Flan Recipe

This Flan Recipe brings the rich, creamy delight of a traditional Spanish and Latin dessert to your kitchen. With its smooth custard base and luscious caramel topping, this flan is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in its simplicity. Your guests will be amazed at how easy it is to create such an elegant dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture – The combination of condensed milk and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety custard that melts in your mouth.
• Caramel Heaven – A homemade caramel sauce adds a sweet, slightly bitter contrast that elevates the flan’s flavor.
• Versatile Dessert – Perfect for serving at parties, holidays, or as a sweet finish to everyday meals.
• Easy to Make – With simple steps and common ingredients, making flan is easier than you might think!
• Garnish Options – Customize your presentation with fresh berries for added color and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your flan successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Proper preparation will ensure smooth execution from start to finish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick cake pan – Ensures easy removal of the flan after it’s set, preventing any breakage.
• Blender – Quickly combines all custard ingredients for a lump-free mixture.
• Fine mesh sieve – Strains the custard for an ultra-smooth texture by removing any bubbles or lumps.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Flan Recipe:

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 Serving (Optional)

• Berries to serve (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

How to Make Flan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350˚F with a rack in the middle. Bring a kettle of water to boil for the water bath.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

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

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan

Immediately pour melted sugar into your round cake pan. Quickly tilt the pan to spread the caramel over the bottom before it sets. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Custard

1. In a blender, 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 (optional) into the cake pan over the caramel layer.

Step 5: Cover and Prepare Water Bath

Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil without letting it touch the custard surface. Place it inside a large roasting pan.

Step 6: Add Water for Bath

Pour hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan until it’s halfway up the sides of your cake pan without getting inside it.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350˚F for 70-80 minutes. If there’s too much jiggle in the center when jostled, bake longer by another 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature after removing from oven.

Step 8: Refrigerate

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.

Step 9: Serve

Run a knife around edges of the pan before inverting onto a platter. Garnish with berries if desired and drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade flan!

How to Serve Flan Recipe

Flan is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your flan experience.

Garnish with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color enhance the flan’s presentation.
• Raspberries: Tartness complements the creamy texture, offering a delightful contrast.
• Blueberries: These add a pop of flavor and are visually appealing when scattered on top.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel: Make an additional batch of caramel for those who love extra sweetness.
• Store-bought Sauce: For convenience, a store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and balances the richness of the flan.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the smoothness of flan.
• Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea enhances the dessert experience without overpowering it.

How to Perfect Flan Recipe

Creating the perfect flan involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your flan turns out flawlessly.

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps achieve a smoother custard texture during blending.
• Blend Gently: Avoid over-blending to reduce foam; blend just enough to mix ingredients well.
• Strain the Mixture: Straining through a fine mesh sieve removes bubbles and ensures a silky custard.
• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different; check for doneness by looking for a slight jiggle in the center.
• Cool Gradually: Allowing the flan to cool at room temperature before refrigerating prevents cracks.
• Chill Overnight: For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and set properly.

Best Side Dishes for Flan Recipe

Flan pairs well with several side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of flan.
2. Coconut Tres Leches Cake – This moist cake enhances your dessert table with its tropical flavors.
3. Churros – Crispy churros with chocolate dipping sauce offer a delightful contrast in textures.
4. Chocolate Mousse – Light and airy mousse provides an indulgent pairing that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
5. Pineapple Salsa – The zesty notes of pineapple salsa add a refreshing twist alongside creamy flan.
6. Espresso Brownies – Rich brownies complemented by espresso flavors create a decadent dessert combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making flan can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold Caramel Overcooking – Caramel can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Monitor it closely as it cooks and remove it from heat just as it reaches an amber color.
• Bold Skipping the Water Bath – Not using a water bath can result in uneven cooking and a curdled texture. Always place your cake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water.
• Bold Overmixing the Custard – Blending too vigorously can introduce air, causing bubbles in your flan. Blend gently on low speed for best results.
• Bold Insufficient Cooling Time – Rushing the cooling process may prevent the flan from setting properly. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 6 hours.
• Bold Ignoring Temperature of Ingredients – Using cold eggs or milk can affect the mixture’s consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover flan covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Flan Recipe

• Flan can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating Flan Recipe

• Bold Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat individual slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Bold Microwave – Heat slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Bold Stovetop – Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious flan recipe:

What is the best way to serve Flan Recipe?

Serve your flan chilled, garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.

Can I customize my Flan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, or even coffee to the custard mixture.

How do I know when my Flan Recipe is done?

The flan is done when it jiggles slightly but is mostly set. A gentle shake of the pan should show a stiff jiggle at the center.

Is it necessary to strain the custard mixture?

Straining helps achieve a smooth texture by removing any bubbles or curds. It’s recommended but not strictly necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Flan recipe is not only creamy and delightful but also versatile, allowing you to customize flavors according to your preference. Whether served at a family gathering or as an indulgent treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Try making this flan today and enjoy its rich 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 8

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of this Flan Recipe, a beloved dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. With its velvety custard base and luscious caramel topping, this flan is perfect for family celebrations or a sweet finish to everyday meals. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—made with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress your guests with your culinary skills without the fuss. Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor, adding to the dessert’s visual appeal. Dive into this classic treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated!

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Ingredients

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• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 1/4 cup water (for caramel)
• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a kettle of boiling water for the water bath.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water for the caramel; cook until golden brown.
3. Pour the caramel into a non-stick cake pan, tilting to coat the bottom.
4. Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt until smooth; strain into the cake pan over the caramel.
5. Cover with foil and place in a roasting pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
6. Bake for 70-80 minutes or until mostly set. Cool at room temperature before refrigerating overnight.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 115mg