Description
This easy flan recipe is a classic creamy caramel custard dessert that’s simple to make and sure to impress. With a rich caramel sauce and smooth, velvety texture, this flan is perfect for any occasion. It uses common ingredients like eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, baked gently in a water bath to achieve the perfect consistency.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Create the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar along with the water until it turns a golden brown color, forming a smooth caramel. Be careful not to burn it.
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the ramekins: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly into ramekins or a baking dish, tilting them to coat the bottom completely with the caramel.
- Add the custard mixture: Slowly and carefully pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the ramekins to avoid creating bubbles on the surface of the custard.
- Bake in a water bath: Place the filled ramekins into a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool slightly. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set fully before serving.
Notes
- Use a water bath (bain-marie) while baking to prevent the custard from cracking and ensure even cooking.
- Do not overbake; the flan should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.
- Allow sufficient chilling time to get the perfect texture and flavor.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate so the caramel sauce coats the top.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
