This creamy caramel flan is a luscious dessert that combines the smoothness of custard with a rich caramel topping. Its layered texture, with a slightly crunchy caramelized top and silky base, makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this indulgent dessert is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the custard:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for extra firmness)
For the caramel topping:
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the caramel:
- In a saucepan, combine the 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Quickly pour the caramel into a baking dish or flan mold, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set aside to cool and harden.
- Make the custard:
- In a medium pot, warm the milk over medium heat, making sure it doesn’t boil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. (If you prefer a firmer texture, dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in the milk before combining.)
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water (this creates a water bath to prevent cracking).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Chill and serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, gently run a knife around the edges to release the flan. Invert onto a serving plate so the caramel side is on top.
Enjoy the creamy, caramel goodness of this irresistible flan!
for more recipes click here