The allure of this decadent dessert, caramel custard flan, comes from its silky texture and the warm, sweet caramel that tops it. It's a classic dessert that's loved universally and while it might seem complicated, it's actually quite straightforward to make.
While most ingredients in this recipe like eggs, sugar, whole milk and vanilla extract are commonly found in households, you might have to look for sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk in the supermarket. These are typically found in the baking aisle. It's worth noting that if you prefer not to use bourbon, you can simply replace it with more vanilla extract.
Ingredients for the Caramel Custard Flan
Sugar: Used to make the caramel and also adds sweetness to the custard.
Eggs: They are the main binding ingredient in the custard.
Sweetened condensed milk: It gives the custard a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor.
Evaporated milk: This is used to add creaminess to the custard without adding extra fat.
Whole milk: It gives the custard its liquid base and creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: It adds a subtle, but important flavor to the custard.
Bourbon: A touch of bourbon gives the custard a deep, rich flavor but is optional.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the custard.
One reader, Haily Krug says:
This caramel custard flan recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich caramel flavor make it a delightful treat. The simple instructions made it easy to prepare, and the end result was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful dessert experience.
Techniques Required for Making Caramel Custard Flan Recipe
How to make caramel: In a small heavy saucepan, stir together the sugar and water until the sugar is completely moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, without stirring, until the mixture begins to turn golden. Gently swirl the pan and continue to cook until the sugar turns reddish-amber and fragrant. Carefully swirl in warm tap water until incorporated.
How to prepare the water bath: Place the loaf pan in the center of a 9x13-inch baking or roasting pan with high sides. Pour hot water around the loaf pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
How to unmold the flan: Carefully slide a sharp knife around the edges of the pan. Invert a platter with a raised rim on top of the flan and turn the pan and platter over. If the flan doesn’t release immediately, let it sit inverted for a minute and it should slide out. If it still doesn't come out, try running the knife around the edges again. When the flan is released, remove the loaf pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the residual caramel onto the platter.
How To Make Caramel Flan
This velvety and decadent caramel flan is a rich sweet treat made with milk, eggs, and a dash of bourbon; that’s prepped in just 20 fast minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅔cupsugar
- 2large eggs,plus 5 yolks
- 14ozsweetened condensed milk,(1 can)
- 12ozevaporated milk,(1 can)
- ½cupwhole milk,half-and-half or 2% milk may be substituted, do not use skim milk
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 1tbspBourbon
- ½tspsalt
Instructions
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Adjust a rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
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Stir together the sugar and ¼ cup of water in a small heavy saucepan until the sugar is completely moistened. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and cook, without stirring, until the mixture begins to turn golden.
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Gently swirling the pan, continue to cook until sugar is a honey color. Remove from the heat and swirl the pan for 15 to 20 seconds, until the sugar is reddish-amber and fragrant.
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Carefully swirl in 2 tablespoons of warm tap water until incorporated – be careful as the mixture will bubble and steam.
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Pour the caramel into an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan; do not scrape out the saucepan. Set the loaf pan aside.
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Whisk the eggs and yolks in large bowl until combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, vanilla, Bourbon, and salt and whisk until incorporated.
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Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any bits of egg; then pour the strained custard into the loaf pan over the caramel. Cover the loaf pan tightly with aluminum foil.
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Place the loaf pan in the center of a 9×13-inch baking or roasting pan to make a water bath. Place the nested pans in the oven; then, using a tea kettle or pitcher, pour hot water around the loaf pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
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Bake for 75 to 90 minutes, until the custard is set around the edges but still a bit jiggly in the center.
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Carefully remove the pans from the oven. Remove the foil and leave the flan in the water bath for 1 hour to cool.
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Remove the loaf pan from the water bath and wipe the pan dry. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight or up to 4 days.
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To unmold the flan, carefully slide a sharp knife around the edges of the pan. Invert a platter with a raised rim on top of the flan and turn the pan and platter over. If the flan doesn’t release immediately, let it sit inverted for a minute and it should slide out. If it still doesn’t come out, try running the knife around the edges again.
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When the flan is released, remove the loaf pan. Using rubber spatula, scrape the residual caramel onto the platter.
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Slice the flan and spoon the sauce over individual portions, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Leftover flan may be covered loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 297.41kcal
- Fat: 8.03g
- Saturated Fat: 4.96g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.30g
- Carbohydrates: 48.79g
- Sugar: 48.80g
- Protein: 7.30g
- Cholesterol: 30.73mg
- Sodium: 260.24mg
- Calcium: 269.49mg
- Potassium: 334.97mg
- Iron: 0.19mg
- Vitamin A: 71.37µg
- Vitamin C: 2.10mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Caramel Custard Flan Recipe
When making the caramel for your flan, it's crucial to keep a close eye on the sugar as it cooks. The color change from golden to reddish-amber can happen quickly, and if it's not removed from the heat at the right moment, the caramel can burn and develop a bitter taste. Also, remember to swirl the pan instead of stirring, as stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize. Lastly, when adding the warm water to the caramel, be careful as the mixture will bubble and steam. This is a normal reaction, but it's important to handle it with care to avoid any potential burns.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Caramel Custard Flan
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the flan. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use a blender: Instead of whisking the custard mixture by hand, use a blender to quickly and evenly combine the eggs, milks, vanilla, and other ingredients.
Bain-marie setup: Set up the water bath (bain-marie) and preheat the oven while you prepare the caramel and custard mixture to save time during the baking process.
Chill overnight: Plan ahead and make the flan a day in advance to allow ample time for chilling and setting in the refrigerator.
Slice and serve: Once the flan is thoroughly chilled, slice and serve it directly from the loaf pan to save time on transferring individual portions to serving dishes.
Substitute Ingredients For Caramel Flan Recipe
- sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and will add a unique flavor to the flan.
- eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in the custard, providing a similar binding and thickening effect.
- sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: This dairy-free alternative will provide a similar creamy texture and sweetness to the custard.
- evaporated milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the custard.
- whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor to the custard.
- vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique and rich flavor to the custard, similar to vanilla.
- bourbon - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a similar depth of flavor and aroma to the custard, enhancing its richness.
- salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a hint of natural minerals to the custard.
Best Presentation Ideas for Caramel Custard Flan
Elevate the caramel: Drizzle a delicate caramel sauce on the plate in an artistic manner, ensuring it complements the flan without overpowering it.
Garnish with edible flowers: Adorn the flan with a selection of vibrant edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: Introduce a touch of luxury by delicately placing gold leaf on the flan, adding a shimmering and opulent touch to the dessert.
Create a caramel shard: Craft a stunning caramel shard to accompany the flan, providing a visually striking element and a delightful textural contrast.
Serve with fresh berries: Arrange a selection of seasonal fresh berries around the flan, adding a burst of color and a refreshing, fruity element to the presentation.
Utilize a decorative plate: Choose a decorative plate that complements the colors of the flan and enhances the overall visual appeal of the dessert.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the flan with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar to create an elegant finishing touch and enhance the dessert's visual appeal.
Incorporate a caramel tuile: Present a delicate caramel tuile alongside the flan, adding a sophisticated and intricate element to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Caramel Custard Flan
Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent and even heat distribution for cooking.
Saucepan: A versatile kitchen essential used for heating, boiling, and simmering various liquids and sauces.
Loaf pan: A baking pan specifically designed for creating loaf-shaped cakes, breads, and desserts.
Tea kettle or pitcher: Used for pouring hot water to create a water bath for baking delicate custard dishes.
9x13-inch baking or roasting pan: A versatile pan suitable for baking, roasting, and creating water baths for custard dishes.
Platter with a raised rim: A serving platter with raised edges, ideal for unmolding and serving dishes with liquid components.
Sharp knife: Essential for slicing, trimming, and releasing delicate desserts and baked goods from pans.
Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool used for scraping, spreading, and smoothing mixtures and sauces.
Storing and Freezing Caramel Custard Flan: A Guide
Once the flan has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making for an even more delectable dessert experience.
If you want to freeze the caramel custard flan, make sure it has cooled completely first. Then, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen flan, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the flan sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will help the caramel sauce to soften and become more pourable.
If you have leftover flan, store individual slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, let the slices come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, or microwave briefly (about 10-15 seconds) to warm up the caramel sauce.
For optimal texture and flavor, it's best to consume the caramel custard flan within the first few days of making it. However, with proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this luscious dessert for a longer period without compromising its quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Caramel Custard Flan
- The best way to reheat leftover caramel custard flan is to use a water bath method. Place the flan in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan. Heat the water bath in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the flan is heated through.
- Another option is to use the microwave. Place a slice of flan on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat the flan, as it can cause the texture to become rubbery.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your reheated flan, you can use a kitchen torch to caramelize the surface. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of the flan and use the torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust.
- For a quicker and easier method, you can also enjoy leftover flan straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature will enhance the creamy texture and rich caramel flavor.
- If you find that your leftover flan has absorbed some of the caramel sauce and become a bit soggy, you can refresh it by unmolding the flan onto a serving plate and drizzling fresh caramel sauce over the top before reheating or serving.
Interesting Trivia About Caramel Custard Flan
The caramel custard flan recipe is a popular dessert in many countries, including Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations, and its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome. The creamy texture and rich caramel flavor make it a beloved treat around the world.
Is Making Caramel Custard Flan at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this caramel custard flan recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most households. The use of eggs, milk, and sugar makes it a budget-friendly dessert option. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an affordable and delightful treat for the family.
Is Caramel Custard Flan Healthy or Unhealthy?
The caramel custard flan recipe is a decadent dessert that, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, both in the caramel and the custard itself. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- The recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, which are high in calories and saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- The recipe also includes whole milk and eggs, which contribute to the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
While the bourbon and vanilla extract add flavor, they do not provide any significant nutritional benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the caramel and custard. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of some of the sugar.
- Use low-fat or non-fat versions of the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
- Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients, such as fresh fruit or nuts, to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dessert.
- Reduce the portion size and enjoy the flan as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dessert
The caramel custard flan recipe is a classic and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress. The method of making the caramel is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and color. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk creates a rich and creamy custard with a delightful hint of bourbon. The overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a luscious and silky texture. The final presentation, with the caramel sauce cascading over the smooth flan, is a feast for the eyes. This recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion, showcasing the artistry of traditional custard desserts.
Enhance Your Caramel Flan Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Caramel Flan Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and tested classic, guaranteed to impress your guests with its creamy texture and rich flavor. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk creates a luscious custard base, while the addition of vanilla extract and a hint of bourbon elevates the taste to a whole new level. The careful instructions ensure a perfect caramelization of the sugar, resulting in a decadent caramel sauce that complements the custard beautifully. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful dessert experience.
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