A Slice of Culinary Heaven That Melts in Your Mouth

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure dessert bliss with this absolutely irresistible Caramel Flan. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a masterpiece of culinary art that combines a silky-smooth custard with a golden, caramelized top that cracks beautifully with each spoonful.

Imagine a dessert so elegant, so perfectly balanced, that it captures the essence of comfort and sophistication in a single bite. The rich, creamy custard sits atop a delicate cookie-like base, crowned with a deep amber caramel that glistens like liquid gold. Each slice is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are transformed through careful preparation.

Why This Caramel Flan?

• Incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Perfect balance of creamy custard and caramel
• Impressive presentation
• Surprisingly simple to prepare
• Universally loved dessert

Ingredients List

US Measurements

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml)
• Evaporated Milk: 1 can (12 oz / 350 ml)
• Whole Milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Eggs: 4 large
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Water: ½ cup (120 ml), for caramel

Metric Measurements

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 400 ml
• Evaporated Milk: 350 ml
• Whole Milk: 240 ml
• Eggs: 4 large
• Granulated Sugar: 200 grams (divided)
• Vanilla Extract: 10 ml
• Salt: 1 gram
• Water: 120 ml, for caramel

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and water
• Heat over medium-high heat without stirring
• Watch carefully as sugar melts and turns amber
• Quickly pour caramel into 9-inch round baking dish
• Swirl to coat bottom and sides evenly
• Let cool and harden

2. Create the Custard Mixture

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs
• Add remaining sugar
• Incorporate condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk
• Add vanilla extract and salt
• Whisk until completely smooth
• Strain mixture to ensure silky texture

3. Bake the Flan

• Pour custard mixture into caramel-lined dish
• Place dish in large roasting pan
• Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of flan dish
• Bake for 50-60 minutes
• Custard should be set but slightly jiggly in center
• Remove from oven
• Let cool completely
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight

4. Serve

• Run knife around edges of dish
• Invert onto serving plate
• Caramel will cascade over the top
• Slice and serve chilled

Nutritional Information and Timing

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280-320
• Protein: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Sugar: 35-40g
• Calcium: 20-25% of daily value

Cooking Timelines

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Caramel Making: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cooling/Chilling Time: 4-5 hours
• Total Time: 5-6 hours
• Servings: 8-10 slices

Pro Baking Tips and Tricks

Caramel Perfection

• Watch sugar carefully to prevent burning
• Do not stir while caramelizing
• Remove from heat when deep amber color develops

Custard Secrets

• Use water bath for even, gentle cooking
• Strain custard for smoothest texture
• Don’t overbake—slight wobble is perfect

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Flavor Variations

• Add cinnamon or nutmeg
• Use coconut milk for tropical twist
• Infuse with coffee or orange zest
• Top with fresh berries

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milks
• Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar, use alternative sweeteners
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why Did My Caramel Crystallize?

A: Avoid stirring and use clean, dry utensils.

Q2: How Long Can I Store Flan?

A: Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

Q3: Can I Freeze Flan?

A: Not recommended; texture may change.

Q4: Why Is My Flan Watery?

A: Likely underbaked or incorrect milk ratio.

Q5: How Do I Know When Flan Is Done?

A: Slight jiggle in center, firm edges.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration and Serving

• Refrigerate up to 4-5 days
• Always serve chilled
• Best within first 2 days

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Prepare day before serving
• Keeps well in refrigerator
• Perfect for dinner parties

Prepare to fall in love with the most incredible Caramel Flan that will become your new dessert obsession!