The creamy, smooth texture of the custard combined with the sweet, caramelized sugar topping is a combination that’s simply irresistible.
It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion, but if you’re intimidated by the thought of making flan from scratch, don’t worry!
We’re here to show you how to make an easy flan recipe that’s sure to impress your guests. We’ll walk you through each step of the process and share some tips to ensure that your flan turns out perfectly every time.
But before we go into the details of the recipe and show you how to make an easy yet perfect flan, let’s talk a bit more about this exquisite dessert!
What Is Flan?
Flan is a classic dessert that originated in Spain and is popular all over the world. It consists of a rich, silky custard made with eggs, milk, and sugar, which is baked until set.
The dessert is usually topped with caramelized sugar, which adds a sweet and slightly bitter contrast to the creamy custard.
How To Make The Perfect Flan
The key to making a perfect flan is using the right ingredients. For the custard, it’s important to use whole milk and heavy cream, which will give the flan its signature rich and velvety texture.
You’ll also need eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract for flavor. And of course, you can’t forget the caramelized sugar topping, which is made by melting sugar until it turns a deep amber color.
When it comes to making flan, precision is key, so you’ll need to carefully measure and mix each ingredient to ensure that the custard sets properly and has the right texture.
It’s also important to bake the flan at the correct temperature for the right amount of time as overcooked flan can be rubbery and unappetizing, while undercooked flan will be runny and won’t set.
Using the right tools is also important when making flan. A round, 9-inch baking dish is ideal for baking the custard, and you’ll need a large saucepan for making the caramelized sugar.
You’ll also need a blender or a whisk to mix the ingredients together, and a spatula to scrape the caramelized sugar into the baking dish.
Now that you know a little bit more about flan and why using the right ingredients and tools is important, it’s time to get started on our easy flan recipe.
The Best Easy Flan Recipe
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and classic dessert!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and perfect flan:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Place the granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn the sugar!
Step 3
Once the sugar has caramelized, pour it into a 9-inch baking dish, but tilt the dish as you do so to evenly coat the bottom with the caramel. Set the dish aside to cool.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture over the caramel into the baking dish.
Step 5
Place the baking dish in a larger baking dish or roasting pan and add enough hot water to the larger dish to come halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This is called a water bath, and it helps the custard cook evenly and prevents it from curdling.
Step 6
Bake the flan for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still jiggles slightly in the center. Remove the flan and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 7
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
When you’re ready to serve, use your knife by running it around the edges of the dish to loosen the caramelized sugar.
Place a large plate upside down on top of the dish, and carefully invert the dish to release the flan onto the plate.
The caramelized sugar will flow over the top of the custard, creating a beautiful and delicious topping!
Voila! You’ve just made an easy flan recipe that’s sure to impress your guests.
The creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping are a match made in heaven, and the vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor.
It’s a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting, and it’s perfect for any occasion!
Ideas For Serving Your Flan (Toppings, Occasions etc)
Another great thing about flan is its versatility.
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or the occasion.
For example, you could add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, cozy flavor, or stir in some citrus zest for a bright and refreshing twist. Or, you can top the flan with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a modern twist.
You could even experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to give the flan a unique and delicious flavor.
If you’re feeling creative, you can also play around with the presentation of the flan. Instead of baking the custard in a traditional round dish, you could use individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Or, you could try topping the flan with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent and impressive dessert.
Flan is also a great dessert to make for special occasions, like holidays or birthdays. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a convenient dessert option.
Plus, its elegant appearance and delicious flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests.
If you want to get creative with your flan, you can experiment with different flavorings and toppings. For example, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of brandy to the custard mixture.
Top Tips To Make The Perfect Flan
Before we sign off, let’s go over our flan-saving tips to ensure that your flan turns out perfectly every time.
Tip #1: Use room temperature ingredients. Room-temperature ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother custard.
Tip #2: Be careful not to burn the caramel. If the sugar burns, it will give your flan a bitter taste.
Tip #3: Don’t overbake the custard. Overbaking can cause the custard to become tough and rubbery.
Tip #4: Chill the flan in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the custard to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Tip #5: Use a water bath. A water bath helps to ensure that the custard cooks evenly and doesn’t curdle.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to making a perfect flan every time!
Final Thoughts
Our easy flan recipe is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal effort. It’s a classic dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet.
Plus, with our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’re sure to achieve flan perfection every time.
So go ahead, give our recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a dessert that’s both elegant and delicious. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you. And, as always, happy cooking!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
