This Creamy Caramel Flan is a classic and elegant dessert with a rich, smooth custard and a luscious caramel sauce. Itโs easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of creamy caramel sweetness.
๐ Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar ๐ฌ
- 1/4 cup water ๐ง
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs ๐ฅ
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk ๐ฅ
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk ๐ฅ
- 1 cup whole milk ๐ฅ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ๐ฟ
๐ Instructions:
1. Make the Caramel:
- Prepare the caramel:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until it turns a golden amber color (5-7 minutes).
- Pour the caramel:
- Quickly and carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan or flan mold. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly with the caramel. Set aside to let it harden.
2. Prepare the Custard:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Mix the custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Strain the mixture:
- For an extra smooth flan, pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any egg solids.
- Pour into the mold:
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan.
3. Bake the Flan:
- Prepare the water bath:
- Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This water bath helps the flan cook evenly.
- Bake:
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill:
- Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely.
4. Serve:
- Unmold the flan:
- Run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a large serving plate over the top of the pan and quickly invert it. Gently lift the pan to reveal the flan with the caramel sauce flowing over the top.
- Slice and serve:
- Cut into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, rich, and caramel-filled goodness!
๐ฝ๏ธ Tips:
- Avoid overbaking: The flan is done when it’s set but still has a slight wobble in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Storage: Keep the flan covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
โฑ๏ธ Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
โฑ๏ธ Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings: 8
๐ฅ Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per serving
This Creamy Caramel Flan is a decadent and silky dessert that melts in your mouth. The contrast of the smooth custard and the rich caramel sauce makes every bite irresistible. ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฌ