Flan is a timeless dessert beloved across many cultures, known for its silky-smooth texture and rich caramel flavor. Often referred to as crème caramel, this custard-based treat is made with simple ingredients: eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, and vanilla. What makes flan so special is the caramel layer that forms at the bottom of the baking dish and becomes a glossy topping once the flan is inverted and served.
The preparation of flan starts with melting sugar until it becomes a golden-brown caramel, which is then poured into the bottom of a ramekin or baking dish. The custard mixture, made by gently whisking eggs with sweetened milk and vanilla, is then poured on top of the caramel. The flan is baked in a water bath (bain-marie), which ensures even cooking and helps achieve that signature silky consistency without curdling.
This dessert is incredibly versatile. While traditional flan uses just a hint of vanilla, variations abound. In Latin America, it’s common to add sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk for a richer texture. Coconut, coffee, and even pumpkin flavor are popular seasonal twists. In Spain, flan is a staple dessert in homes and restaurants alike, often served chilled with whipped cream or fresh berries.
One of the best things about flan is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. Its elegant appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t require complicated techniques.
Whether enjoyed as a simple vanilla custard or dressed up with flavors, this is a dessert that combines elegance with comfort. It’s a sweet reminder that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly luxurious and tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar for caramel
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1 can evaporated milk 12 ounces
- 4 eggs large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until golden. Carefully pour hot syrup into a round baking dish, turning the dish to evenly coat the bottom.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour egg mixture over the caramel layer in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan, and pour boiling water into the larger pan to a depth of about 1 inch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. To serve, invert onto a plate.
Nutrition
Why do you need boiling water?! Just bake it normally. Seems unnecessary.
Boiling water helps create a water bath so the flan cooks evenly! It’s essential for giving it that smooth texture.
This flan is the best I’ve ever made! I added some orange zest for a twist, and it was a hit! 5 stars!
That sounds delicious! I’ll have to try the orange zest next time. Glad it turned out great for you!
Flan? Isn’t that just fancy pudding? I don’t get the hype but good for you for liking it!
Flan is life! I used coconut milk instead of evaporated. Yummy! Thanks for the recipe!
Not worth it! Followed the recipe exactly but it turned into scrambled eggs. Never again!
Yum! My family loved it! Will make for every family gathering now. Thanks!
Came out too sweet for my taste. I used half the sugar for the caramel and still found it too much.
Super easy to make, but mine cracked a bit. Still tastier than I expected. Will give it another try.
I didn’t have evaporated milk, so I used milk instead. I think it was a mistake? 😅
Flan was ok. Didn’t get a nice caramel color, but it tasted alright. Might need practice!