Authentic Mexican Flan

Name: Authentic Mexican Flan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar (for caramel); 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 3 large eggs; 2 egg yolks; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

Published: January 10, 2026

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning dessert without the hassle.
Rich Flavor: The combination of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk creates a uniquely delicious taste.
Versatile Serving Options: This flan can be served chilled, making it perfect for warm days or festive gatherings.
Impressive Presentation: Inverting the flan reveals a beautiful caramel layer that is sure to wow your guests.
Family-Friendly Dessert: This recipe is suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for family meals or celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To make this authentic Mexican flan, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right utensils will help simplify the process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Blender
Medium saucepan
Round baking dish
Large baking pan
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Blender: Ensures a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly combining all ingredients.
Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting sugar without burning it while preparing the caramel.
Round baking dish: Ideal for holding the flan mixture and allows for even cooking in the water bath.

Ingredients

For the Caramel

1 Cup Sugar

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, melt the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once it reaches a golden amber color, quickly pour it into a round baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture carefully over the 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 or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the flan to cool in its water bath, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan before inverting it onto a plate. Let the caramel flow over the custard for an impressive presentation. Enjoy your delicious homemade flan!

How to Serve Authentic Mexican Flan

Serving authentic Mexican flan can enhance its appeal and create a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate this classic dessert.

Family Gatherings

Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light texture that complements the creamy flan.

Festive Occasions

Top with Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the flan for a tropical twist that brings out the flavors.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled on top offers a decadent contrast to the caramel.

Casual Get-Togethers

Pair with Coffee: Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or espresso for a perfect after-dinner treat.
Include Seasonal Fruits: Offer slices of seasonal fruits like mango or kiwi on the side for a refreshing balance.

How to Perfect Authentic Mexican Flan

Perfecting authentic Mexican flan takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve a silky, smooth texture every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature for better blending and consistency.
Monitor Caramel Color: Watch the sugar closely while melting; remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a golden amber color to prevent burning.
Avoid Overmixing: Blend just until combined to keep air bubbles from forming, which can cause holes in the custard.
Bake in a Water Bath: This gentle method helps cook the flan evenly, preventing cracks and ensuring smoothness.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Mexican Flan

Pairing side dishes with authentic Mexican flan can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and contrast to the rich flan.
Spiced Nuts: Serve roasted almonds or walnuts seasoned with cinnamon for crunchy texture and flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate-covered strawberries complements the caramel notes in the flan beautifully.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar add an enjoyable crunch alongside your flan.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings creaminess and is perfect for those who love extra indulgence.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of flan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making authentic Mexican flan can be tricky if you don’t pay attention to detail. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the Water Bath: Not using a water bath can result in uneven cooking and a rubbery texture. Always place your flan dish in a larger pan filled with hot water.
Overcooking the Flan: Cooking too long will lead to a dry flan. Keep an eye on it, and remove it when it is still slightly jiggly in the center.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can create lumps in the custard. Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
Not Letting It Chill: Flan needs time to set properly. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best results.
Ignoring Caramel Color: If you cook the caramel too long, it can become bitter. Watch closely until it reaches a golden amber color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Authentic Mexican Flan

Wrap flan tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in an airtight container.
Frozen flan is best enjoyed within 1 month for optimal taste.

Reheating Authentic Mexican Flan

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the flan with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to making authentic Mexican flan.

What is Authentic Mexican Flan?

Authentic Mexican flan is a creamy custard dessert topped with caramel. It’s known for its smooth texture and rich flavor.

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

The flan should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done baking. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make Authentic Mexican Flan ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert can be made a day or two ahead of serving, making it perfect for special occasions.

Can I customize my Authentic Mexican Flan?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like coffee or citrus zest to customize your flan.

Is there a vegan version of Authentic Mexican Flan?

Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk along with vegan gelling agents.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Mexican flan is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich flavor and elegant presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings, making this classic dessert your own!

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