Classic Flan
- September 15, 2024
- 0

Flan is a timeless dessert that’s beloved in many cultures for its smooth, creamy texture and rich caramel flavor. With origins in Spain and variations throughout Latin America and beyond, flan is essentially a custard dessert topped with a layer of caramel sauce. Despite its luxurious taste and impressive presentation, flan is surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step by step through the process of making flan, so you can enjoy this indulgent dessert at home.
Ingredients
For the caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the flan custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Caramel
1. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar, then place the pan over medium heat. Cook the sugar without stirring, allowing it to dissolve and gradually turn a golden amber color. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
2. Pour the Caramel into the Mold
Once the caramel is a deep amber color, carefully pour it into the bottom of a flan mold (or individual ramekins if you prefer smaller servings). Tilt the mold to evenly coat the bottom with the caramel. Be careful, as the caramel is extremely hot! Set the mold aside to allow the caramel to harden while you prepare the custard.
Step 2: Make the Custard
3. Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs until well beaten.
4. Add the Milks and Vanilla
Pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will form the rich, creamy base of your flan.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
5. Pour the Custard into the Mold
Once the custard mixture is fully blended, pour it over the hardened caramel in your mold.
6. Create a Water Bath
To ensure that your flan cooks evenly and stays creamy, you’ll need to bake it in a water bath. Place your flan mold inside a larger baking dish, and fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This gentle cooking method prevents the flan from curdling and helps achieve a silky texture.
7. Bake the Flan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the flan in the water bath for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center when shaken.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
8. Cool the Flan
Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, remove the flan mold from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flan to fully set.
9. Unmold and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the mold, then quickly invert the mold onto the plate. The caramel sauce will drizzle over the top of the flan, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Tips for the Perfect Flan
- Don’t Rush the Caramel: Be patient when making the caramel. If the heat is too high, it can burn quickly. Low and slow is the key to achieving that perfect amber color.
- Strain the Custard: For an extra smooth flan, you can strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the mold to remove any egg solids or bubbles.
- **Let It Chill**: Flan is best served cold, so make sure to refrigerate it long enough for the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
Why You’ll Love This Flan Recipe
This flan recipe is wonderfully creamy and decadent, with a perfectly balanced sweetness from the caramel and the custard. It’s an impressive dessert for gatherings, yet simple enough to make for a weeknight treat. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, paired with the rich caramel sauce, makes flan a dessert that everyone will love.
Whether you’re new to making custards or a seasoned pro, this classic flan recipe will guide you to success every time. Enjoy!