A Slice of Culinary Heaven That Melts in Your Mouth
Prepare to be transported to a world of pure dessert bliss with this absolutely irresistible Caramel Flan. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a masterpiece of culinary art that combines a silky-smooth custard with a golden, caramelized top that cracks beautifully with each spoonful.
Imagine a dessert so elegant, so perfectly balanced, that it captures the essence of comfort and sophistication in a single bite. The rich, creamy custard sits atop a delicate cookie-like base, crowned with a deep amber caramel that glistens like liquid gold. Each slice is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are transformed through careful preparation.
Why This Caramel Flan?
- Incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Perfect balance of creamy custard and caramel
- Impressive presentation
- Surprisingly simple to prepare
- Universally loved dessert
Ingredients List
US Measurements
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml)
- Evaporated Milk: 1 can (12 oz / 350 ml)
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml), for caramel
Metric Measurements
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 400 ml
- Evaporated Milk: 350 ml
- Whole Milk: 240 ml
- Eggs: 4 large
- Granulated Sugar: 200 grams (divided)
- Vanilla Extract: 10 ml
- Salt: 1 gram
- Water: 120 ml, for caramel
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and water
- Heat over medium-high heat without stirring
- Watch carefully as sugar melts and turns amber
- Quickly pour caramel into 9-inch round baking dish
- Swirl to coat bottom and sides evenly
- Let cool and harden
2. Create the Custard Mixture
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs
- Add remaining sugar
- Incorporate condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk
- Add vanilla extract and salt
- Whisk until completely smooth
- Strain mixture to ensure silky texture
3. Bake the Flan
- Pour custard mixture into caramel-lined dish
- Place dish in large roasting pan
- Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of flan dish
- Bake for 50-60 minutes
- Custard should be set but slightly jiggly in center
- Remove from oven
- Let cool completely
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
4. Serve
- Run knife around edges of dish
- Invert onto serving plate
- Caramel will cascade over the top
- Slice and serve chilled
Nutritional Information and Timing
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280-320
- Protein: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 35-40g
- Calcium: 20-25% of daily value
Cooking Timelines
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Caramel Making: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling/Chilling Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 5-6 hours
- Servings: 8-10 slices
Pro Baking Tips and Tricks
Caramel Perfection
- Watch sugar carefully to prevent burning
- Do not stir while caramelizing
- Remove from heat when deep amber color develops
Custard Secrets
- Use water bath for even, gentle cooking
- Strain custard for smoothest texture
- Don’t overbake—slight wobble is perfect
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg
- Use coconut milk for tropical twist
- Infuse with coffee or orange zest
- Top with fresh berries
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milks
- Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar, use alternative sweeteners
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why Did My Caramel Crystallize?
A: Avoid stirring and use clean, dry utensils.
Q2: How Long Can I Store Flan?
A: Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
Q3: Can I Freeze Flan?
A: Not recommended; texture may change.
Q4: Why Is My Flan Watery?
A: Likely underbaked or incorrect milk ratio.
Q5: How Do I Know When Flan Is Done?
A: Slight jiggle in center, firm edges.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration and Serving
- Refrigerate up to 4-5 days
- Always serve chilled
- Best within first 2 days
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prepare day before serving
- Keeps well in refrigerator
- Perfect for dinner parties
Prepare to fall in love with the most incredible Caramel Flan that will become your new dessert obsession!