Flan
Flan, a classic dessert beloved in many cultures, offers a heavenly blend of creamy custard and a luscious caramel layer. Its smooth texture and rich flavors make it a perfect ending to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this flan recipe will impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to deliver a delightful treat for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar (for custard)
- Pinch of salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) of flan contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein. Note that these values are based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of sugar until golden brown to make the caramel.
- Quickly pour the caramel into a round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan filled with water (water bath).
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until the flan is set and a knife comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version of flan. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of sugar for a unique flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
Flan pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, such as berries or citrus slices. It also complements a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful dessert option after any meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be served cold straight from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature. Flan is not recommended for freezing as it may change the texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the caramel; it should be golden, not burnt.
- Ensure the water bath does not boil; it should be gentle.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother custard.
- Let the flan cool completely before refrigerating.
- Run a knife around the flan before inverting to prevent breaking.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest to the custard.
- For a richer taste, use whole milk instead of evaporated milk.
- Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.
- Garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs
What is flan made of?
Flan is primarily made from eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. The combination creates a smooth custard topped with caramel sauce. Variations may include different flavorings or ingredients like coconut or chocolate.
How long does flan last in the fridge?
Flan typically lasts for about 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept for a few days without losing much quality.
Can flan be frozen?
Freezing flan is not recommended as it can alter the texture and taste. The custard may become watery or grainy upon thawing, which affects the overall quality of the dessert.
Is flan the same as crème brûlée?
While both flan and crème brûlée are custard desserts, they differ in preparation and texture. Flan is smooth and creamy, while crème brûlée has a hard caramelized sugar topping and is often served in a ramekin.
How do I know when flan is done?
Flan is done when it is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean, indicating that the custard has cooked through without curdling.
Conclusion
Flan is a timeless dessert that embodies simplicity and elegance. Its creamy texture and sweet caramel make it a favorite among dessert lovers. With this easy recipe, you can create a show-stopping treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy your homemade flan!
Flan
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar for caramel
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar for custard
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of sugar until golden brown to make the caramel.
- Quickly pour the caramel into a round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan filled with water (water bath).
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until the flan is set and a knife comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.