventing any sticking issues.
  • Blender – Helps create a smooth custard mixture without lumps, ensuring the best texture.
  • Fine mesh sieve – Straining the mixture removes any foam or bubbles, resulting in a velvety custard.
Flan

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Ingredients

To create this delicious flan recipe, gather the following ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 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
  • Berries to serve (strawberries, raspberries or blueberries, optional for garnish)

How to Make Flan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350˚F with a rack in the middle. Boil water in a kettle for the water bath needed later. Have your non-stick cake pan ready to pour in the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium heavy saucepan, stir together sugar and water until dissolved.
1. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Once it starts turning golden, swirl the pan frequently until it reaches a cinnamon color (about another 1-2 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and swirl constantly for another 30 seconds until amber-colored.
4. Immediately pour the melted sugar into your round cake pan and quickly tilt to cover the bottom before it sets.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a blender, combine:
– Condensed milk
– Evaporated milk
– Heavy cream
– Vanilla extract
– Eggs
– Salt

Blend on low speed for about one minute to avoid excessive foam.
1. Strain through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into your cake pan over the caramel layer.

Step 4: Cover and Prepare Water Bath

Cover your cake pan tightly with foil without letting it touch the custard surface.
1. Place your cake pan inside a large roasting pan.
2. Pour hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan, halfway up the sides of your cake pan.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350˚F for about 70–80 minutes. To check doneness:
1. Jolt the pan; there should be a firm jiggle in the center.
2. If it seems too liquidy, bake an additional ten minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate

Remove from oven and uncover. Let cool to room temperature before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least six hours or overnight.

Step 7: Serve Your Flan

Run a knife around the edges of your flan after chilling.
1. Invert onto a rimmed platter; if it doesn’t slide out easily, tap gently until dislodged.
2. Garnish with berries if desired before serving each slice drizzled with extra caramel sauce.

Enjoy this delightful Flan Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Flan Recipe

Flan is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its creamy texture and rich caramel flavor make it a versatile choice for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your flan experience.

Garnish with Fresh Berries

  • Strawberries: Bright red and sweet, strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the flan’s richness.
  • Raspberries: Their tartness complements the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.
  • Blueberries: These small, juicy berries provide an appealing pop of color and flavor.

Add Whipped Cream

  • Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a fluffy texture that balances the dense custard of the flan.

Drizzle Extra Caramel Sauce

  • Pour additional caramel sauce over each slice just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serve with Mint Leaves

  • A few fresh mint leaves can add a hint of freshness and make the presentation more appealing.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

  • Serving flan alongside a cup of coffee or tea can enhance its flavors and create a comforting dessert experience.

How to Perfect Flan Recipe

Making the perfect flan requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your flan turns out creamy and delicious.

  • Use room temperature eggs: This helps them blend more smoothly into the custard mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
  • Don’t over-blend: Blend just until combined to prevent excess air bubbles that could affect the texture.
  • Strain for smoothness: Straining the custard ensures any lumps are removed, leading to an ultra-smooth final product.
  • Monitor water bath carefully: Make sure the water level stays halfway up the sides of the cake pan for even cooking without water entering your custard.
  • Cool before refrigerating: Let your flan cool at room temperature before refrigerating it. This helps set the custard properly.

Best Side Dishes for Flan Recipe

Pairing flan with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great accompaniments to consider.

  1. Citrus Salad: A mix of oranges, grapefruits, and lime juice offers a zesty contrast to the creamy flan.
  2. Churros: These fried dough pastries sprinkled with sugar complement flan’s smooth texture perfectly.
  3. Fruit Sorbet: A light sorbet made from fruits like mango or passion fruit can refresh your palate after rich flan.
  4. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce provides a decadent twist on traditional flavors.
  5. Almond Cookies: Crunchy almond cookies add texture and nutty flavor that pairs nicely with flan.
  6. Pineapple Salsa: A fresh pineapple salsa with cilantro and lime adds brightness and tropical flair alongside flan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Flan Recipe can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for achieving the perfect dessert.

  • Bold Caramel Technique: Many cooks rush the caramel process. To avoid burnt sugar, monitor closely as it changes color and swirl the pan gently.
  • Bold Not Straining Custard: Skipping the straining step may lead to a grainy texture. Always strain your mixture to ensure a smooth custard.
  • Bold Ignoring Temperature: Using cold eggs or dairy can affect the custard’s consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Bold Overbaking: Baking too long can create a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on your flan and remove it when it has a slight jiggle in the center.
  • Bold Skipping Refrigeration: Cutting into your flan before it’s fully chilled can ruin its texture. Allow at least six hours in the fridge for proper setting.
Flan

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover flan in an airtight container.
  • It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Flan Recipe

  • Flan can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Flan Recipe

  • Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes until warm.
  • Bold Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds on medium power.
  • Bold Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this flan recipe that may help you as you create this delightful dessert.

What is Flan?

Flan is a creamy custard dessert topped with caramel, popular in Spanish and Latin cuisines. Its smooth texture makes it a favorite among many dessert lovers.

How do I know when my Flan is done?

The best way to check if your flan is ready is by gently jiggling the pan. If the center has a slight jiggle but appears set around the edges, it’s done.

Can I use different flavors for my Flan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can infuse flavors like coffee, chocolate, or citrus zest into your flan mixture for unique variations.

How do I serve Flan?

Flan can be served plain or garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness and color.

Is this Flan Recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This flan recipe yields about 12 servings, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This classic Flan Recipe offers a deliciously creamy dessert that is both impressive and easy to make. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors based on your preferences!

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Flan Recipe

Flan Recipe

Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Flan Recipe, a dessert that beautifully marries smooth custard with a sweet caramel topping. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. With a preparation process that’s straightforward, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results. The luscious flavors of sweetened condensed milk and heavy whipping cream come together to create a velvety texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Elevate your serving experience by adding fresh berries or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an exquisite finish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare boiling water for the water bath.
  2. Make the caramel by boiling sugar and water until golden, then pour into a non-stick cake pan.
  3. Blend together condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into the caramel-lined pan.
  4. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in a roasting pan filled halfway with hot water.
  5. Bake for 70–80 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least six hours before serving.
  7. To serve, invert onto a platter and garnish with berries as desired.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 80 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better blending. Strain the mixture to ensure a silky smooth custard. Experiment with flavor variations by adding citrus zest or coffee.

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