This decadent dessert, vanilla almond flan, is a unique fusion of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It's a classic flan recipe with a twist, incorporating the rich taste of almond milk and the subtle sweetness of honey-roasted almonds. It's the perfect end to a sumptuous meal.
This recipe calls for almond breeze almondmilk cashewmilk blend and blue diamond honey roasted almonds, which may not be commonly found in your home. They are, however, usually available in the organic or specialty sections of most supermarkets. The almond milk blend brings a creamy, nutty flavor which complements the flan, while the honey-roasted almonds add a sweet crunch as a garnish.
Ingredients for Vanilla Almond Flan
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the flan and caramelizes to create a delicious, golden syrup.
Almond breeze almondmilk cashewmilk blend: This dairy-free milk substitute adds a rich, nutty flavor to the flan.
Egg yolks: They add richness and a creamy texture to the flan.
Eggs: These help to bind the ingredients together and create a firm texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a classic, sweet flavor to the flan.
Salt: Helps to balance out the sweetness in the flan.
Blue diamond honey roasted almonds: These add a sweet crunch as a garnish to the flan.
Raspberries: They provide a tart, fruity contrast to the sweet flan.
Mint sprigs: Used to garnish and add a fresh flavor to the dessert.
Cooking spray: Used to prevent the flan from sticking to the pan.
One reader, Baldwin Littlefield says:
This vanilla almond flan recipe is a game-changer! The combination of almond milk and honey roasted almonds gives it a unique and delightful flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the touch of raspberries adds a perfect balance of sweetness. It's a must-try for any dessert lover!
Techniques Required for Making Vanilla Almond Flan Recipe
How to caramelize sugar: In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup of sugar over medium heat, moving the pan frequently until it turns into a deep amber hue. Pour it into the bottom of an 8-inch cake pan coated with cooking spray and set it aside to cool.
How to make the custard: In a blender, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, almond milk, egg yolks, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Blend on the lowest setting until well combined.
How to bake the flan in a water bath: After pouring the custard into the prepared pan, cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Place the prepared mold in a larger rectangular pan and pour enough hot water into the pan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Then, bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 60 to 75 minutes until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to unmold the flan: Run a thin knife along the side of the pan, then gently shake to loosen. Invert a large plate over the flan and quickly invert the mold in one motion.
How to garnish and serve: Top the flan with chopped almonds and raspberries, and garnish with mint if desired. Cut into wedges and serve.
How To Make Vanilla Almond Flan
Prepare a mouthwatering dessert for your parties with this vanilla almond flan made with creamy flan topped with honey-roasted almonds and raspberries.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼cupsgranulated sugardivided use
- 2cupsAlmond Breeze Almondmilk Cashewmilk Blendcan use regular or unsweetened
- 4egg yolks
- 2eggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ¼tspsalt
- ½cupBlue Diamond Honey Roasted almondscoarsely chopped
- ½cupraspberriesfor garnish, optional
- mint sprigsfor garnish, optional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Pour 3/4 cup of sugar into a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and carefully move the pan frequently, without stirring, until it takes on a deep amber hue. Pour into the bottom of an 8-inch cake pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside to cool.
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Add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, almond milk, egg yolks, eggs, vanilla, and salt to a blender and mix on the lowest setting until blended.
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Carefully pour the custard into the prepared pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Place the prepared mold in a larger rectangular pan.
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Pour enough hot water into the pan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow to cool completely inside the water bath then refrigerate covered at least 4 hours or overnight.
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To unmold the flan, run a thin knife along the side of the pan. Gently shake to loosen.
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Invert a large plate over the flan and quickly invert the mold in one motion.
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Top with chopped almonds and raspberries. Garnish with mint if desired. Cut into wedges and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 441.17kcal
- Fat: 26.50g
- Saturated Fat: 2.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.25g
- Carbohydrates: 44.04g
- Fiber: 6.98g
- Sugar: 33.23g
- Protein: 12.09g
- Cholesterol: 113.05mg
- Sodium: 107.99mg
- Calcium: 159.57mg
- Potassium: 399.86mg
- Iron: 3.38mg
- Vitamin A: 66.15µg
- Vitamin C: 3.59mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Vanilla Almond Flan Recipe
When caramelizing the sugar, it's crucial to keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly. The moment it reaches a deep amber color, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent it from burning. Also, when pouring the hot caramel into the cake pan, be careful as it can splatter and cause burns.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vanilla Almond Flan
Prep ahead: Prepare the caramel and custard a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Use a blender: Utilize a blender to quickly and evenly mix the custard ingredients, saving time and effort.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future use, saving time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Vanilla Almond Flan Recipe
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural sweetener with a slightly caramel-like flavor, adding a unique depth to the flan.
almond breeze almondmilk cashewmilk blend - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor to the flan.
egg yolks - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can act as a thickening agent, providing a similar consistency to the flan.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a smooth texture and act as a binding agent in the flan.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of caramelization to the flan.
blue diamond honey roasted almonds - Substitute with toasted coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can provide a similar crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness to the flan.
raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can offer a similar tartness and vibrant color to complement the flan.
mint sprigs - Substitute with edible flowers: Edible flowers can add a visually appealing and delicate touch to the presentation of the flan.
Essential Tools for Making Vanilla Almond Flan
Small saucepan: Used for melting sugar and creating caramel.
Blender: Used to mix the custard ingredients until smooth.
8-inch cake pan: Used to bake the flan.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover the cake pan during baking.
Rectangular pan: Used to hold the water bath for baking the flan.
Knife: Used to check the doneness of the flan and to unmold it.
Plate: Used to invert the flan for serving.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the cake pan to prevent sticking.
Mint sprigs: Used for garnish.
Mixing bowl: Used for mixing the custard ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Vanilla Almond Flan
- Allow the flan to cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the flan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the flan:
- Wrap the cooled flan securely in plastic wrap, making sure no part of the flan is exposed to air.
- Place the wrapped flan in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
- To thaw a frozen flan, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this can cause the custard to separate or become watery.
- Once thawed, consume the flan within 2-3 days for optimal texture and flavor.
- Note: While freezing flan is possible, it may slightly affect the texture of the custard. The flan may become a bit more dense and the surface may not be as smooth after thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Vanilla Almond Flan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover flan in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the creamy texture of the flan while gently warming it.
For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of the vanilla almond flan on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the flan to become rubbery.
If you have a steamer, you can use it to reheat the flan. Place the flan in a heatproof dish and set it in the steamer basket. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the flan is heated through. This method helps to maintain the delicate texture of the custard.
For a more luxurious reheating experience, you can create a bain-marie. Place the flan in a heatproof dish and set it inside a larger pan filled with hot water. Make sure the water level reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan dish. Heat the bain-marie over medium-low heat until the flan is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover flan, consider serving it with a warm caramel sauce. Gently heat the sauce in a saucepan or microwave, then drizzle it over the reheated flan. Top with freshly chopped almonds and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
Interesting Fact About Vanilla Almond Flan
Flan is a traditional Spanish dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Ancient Rome, where the dish was made with honey and milk. The recipe has evolved over time, and today, it is enjoyed in various forms across the world.
Is Making Vanilla Almond Flan at Home Cost-Effective?
The vanilla almond flan recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of almondmilk and honey roasted almonds may be slightly pricier, but the overall cost is reasonable. The dessert's rich flavor and elegant presentation make it worth the investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste and visual appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable indulgence for a special occasion.
Is Vanilla Almond Flan Healthy or Unhealthy?
This vanilla almond flan recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with 1¼ cups of granulated sugar used in total. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- The use of 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs contributes to the high cholesterol content of the dish. High cholesterol intake is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
- The recipe calls for honey roasted almonds, which likely contain added sugar and oil, further increasing the calorie and sugar content of the dessert.
On the positive side, the recipe uses almond milk, which is a lower calorie and lactose-free alternative to regular milk. The almonds and raspberries used for garnish also provide some nutritional benefits, such as healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in smaller quantities.
- Replace some or all of the egg yolks with egg whites to lower the cholesterol content. For every egg yolk removed, use two egg whites.
- Opt for plain, unsalted almonds instead of honey roasted almonds to reduce the added sugar and oil.
- Increase the amount of fresh fruit used for garnish, such as raspberries or strawberries, to boost the fiber and antioxidant content of the dessert.
- Serve smaller portions of the flan to control calorie intake, and pair it with a side of fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance out the richness of the dessert.
Editor's Opinion on This Vanilla Almond Flan Recipe
The vanilla almond flan recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The caramelized sugar base adds a rich, deep sweetness, complementing the creamy almond milk custard infused with the warmth of vanilla. The honey roasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, while the burst of fresh raspberries adds a pop of tartness. The dish is beautifully balanced and visually stunning, making it a perfect finale to any meal.
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Why trust this Vanilla Almond Flan Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients such as almond breeze almondmilk cashewmilk blend and blue diamond honey roasted almonds, ensuring a rich and creamy texture with a delightful crunch. The combination of vanilla extract and raspberries adds a burst of flavor, while the careful instructions and attention to detail guarantee a perfect outcome. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to create a delectable flan that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
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