Flan Recipe

This Flan Recipe offers a rich and velvety dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy custard base and luscious caramel topping, this classic treat will impress your guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all levels, ensuring that you can create a delightful dessert without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy milks and sweet caramel creates a taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, this flan can be made with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain or topped with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor; it’s customizable to your liking.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves 12, making it a great choice for celebrations, ensuring everyone gets their share of sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Flan can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Flan recipe, gathering the right tools will ensure smooth preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 after baking, preventing any damage to its smooth surface.
• Blender: Mixes the custard ingredients quickly and thoroughly, resulting in a uniform texture without lumps.

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: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350˚F with a rack in the middle. Boil water in a kettle for the water bath later on. Prepare your non-stick cake pan so it’s ready when you make the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

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

Step 3: Pour Caramel into Cake Pan

Carefully pour the melted sugar into your round cake pan. Quickly tilt it around to spread caramel evenly before it sets. Be cautious as the pan will be hot!

Step 4: Make the Custard

In your blender, add condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt. Blend on low speed for one minute to minimize foaming. Strain through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth if available, then pour over the caramel layer in your cake pan.

Step 5: Cover and Prepare Water Bath

Cover the cake pan with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the custard’s surface. Place this pan inside a large roasting pan in your oven—this makes handling easier after adding water. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cake pan.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350˚F for 70-80 minutes. To check if done, jiggle the pan gently; if there’s a stiff jiggle in the center, it’s ready! If too liquidy, bake another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate

Remove from oven and uncover; let cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight for best results.

Step 8: Serve Your Flan

Run a knife around the edges of your flan before inverting onto a rimmed platter. If needed, tap gently until dislodged. Garnish with berries if desired and enjoy spooning extra caramel sauce over each slice!

How to Serve Flan Recipe

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

Fresh Berries

• Add a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top for a burst of flavor and color.

Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the flan.

Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice before serving for a richer taste.

Mint Leaves

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch and added visual appeal.

Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth custard.

Chocolate Shavings

• Add chocolate shavings or curls for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

How to Perfect Flan Recipe

Creating the perfect flan requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your flan turns out beautifully every time.

• Use room-temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother custard texture without lumps.
• Avoid over-blending: Blend the custard ingredients just enough to mix them without incorporating too much air, which can create bubbles.
• Strain the mixture: Straining your custard through a fine sieve removes any lumps and ensures a silky final product.
• Monitor the baking time: Check for doneness by giving the pan a gentle shake; it should jiggle slightly but not appear liquid.
• Cool gradually: Allow the flan to cool at room temperature before refrigerating, to prevent condensation from forming.
• Use a water bath: Baking in a water bath helps maintain even heat and prevents cracking during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Flan Recipe

Pairing sides with your flan can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the richness of flan, making it a refreshing addition.
2. Chocolate Mousse: This indulgent dessert adds an elegant touch and complements the flavors of flan perfectly.
3. Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs well with the creamy texture of flan.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor alongside warm flan.
5. Pineapple Salsa: A zesty pineapple salsa adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Churros: These crispy treats offer a fun textural contrast and are perfect for dipping into leftover caramel sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Flan Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dessert to perfection.

• Bold Caramel Mistake: Overheating the sugar can lead to burnt caramel. Monitor the heat closely and swirl the pan as it changes color.
• Bold Egg Temperature Mistake: Using cold eggs can affect the custard’s texture. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother mix.
• Bold Foamy Mixture Mistake: Blending too vigorously can create excess foam in your custard. Blend on low speed to keep bubbles at bay.
• Bold Water Bath Oversight: Not using enough water in the baking pan can cause uneven cooking. Ensure water reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
• Bold Cooling Time Error: Rushing the cooling process can lead to a runny flan. Allow it to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for a full set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store flan in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing Flan Recipe

• You can freeze flan for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.

Reheating Flan Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-40 seconds, checking periodically.
• Stovetop: Place flan in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Flan Recipe that might help you during your cooking journey.

What is a Flan Recipe?

Flan is a creamy custard dessert topped with caramel sauce. This Flan Recipe combines sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream, and eggs for a rich texture.

How do I achieve a perfect caramel for my Flan Recipe?

To make perfect caramel, dissolve sugar in water and boil without stirring until it turns amber-colored. Swirl the pan gently as needed.

Can I customize my Flan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like citrus zest or swap vanilla extract for almond or coconut extract to personalize your flan.

How do I know when my Flan is done?

Your flan is done when it jiggles slightly in the center but appears set around the edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean with no liquid clinging.

Can I use dairy alternatives in my Flan Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This Flan Recipe is not just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile. The smooth custard and rich caramel make it an impressive dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream!

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: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the smooth, creamy delight of this classic Flan Recipe, a dessert perfect for any gathering. With a rich caramel topping and a luscious custard base, this flan is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you choose to serve it plain or adorned with fresh berries, this delightful treat will surely impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 12 oz 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 oven to 350°F and boil water for the water bath.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water; boil until golden for caramel.
3. Pour the caramel into a non-stick cake pan and let set.
4. Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Strain the mixture over the caramel in the pan.
6. Cover with foil and place in a roasting pan; fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
7. Bake for 70-80 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least six hours before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 150mg