Description
Silky Mexican flan delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy caramel-coated elegance. Smooth custard and golden caramel create a classic treat that transports you directly to traditional Mexican kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) evaporated milk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
Instructions
- Transform granulated sugar into a rich, amber-hued caramel by gently heating in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Create a silky custard base by thoroughly blending eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and fragrant vanilla extract until completely homogeneous.
- Distribute the molten caramel evenly across the bottom of ceramic ramekins or a large baking dish, rotating carefully to ensure complete coverage.
- Gently pour the custard mixture into caramel-lined vessels, using a slow, steady stream to minimize air bubble formation.
- Position the filled dishes inside a larger baking pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides, creating a protective water bath environment.
- Slide the water bath into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the delicate custard to bake for approximately 50-60 minutes until the center remains slightly tremulous when nudged.
- Remove from oven and let the flan rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to stabilize its structure.
- Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop optimal texture and flavor intensity.
- Before serving, run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to cascade dramatically over the smooth custard surface.
Notes
- Test caramel color carefully as it can quickly burn, moving from golden to bitter in seconds.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more consistent custard texture without lumps.
- Create a silky-smooth flan by straining the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into ramekins.
- For dietary variations, substitute whole milk or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 283
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 112 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg