Description
Creamy Caramel Flan is a classic custard dessert featuring a rich caramel topping and a smooth, velvety texture. This recipe involves creating a golden caramel base, combining a creamy milk and egg mixture, and baking it gently in a water bath for perfect set and consistency. Served chilled, it’s an indulgent yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
Flan Custard
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) to prepare for baking the flan.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly until it turns into a golden caramel liquid. Quickly pour this caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine caramel and custard: Pour the egg and milk mixture carefully over the set caramel in the baking dish.
- Set up the water bath: Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish to create a gentle and even baking environment.
- Bake the flan: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is firm and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the flan: Carefully remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Serve: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the flan, then invert onto a serving plate so the caramel topping covers the custard, creating a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Notes
- Use caution when working with hot caramel to avoid burns.
- The water bath helps to gently cook the flan and prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the flan for several hours to allow it to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
- Flan can be garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch.
