Flan
Flan or Crème Caramel is a baked custard dessert with a sweet caramel sauce that’s popular in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rica, and many other Latin and Caribbean countries. It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this creamy, caramel-covered custard will never disappoint.
What is Flan?
Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a baked custard dessert with a luscious caramel topping. It’s made with simple ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, yet delivers an indulgent and satisfying flavor.
How is it different than Guyanese Baked Custard
Here are the differences between Flan and Guyanese baked custard. While both are rich, creamy desserts, there are a few key differences:
- Caramel Topping: Flan is topped with a caramel sauce that forms as it bakes, while Guyanese baked custard doesn’t include caramel.
- Texture: Flan has a smooth, almost silky texture while Guyanese baked custard is slightly denser and firmer.
- Flavor: Guyanese baked custard often incorporates nutmeg or other warm spices for a distinct flavor profile.
Both are absolutely delicious in their own way, but the caramel topping in this dessert adds that extra wow factor for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
To make a classic flan, you’ll need:
- Sugar (for caramel)
- Eggs
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Vanilla extract
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Caramel: Heat sugar and water in a saucepan until golden brown. Pour into a flan mold, coating the bottom.
- Make the Custard: Whisk eggs, then mix in sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Strain the mixture for smoothness and pour over the caramel in the mold.
- Bake the Flan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mold in a baking dish filled with hot water and bake for 50–60 minutes until set.
- Cool & Serve: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Using a water bath ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Straining the custard removes air bubbles for a smooth consistency.
- Chilling the flan thoroughly enhances its flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe Flan
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 -14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 -12 oz can evaporated milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a heavy-bottom pot over medium-low heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown. Gently swirl the pot. Avoid stirring to much or it will crystallize. Once melted, pour into a 8-inch baking dish, coating the bottom.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Strain the mixture while slowly pouring over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in a larger 13×9 baking pan and set it in the oven. Carefully pour water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish. Bake for 50-55 mins until the custard is set. It should jiggle in the middle.
- Remove from the water bath and allow to cool for at least 4 hours. To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert the flan onto a plate. Enjoy this silky, caramel-covered dessert! Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.