Introduction
Caramel flan is a smooth, creamy custard dessert topped with a rich caramel sauce. It’s a classic treat popular in many parts of the world, known for its simple ingredients yet decadent flavor. Flan is an excellent choice for a make-ahead dessert as it can be chilled for several hours or overnight before serving. Its delicate sweetness and velvety texture make it a perfect end to any meal.
Ingredients
For the caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
For the flan:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Make the caramel:
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
Once it turns a deep amber color, remove it from heat and quickly pour it into a round flan or cake pan, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly with the caramel. Be careful as the caramel is extremely hot.
Prepare the flan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until fully combined.
Pour this mixture over the caramelized sugar in the flan pan.
Bake the flan:
Place the flan pan in a large baking dish. Add hot water to the baking dish to create a water bath (about 1 inch of water around the sides of the pan).
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the flan comes out clean.
Cool and serve:
Allow the flan to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it, then invert onto a plate. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful glaze.
Description
Caramel flan is a luxurious, sweet dessert with a velvety smooth texture. The sweet caramelized sugar perfectly complements the rich, creamy custard base. The custard is made from a combination of milk, eggs, and vanilla, giving it a soft and delicate flavor. When baked in a water bath, the flan becomes evenly set and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special holiday celebrations.
Tips
Watch the caramel closely: Caramel can go from golden to burnt quickly, so once it starts turning amber, remove it from the heat immediately.
Water bath: The water bath ensures even cooking and helps prevent the flan from cracking. Make sure the water level is about 1 inch high.
Straining the mixture: To ensure a smooth texture, you can strain the flan mixture through a fine sieve before pouring it into the pan.
Chill the flan: It’s best to chill the flan for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and for the caramel to firm up.
Variations
Coconut flan: Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk to the flan mixture for a tropical twist.
Coffee flan: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of brewed coffee or espresso for a coffee-flavored version of flan.
Chocolate flan: Melt 4 oz of chocolate and add it to the custard mixture for a chocolatey variation.
Spices: For a festive touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flan mixture.
Corrections
If the caramel turns too dark or burns, discard it and start over. Burnt caramel can give the flan a bitter taste.
If the flan is too runny after baking, it may not have cooked long enough. Bake it a bit longer until set.
If you’re making multiple flans, consider using smaller individual dishes for quicker cooling and serving.
Enjoy!
Serve your perfectly chilled caramel flan as a sweet treat after dinner or for special occasions. The balance of creamy, rich custard with sweet caramel will undoubtedly make this dessert a crowd favorite!