This Classic Caramel Flan is the ultimate dessert for flan lovers, offering a silky, smooth texture with the rich flavor of homemade caramel. Perfectly sweetened with a hint of vanilla, this flan is both elegant and comforting. Made with a simple blend of eggs, milk, and sugar, this dessert is cooked in a water bath to achieve that iconic creamy consistency. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or as a special treat, this flan is sure to win hearts and earn applause.
Why You'll Love This:
- Irresistible Creaminess: The flan's rich, velvety texture melts in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the slightly bitter caramel topping.
- Simple Ingredients, Exceptional Flavor: Made with just a handful of ingredients—eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla—this flan showcases how simple components can create an extraordinary dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a festive gathering or a casual family dinner, this flan is always a hit. It's also ideal for making ahead, as it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- No Extra Toppings Needed: This flan stands out on its own—no need for dulce de leche or cream. The caramel layer provides all the sweetness and depth of flavor you need.
Perfect Occasion:
This Classic Caramel Flan is perfect for:
- Holiday Dinners: Serve it as a show-stopping finale to your holiday feast.
- Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and special gatherings.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with a dessert that’s both sophisticated and universally loved.
- Family Dessert: A comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on any night of the week.
Decoration Tips:
- Classic Simplicity: Serve the flan on a simple white platter to highlight its golden caramel top.
- Fresh Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few berries on the side for a touch of color and freshness.
- Elegant Presentation: Slice the flan and serve each piece with a drizzle of the caramel sauce from the bottom of the mold for a professional look.
Ingredients:
For the Flan:
- 8 whole eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 200g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
- 1 liter whole milk
For the Caramel:
- 250g sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramel:
- In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color and becomes a smooth caramel.
- Carefully pour the caramel into a clean 26 cm flan mold, tilting the mold to coat the bottom evenly. Use a towel to handle the hot mold without burning yourself. Set aside to cool and harden.
- Make the Flan Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla extract, whole eggs, and egg yolks. Whisk gently until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to incorporate too much air.
- Gradually add the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Strain and Pour:
- Strain the flan mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl to remove any lumps or bubbles.
- Pour the strained mixture into the caramel-coated flan mold.
- Bake in a Water Bath:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Place the filled flan mold into a larger baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold, creating a water bath.
- Cover the flan mold loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill:
- Remove the flan mold from the water bath and place it on a wire rack to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooled, transfer the flan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the flan to fully set.
- Unmold and Serve:
- To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the top of the mold and invert the flan onto the plate, allowing the caramel to drizzle over the top.
- Slice and serve this decadent flan as a perfect ending to any meal.
Enjoy your homemade Classic Caramel Flan, a timeless dessert that everyone will love!