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!
YUM! Best flan ever! Made it twice already!! 🤤
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!
Don’t bother! I tried it and it tasted like burnt rubber. Seriously, gross!
So good! But I didn’t have evaporated milk, so I used regular milk. Still turned out great! Thx!
That’s awesome! Regular milk is a good substitute. Glad it worked out for you! 😊
Hmm, not sure about using regular milk. Evaporated milk is what gives flan its richness. But if it turned out good, that’s cool! 😕
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? 😅
Yeah, flan is cool and all but what about cheesecake? Nothing compares!
Flan was ok. Didn’t get a nice caramel color, but it tasted alright. Might need practice!
Questions… can I use brown sugar for the caramel? What’s evaporated milk? Is it the same as regular milk?
Flan is just a fancy pudding!? Not worth the hype. I prefer chocolate mousse!
Flan is way better than pudding! The texture is so smooth and the caramel gives it a special touch. You just need to give it another try!
I dunno, I like pudding too but flan is different. Chocolate mousse is good but flan is a classic dessert! It’s not just fancy pudding…
Flan is tricky and mine didn’t set properly. I think I overcooked it? Not a huge fan of it anyways, gonna stick with cake.
I tried the recipe but it didn’t come out right. The caramel burnt! What did I do wrong?
This flan was amazing! It turned out so creamy and delicious. Will definitely make again!
Flan? More like flop! My kids didn’t like it at all… 😡
This flan is the best I’ve ever made! So creamy and delicious. My family devoured it!
Simply the best flan I’ve ever had. Perfect consistency and flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Best ever? I don’t know, I’ve had flan that’s way better. Must be the recipe, right?
I’m so glad you loved it! Flan is such a classic dessert. Did you try any toppings?
This flan recipe is amazing! Turned out perfect. So creamy!
Who puts condensed milk in flan? I’ve always used regular milk. 🤷♂️ Not sure about this…
Flan is supposed to have a different taste, I think. This one’s too sweet for my liking.
Easy and yummy! I did use more vanilla, made it taste more like a custard. 100% making again!
Nice and simple recipe. I added a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor. Turned out great!
I have wanted to try flan for ages! This recipe seems so easy!
I tried this recipe last week and it turned out AMAZING! You won’t regret it! Flan is so delicious! 😍
Looks easy, but isn’t flan supposed to be harder to make? I’ve heard it’s tricky. Still, I might give it a shot!
Serve it with some fruit, delish!
Never knew making flan could be this simple! Just wow! Will make it again for my mom’s birthday!
Flan? More like flopped. I prefer pudding.
Can’t believe how easy this was! I added a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Yum!
I was skeptical at first but this turned out really good! Just remember to watch the sugar so it doesn’t burn.
So good, I could eat the whole thing in one sitting! 😍
This flan is incredible! So creamy and rich. My family loved it!
I totally agree! This flan is the best dessert ever! My kids couldn’t get enough of it!
Really? I thought it was a bit too sweet. Maybe I just don’t have a sweet tooth.
Why do you need to use two types of milk? It’s just too much. I used just whole milk, and it was fine.
But can’t you just make it simpler? I mean, why complicate a recipe?
I think using both types of milk adds richness and flavor. Whole milk alone might not give the same texture!
Is there a way to make it without eggs? I have an allergy and would love to try this!
Just made this, but I forgot the eggs. It turned out… interesting. Won’t do that again!
Oh no! Eggs are super important in flan! It must’ve been really runny without them. Better luck next time!
Ugh, yeah, I once forgot to add sugar for a cake. Yuck! Recipes can be tricky. Just try again!
This flan is absolutely delicious! I love how creamy it is. A real crowd-pleaser!
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to try this recipe. Flan is my favorite dessert!
Uh, how do you make the caramel? Mine burnt in the pan, and now I have a black mess 😩
I followed the recipe step by step but it didn’t set for me. I think I might have used too much milk.
Followed the recipe but my caramel burnt. 😩 Guess I need to practice more. Anyone has tips?
Don’t worry! Caramel can be tricky. Try lowering the heat next time and watch it closely. It’ll get easier, I promise! 😊
I don’t know if I did something wrong, but mine came out kinda rubbery. It tasted fine, but not what I was expecting.
Flan is not supposed to be baked. Real flans are done on the stovetop!
I think baking it gives it that nice texture! Tried it both ways, but this is the best so far.
No way! I’ve always made it on the stove and it turns out fine. What’s the point of baking it? 🤔
This flan recipe is absolutely delicious! I made it for my family and they all loved it. Perfectly creamy!
So easy to make! Had all the ingredients at home. I will definitely make this again! 😊
I don’t bake, but this seems so good. Is there any easy alternative?
Yum! I love flan but can we use coconut milk instead? I feel like it would taste even better.
I dunno… flan is supposed to be creamy, not coconutty. Seems like it could ruin the texture! Just my opinion.
Coconut milk sounds interesting! I bet it would add a nice twist to the flavor. I might try that next time! 😋
I tried it but it didn’t set properly. What did I do wrong?
Easy to follow! I will definitely make this again
Yum! This flan recipe is the best I’ve tried! Thank you for sharing!
I don’t like flan. Too jiggly! 😂
Flan is delicious!! You should give it another chance. It’s all about texture, not just jigglyness! 🙌
I get it! Flan can be kinda weird with all that jiggle. 😂 But maybe you just haven’t had the right one? Some can be super creamy!
Best ever? More like best never! Just my opinion. Too sweet for my taste.
This was too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut the sugar in the caramel?