A silky baked custard with a rich caramel topping, this classic flan recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:60 min
Total Time:7 hours 20 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Latin
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
4 large eggs
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and let the syrup boil until it turns a deep amber color. Immediately pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish or individual ramekins. Swirl the dish to coat the bottom evenly.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture into the caramel-coated baking dish.
Prepare the water bath: Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
Bake for 50-60 minutes for a large dish, or 30-40 minutes for ramekins, until the flan is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool on a wire rack.
Chill the flan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan. Place a serving platter over the baking dish and carefully invert. The flan should release with the caramel sauce pooling around it.
Notes
For a smoother flan, strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.
To avoid bubbles and cracks, do not overbake the flan.
Chilling the flan thoroughly is essential for easy unmolding.