Savor the rich, velvety smoothness of this Classic French Vanilla Flan, an exquisite dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a luxurious treat. Infused with real vanilla and baked to a delicate wobble, this flan offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, releasing layers of creamy custard that make this flan a timeless favorite for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This Vanilla Flan stands out for its creamy texture and deep vanilla flavor, achieved by infusing milk and cream with a whole vanilla bean. The process of tempering the eggs with sugar and cornstarch ensures a silky-smooth custard that sets to perfection without curdling. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice bakers and experienced chefs alike.
Perfect Occasion: This flan is a versatile dessert suitable for any dining occasion. It’s a comforting choice for a family dinner, an elegant addition to a brunch menu, or a celebratory treat at gatherings and holidays. Serve it at the end of a meal for a memorable dessert that guests will talk about long after they’ve left the table.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust the top of the flan with powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful and tasty finish.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a few sprigs of mint for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a spoonful of whipped cream to complement the vanilla flavors.
- Create a fruit compote of berries or citrus segments to serve alongside the flan, adding a tart contrast to the sweet custard.
- For a festive occasion, decorate the edges of the flan plate with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 400g milk
- 100g cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 80g sugar
- 30g cornstarch
- Prepare the Vanilla Infusion:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Add the vanilla bean pod and its scraped seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. Allow it to infuse for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole egg, egg yolks, and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Sift in the cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Combine and Cook the Custard:
- Gradually pour the infused milk through a sieve into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it comes to a boil and thickens.
- Bake the Flan:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Pour the custard mixture into a pre-baked pastry shell.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Keep a close eye on it as the baking time might vary.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before chilling it in the refrigerator to set completely.
- Serve chilled, cut into slices.
Enjoy this Classic French Vanilla Flan, a smooth and indulgent dessert that will transport you to the streets of Paris with every spoonful!
