Caramel flan is a classic dessert known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich caramel flavor. This recipe is sure to surprise your family and delight their taste buds with its simplicity and deliciousness. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and begins to turn a light amber color. Be patient and careful not to burn the sugar.
- Pour the Caramel: Once the caramel reaches the desired color, immediately pour it into the bottom of a flan mold or a round baking dish. Swirl the dish to evenly coat the bottom with the caramel. Set aside to cool and harden.
Step 2: Prepare the Flan Mixture
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of evaporated milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the mold or baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Flan
- Prepare a Water Bath: Place the flan mold or baking dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This water bath will help the flan cook evenly and prevent it from cracking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully transfer the baking pan with the water bath and flan mold into the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the flan is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the flan mold from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Cover the flan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flan to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Unmold and Serve: To unmold the flan, run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the mold and carefully invert it, allowing the flan to release onto the plate with the caramel sauce cascading over it.
Tips and Variations
- Flavored Flan: Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, or citrus zest to the flan mixture. This can give your flan a unique twist.
- Garnish: Garnish your flan with fresh fruits like berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of elegance and flavor.
- Texture: For a denser flan, reduce the number of eggs to three. For a lighter, more custard-like texture, increase the number of eggs to five.
- Serving: Serve the flan chilled for the best texture and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
Caramel flan is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its creamy, custard-like consistency and rich caramel sauce, it’s a treat that everyone will love. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can create this delectable dessert with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this caramel flan will undoubtedly be a hit. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dessert!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for following this recipe. We hope you enjoyed making and tasting this caramel flan as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. Your support and enthusiasm for our recipes mean the world to us. Keep cooking, experimenting, and delighting in the joy of creating delicious food. See you in the next recipe!
