Spanish Flan is a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet custard dessert with a silky smooth texture, topped with a golden caramel sauce. It’s a classic dessert that is popular throughout Spain and Latin America, known for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Made with just a few ingredients—eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla—this dessert is surprisingly easy to make but incredibly elegant.
Here’s a recipe for The Best Spanish Flan:
The Best Spanish Flan
Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
For the Flan:
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz / 350ml) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for the flan mixture)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramel:
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently to help dissolve the sugar.
- Let the mixture cook without stirring until the sugar melts and turns into a golden amber color. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the caramel reaches a golden color, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour the caramel into a round 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish or flan mold. Swirl the dish to coat the bottom evenly with the caramel. Let it sit to cool and harden slightly while you prepare the flan mixture.
2. Prepare the Flan Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Be sure the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble the Flan:
- Pour the flan mixture into the caramel-coated baking dish over the hardened caramel.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake the Flan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a water bath (bain-marie) by placing the flan dish into a larger baking pan and adding hot water to the outer pan so that it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan dish.
- Bake the flan for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can test for doneness by gently inserting a knife or toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a little custard on it.
- Once done, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
5. Serve the Flan:
- To unmold the flan, run a knife along the edges of the dish to loosen it from the sides. Place a large plate over the top of the flan dish and carefully flip it over. The flan should slide out smoothly, with the caramel sauce flowing over the top.
- Serve the flan chilled, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Spanish Flan:
- Caramel Tips: Watch the caramel closely, as it can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Once it reaches the desired amber color, remove it immediately from the heat.
- Avoid Overheating the Milk: When combining the milk with the eggs, be sure to mix them gently. If you heat the milk mixture too much, you risk scrambling the eggs.
- Water Bath: The water bath ensures that the flan cooks gently and evenly, preventing cracking or curdling. Make sure the water comes halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Flavor Variations: You can infuse the flan with additional flavors, such as cinnamon, orange zest, or a splash of rum. Simply add these to the milk mixture for a delicious twist.
Why You’ll Love This Spanish Flan:
- Silky and Smooth: This flan has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s rich but not too heavy.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes incredibly elegant and sophisticated.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of sweet caramel and creamy custard is perfectly balanced, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
This Spanish Flan is a classic dessert that is both simple to make and impressive to serve. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this flan is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire! Enjoy!