Welcome to a culinary journey where sweet meets creamy and tropical flavors dance on your palate. Our Creamy Coconut Flan recipe is a luxurious dessert that embodies the essence of indulgence. With its smooth texture and rich coconut flavor, each bite is a heavenly experience that transports you to a sun-drenched island paradise. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a decadent treat, this flan is sure to impress and delight. So, join us as we dive into the world of Creamy Coconut Flan and awaken your taste buds to a symphony of tropical sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a large baking dish or roasting pan in the oven and fill it with about 1 inch of water to create a water bath for baking the flan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to caramelize and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, tilting the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Set aside to cool and harden.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan.
- Carefully transfer the cake pan to the preheated oven and place it inside the water bath.
- Bake the flan for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the cake pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the flan. Place a serving platter upside down over the pan, then quickly and carefully flip the pan and platter together to release the flan onto the platter.
- Garnish the Creamy Coconut Flan with shredded coconut, if desired, and slice into wedges to serve.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For an extra tropical twist, add a splash of coconut rum to the flan mixture before baking.
- Experiment with different extracts such as almond or rum for unique flavor variations.
- Serve the flan with fresh fruit such as mango or pineapple for a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Use full-fat coconut milk and unsweetened condensed milk to keep the carb count low.
- Omit the caramel topping or use a sugar-free caramel sauce made with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a combination of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk instead of coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
- Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a low-carb condensed milk alternative or make your own using heavy cream and a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Top the flan with whipped cream sweetened with a low-carb sweetener instead of shredded coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat? A: While full-fat coconut milk will yield a richer and creamier flan, you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version of the dessert.
Q: How do I know when the flan is done baking? A: The edges of the flan should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when gently shaken. It will continue to set as it cools.
Q: Can I make the flan ahead of time? A: Yes, the flan can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Q: Can I use a different size pan? A: You can use smaller or larger pans, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans may require less baking time, while larger pans may require more.
Q: Can I freeze leftover flan? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover flan for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
In conclusion, Creamy Coconut Flan is a decadent dessert that brings the taste of the tropics right to your table. With its velvety texture and rich coconut flavor, it’s a treat for the
