Description
This creamy caramel flan is a classic Latin dessert featuring a smooth custard topped with rich caramel sauce. Baked in a water bath to achieve a silky texture, it combines sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and eggs for an irresistibly creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the flan.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly until it liquefies into a golden caramel. Quickly pour this caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting the dish to evenly coat the base. Set aside to let the caramel harden.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt until you achieve a smooth, well-combined custard mixture.
- Combine Caramel and Custard: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish.
- Set Up Water Bath: Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath helps cook the flan gently and evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the flan from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Invert the flan onto a serving plate so the caramel topping spreads beautifully over the custard.
Notes
- Using a water bath is essential for even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Be sure to pour the caramel quickly to prevent it from hardening before spreading.
- Allowing the flan to chill overnight improves texture and flavor.
- Use a knife to loosen edges carefully to prevent breaking the flan.
