Name: Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 8 min
Total time: 5 h 18 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1½ cups sugar; ¼ cup water; 14 oz Condensed Milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 5 eggs; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract

This delightful flan de queso is a rich and creamy dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. The combination of cream cheese and classic flan ingredients creates a silky texture that melts in your mouth.

Photos of Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) Recipe

The ingredients for this flan de queso are mostly pantry staples, but you may need to pick up cream cheese and both condensed milk and evaporated milk if they aren’t already in your kitchen. These are essential for achieving the right flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Flan de Queso

sugar: The key ingredient for the caramel topping, providing sweetness and a luscious golden color.

water: Used to dissolve the sugar for the caramel.

condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the custard.

evaporated milk: Contributes a creamy texture without the extra sweetness of condensed milk.

eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the flan its structure.

cream cheese: Adds a tangy richness, making this flan unique and extra creamy.

vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.

One reader, Georgianne Miguel says:

This easy flan de queso recipe is fantastic! The caramelized sugar adds a perfect touch of sweetness, and the creamy custard is incredibly smooth. It’s simple to make and turns out delicious every time. A definite crowd-pleaser!

Georgianne Miguel

Techniques Required

How to make caramel: Heat sugar and water together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves into a light brown caramel. How to blend custard: Place condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend until smooth. How to use a water bath: Place the baking dish in a deep baking pan and pour in enough water to reach halfway up the baking dish. How to bake custard: Bake in a preheated oven until the custard is set and the top is light brown. How to refrigerate properly: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until cold.

How To Make Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan)

Impress your guests with this easy and delicious Flan de Queso, a rich and creamy cream cheese custard dessert from Puerto Rico!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 8 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total: 5 hours 18 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupssugar,white
¼cupwater
14ozcondensed milk,(1 can) sweetened
12ozevaporated milk,(1 can)
5eggs
8ozcream cheese,(1 package)
1tspvanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the sugar and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves into a light brown caramel. Pour into a round glass baking dish.
Place the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a blender.
Blend into a smooth custard. Pour over caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in a deep baking pan. Pour in enough water to reach halfway up the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the custard is set and the top is light brown,
Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 398.61kcal
Fat: 15.84g
Saturated Fat: 8.79g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.50g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.95g
Carbohydrates: 56.13g
Sugar: 55.81g
Protein: 9.50g
Cholesterol: 128.29mg
Sodium: 200.35mg
Calcium: 236.30mg
Potassium: 312.52mg
Iron: 0.62mg
Vitamin A: 168.89µg
Vitamin C: 1.68mg

Technique Tip for This Recipe

To achieve a perfectly smooth caramel, make sure to stir the sugar and water mixture gently and consistently. Avoid over-stirring, as this can cause crystallization. Once the caramel reaches a light brown color, immediately pour it into the baking dish to prevent it from hardening in the saucepan.

How to Save Time When Making Flan de Queso

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents any last-minute scrambles.

Use a microwave for caramel: Instead of using a saucepan, melt the sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals, stirring frequently, to achieve the desired caramel consistency faster.

Room temperature cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes blending quicker and smoother.

Blender efficiency: Blend the custard mixture in one go. This reduces the number of steps and ensures a uniform texture.

Quick cooling: After baking, place the flan in an ice bath to speed up the cooling process before refrigerating.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) Recipe

sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and adds a slight floral flavor. Use ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio with sugar.
condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Mix 1 cup of coconut milk with ½ cup of sugar to mimic the sweetness and consistency of condensed milk.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can provide a similar creamy texture and richness.
evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Use ¼ cup of blended silken tofu per egg to maintain the creamy texture.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This will help bind the ingredients together.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Use the same amount as the cream cheese.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese that can be used in a 1:1 ratio with cream cheese.
vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste offers a more intense vanilla flavor and can be used in the same amount as vanilla extract.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor. Use half the amount of almond extract as you would vanilla extract.

Best Way to Present This Flan

Use a pristine white plate: Choose a large, round, white plate to make the flan de queso the star of the presentation.
Create a caramel drizzle: After unmolding the flan, drizzle some of the remaining caramel sauce artistically around the plate to add visual appeal and flavor.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Add a few slices of strawberries or kiwi around the flan to provide a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
Add a mint sprig: Place a small sprig of fresh mint on top of the flan for a touch of elegance and a hint of freshness.
Use a quenelle of whipped cream: Form a quenelle of whipped cream and place it delicately beside the flan to add a luxurious, creamy element to the dish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the flan and the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of sweetness.
Serve with a caramel shard: Create a thin caramel shard by melting sugar and letting it harden, then place it upright on the flan for a dramatic and crunchy element.
Ensure perfect symmetry: Arrange all elements symmetrically on the plate to create a balanced and visually pleasing presentation that showcases the flan de queso as the centerpiece.

Best Tools for This Recipe

Small saucepan: Used to heat the sugar and water together to create the caramel.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sugar and water mixture as it heats.
Round glass baking dish: The dish where the caramel and custard will be poured and baked.
Blender: Essential for blending the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract into a smooth custard.
Deep baking pan: Used to create a water bath for the round glass baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring out the sugar, water, and other ingredients accurately.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees F, it bakes the flan to perfection.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the flan after baking to refrigerate it properly.
Refrigerator: Needed to chill the flan for 3 to 4 hours until it is cold and set.

How to Store / Freeze Flan de Queso

Refrigeration:
- Once your flan de queso has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will keep the custard creamy and the caramel topping luscious.
- For best results, place the flan on a flat surface in the fridge to prevent any spillage or deformation.
Serving:
- Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the baking dish.
- Invert the dish onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to drizzle over the top.
- For an added touch, garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
Freezing:
- To freeze, allow the flan to cool completely in the refrigerator first.
- Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Alternatively, you can slice the flan into individual portions and wrap each piece separately.
- Place the wrapped flan in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Thawing:
- When ready to enjoy, transfer the flan from the freezer to the refrigerator.
- Allow it to thaw slowly overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the custard's creamy consistency and prevent any separation.
Reheating:
- While flan is typically served cold, you can gently warm it if desired.
- Place the thawed flan in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power for short intervals, checking frequently.
- Alternatively, warm it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees f for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn't overheat and lose its delicate texture.
Tips for Best Results:
- Always use fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- When blending the custard, make sure it is completely smooth to avoid any lumps.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the custard mixture before baking.

How to Reheat Leftovers

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f.
Heat the sugar and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves into a light brown caramel. Pour into a round glass baking dish.
Place the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a blender.
Blend into a smooth custard. Pour over caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in a deep baking pan. Pour in enough water to reach halfway up the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the custard is set and the top is light brown.
Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until cold.

Oven Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees f.
2. Place the leftover flan de queso in an oven-safe dish.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the flan from drying out.
4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
5. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Microwave Method:
1. Place a slice of flan de queso on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to avoid splatters.
3. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, checking after each interval.
4. Continue until the flan is warmed through, usually about 1-2 minutes in total.
5. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.
Water Bath Method:
1. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Place the leftover flan de queso in a heatproof dish or a sealed plastic bag.
3. Submerge the dish or bag in the simmering water, ensuring the flan is not directly in contact with the water.
4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flan is warmed through.
5. Carefully remove from the water bath and let it cool slightly before serving.
Steamer Method:
1. Set up a steamer with enough water to create steam but not touch the flan de queso.
2. Place the flan in a heatproof dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flan is warmed through.
4. Remove from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Random Fact About This Recipe

A unique aspect of flan de queso is its combination of cream cheese with traditional flan ingredients, which gives it a richer and creamier texture compared to the classic flan. This fusion creates a delightful dessert that stands out in both flavor and consistency.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This flan de queso recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and cream cheese, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for a household of four people is approximately $10-$12 USD. Given its simplicity and delightful taste, this dessert offers great value for money. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This flan de queso recipe is undeniably delicious, but it leans towards the unhealthy side. The primary culprits are the high sugar content and the use of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese, which are all rich in calories and saturated fats. Consuming these ingredients in large quantities can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe lacks any fiber or significant nutrients that could balance out the indulgent ingredients.

Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce the calorie content.
Use low-fat or fat-free versions of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese to cut down on saturated fats.
Incorporate a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, to further reduce calories and fat.
Add a layer of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced mango, on top of the flan before serving to increase fiber and vitamins.
Consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs to lower cholesterol levels.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a lighter, healthier version of this classic dessert without sacrificing too much of its creamy, indulgent flavor.

Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe

This flan de queso recipe is a delightful fusion of creamy textures and rich flavors. The caramelized sugar adds a beautiful depth, while the blend of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese creates a luscious, velvety custard. The use of a water bath ensures even cooking, resulting in a perfectly set flan. Refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making each bite a luxurious experience. This recipe is straightforward yet yields an impressive dessert that will surely impress your guests.

Enhance Your Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon: Imagine the sweet and tangy pineapple slices, kissed by the grill, and sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon. This tropical delight will complement the creamy richness of your flan de queso, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Spiced Mango Salad: A vibrant mango salad with a touch of chili and lime zest can add a refreshing contrast to the smooth texture of the flan. The spicy and tangy notes will elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.

Coconut Rice Pudding: Indulge in the creamy goodness of coconut rice pudding, where the subtle sweetness and rich texture create a harmonious balance with the flan. The tropical essence of coconut will transport you to a paradise of flavors.

Roasted Berry Compote: A medley of berries roasted to perfection, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a luscious compote. This vibrant and slightly tart side dish will add a burst of color and flavor to your flan de queso.

Caramelized Plantains: Golden plantains caramelized to perfection, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and a hint of smokiness. These tender morsels will enhance the caramel notes of your flan, making each bite a decadent treat.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Flan de Queso

Tres Leches Cake: Dive into the world of desserts with this moist and creamy Tres Leches Cake. Soaked in three types of milk, this cake is a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Top it with whipped cream and fresh fruits for an extra touch of sweetness.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Indulge in the crispy and golden Churros, perfect for dipping into a rich and velvety chocolate sauce. These Spanish desserts are a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Creme Brulee: Experience the elegance of Creme Brulee, a classic French dessert with a creamy custard base and a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Crack through the top layer to reveal the smooth and luscious custard beneath.

Panna Cotta with Berry Compote: Savor the silky texture of Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert made with sweetened cream and gelatin. Pair it with a tangy berry compote for a burst of flavor that complements the creamy base beautifully.

Mango Sticky Rice: Transport yourself to Thailand with Mango Sticky Rice, a delightful dessert featuring sweet and sticky rice paired with ripe and juicy mangoes. Drizzle with coconut milk for an authentic taste.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for Flan de Queso

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine portobello mushrooms filled with a creamy mixture of herbed cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan. The mushrooms are baked until tender, and the filling becomes a savory, melty center. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette rubbed with garlic. Top with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. This appetizer is not only visually appealing but also bursts with freshness, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is first coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fried to golden perfection. Once cooked, it's layered with the tomato sauce and mozzarella, then baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish that features tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. The beef is typically sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a mixture of beef broth, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the beef. Serve it over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.

Why trust this Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) Recipe:

This flan de queso recipe is a trusted favorite because it combines the rich flavors of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese to create a creamy, indulgent dessert. The step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect caramel topping and a smooth, set custard every time. With simple ingredients and clear directions, even novice bakers can achieve a professional-quality flan. Plus, the use of a water bath guarantees an even bake, preventing cracks and ensuring a silky texture.

Want to share your experience making this Easy Flan de Queso (Cream Cheese Flan) or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

You'll know the caramel is ready when it turns a light brown color. It should take about 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese is what gives this flan its creamy texture and rich flavor. Substituting it with another type of cheese might change the consistency and taste, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Do I really need to use a water bath for baking the flan?

Yes, the water bath helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking. It also keeps the custard smooth and creamy. Just make sure the water reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

How can I tell if the flan is fully cooked?

The flan is done when the custard is set and the top is light brown. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the flan is ready.

How long should I refrigerate the flan before serving?

You should refrigerate the flan for 3 to 4 hours until it's cold. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to slice and serve.