Indulge in the luxurious texture and rich flavors of Creamy Caramel Flan—a dessert that beautifully combines simplicity with elegance. This classic dish features a silky smooth custard topped with a luscious golden caramel sauce, making it the perfect end to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself, this flan will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar (for caramel)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 large eggs
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Prepare the Caramel:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it transforms into a golden caramel.
Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting the dish to evenly coat the bottom. Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
Bake in a Water Bath:
Place the baking dish into a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath that helps cook the flan evenly).
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Chill and Serve:
Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a serving plate to release the caramel topping.
Serving Tips:
Invert Carefully: When releasing the flan from the baking dish, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then quickly invert it onto a serving plate. Allow the caramel to drizzle over the flan for a beautiful presentation.
Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to slice the flan into even pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to maintain clean edges.
Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of sea salt can also add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Temperature: Serve the flan chilled. If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover flan in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Shelf Life: Properly stored, flan will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze flan as it may affect the texture, if you need to, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, but be aware that the texture might change.
Serve Chilled: For the best flavor, always serve flan cold, even if it has been stored for a while.
Related Recipes:
- Coconut Cake Recipe: Tropical Dessert Delight
- Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake
- Coffee Ice Cream Cake
FAQs:
Can I make flan ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Creamy Caramel Flan ahead of time! It’s a great dessert for meal prep. After baking, allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. This chilling time enhances the flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream. For every cup of evaporated milk, use ¾ cup whole milk mixed with ¼ cup heavy cream. This will maintain a similar creamy texture.
How can I tell when the flan is done baking?
The flan is done when it is set around the edges but may still have a slight jiggle in the center. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Baking time can vary, so check for doneness at around 50 minutes and adjust as needed.
Can I flavor the flan?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors to your flan by mixing in ingredients like cocoa powder for chocolate flan, citrus zest for a refreshing twist, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Just ensure that these additions complement the overall flavor profile.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, Creamy Caramel Flan is sure to become a favorite dessert in your home. Perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe combines easy preparation with impressive results. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and create this delightful flan today!
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Caramel Flan
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and silky goodness of Creamy Caramel Flan, a classic dessert that features a smooth custard topped with a luscious golden caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat, this flan is easy to make and will impress your guests with its elegant presentation. Enjoy this delicious flan chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar (for caramel)
4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden caramel. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish into a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a serving plate to release the caramel topping.
Notes
Ensure to keep an eye on the caramel while it melts to avoid burning.
For best flavor and texture, chill the flan overnight before serving.
Consider garnishing with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 310 kcal
