This is the way Spanish Flan has been made for generations, this authentic Spanish Flan is a timeless classic that brings together the delicious caramel sweetness and creamy texture of a perfectly made flan. It is easy and requires very basic ingredients, so you can effortlessly create this delightful treat in the comfort of your kitchen.
Easy Spanish Flan Recipe
One of my fondest memories from childhood is watching my grandma make this dessert. It was the first one I ever tried to make on my own when I was little. There’s just something so special about it, and I hope if you make it, you will enjoy it as much as I do. It's simple but so delicious!
When I make it, I start by preparing a sweet caramel layer. Then, I whip up the custard mix for the flan. Finally, I steam it until it’s perfect, smooth, creamy, and irresistible.
Give this recipe a try! It’s a little taste of Spain and is sure to wow your family and friends!
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⭐Why You'll Love Spanish Flan
- Quick and Easy Preparation: If it's labeled as "easy," it probably involves straightforward steps and minimal preparation time, making it a go-to dessert for those who want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Creamy Texture: A well-made flan has a smooth and creamy texture, providing a delightful contrast to the caramel sauce.
- Make-Ahead Option: Flan can be made in advance, allowing you to prepare dessert ahead of time for a stress-free hosting experience.
🧾Spanish Flan Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you need:
Ingredients for the Caramel:
- Sugar: The primary component for caramelization.
- Water: Used to dissolve and heat the sugar, aiding in the caramelization process.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity that prevents crystallization of sugar during caramelization.
For the Flan:
- Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the custard texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture, complementing the caramel layer.
- Vanilla Essence: Infuses the flan with a warm and aromatic vanilla flavor.
- Milk: Forms the base of the custard, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Spanish Flan
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
How to Prepare the Caramel:
1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Let it boil without stirring until it turns deep amber.
4. Quickly pour caramel into a flan mold, swirling for an even coating.
How to Make the Flan:
1. In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until well combined.
2. Stir in vanilla extract, and pour milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
3. Strain the mixture over the caramel in the flan mold for a smooth texture.
4. Cover the flan mold with foil, and transfer it to the saucepan with hot water.
5. Cook in Bain-Marie over medium heat for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from saucepan, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Place a plate on the flan mold, and invert the flan onto the plate.
8. Slice and savor your delicious homemade Spanish flan!
📖Variations
There are many variations of Spanish Flan. Here are a few that I have already tried and tested:
- Coffee Flan: I add instant coffee to boost the flan with coffee flavor.
- Chocolate Flan: Introduce a chocolatey twist by incorporating cocoa powder into the flan mixture.
- Flan with Heavy Cream: Elevate your flan by adding heavy cream, it comes out extra cream and indulgent.
- Tocino De Cielo (Egg Flan): Check out my recipe for tocino de cielo, it is a type of flan that you might like, it is a rich, dense, and creamy dessert.
❄️How to Store and Serve
Storing: Once your Spanish flan has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and creamy texture, and consume it within 2-3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Flan is best enjoyed fresh, and freezing can alter its texture. Avoid freezing if possible.
Serving: Spanish flan is traditionally served chilled. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes after unmolding for the best flavor.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Caramel: Be attentive when making the caramel. Stir constantly to achieve even color, and be ready to remove it from heat as soon as it turns a rich golden brown to avoid burning.
Strain the Custard: Strain the egg-milk mixture before pouring it into the mold. This step ensures a silky-smooth flan without any lumps or air bubbles.
Water Bath (Bain-Marie): Cook the flan in a water bath to ensure even and gentle cooking. This prevents the edges from overcooking or cracking during the cooking process.
Cooling Time: Allow the flan to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps in setting the custard and enhances the flavor.
Refrigeration Time: Refrigerate the flan for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This extended chilling time allows the flavors to meld and results in a firmer texture.
Unmolding: When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the mold before inverting it onto a serving plate. Be patient during this step to avoid breakage
Serving: Allow the flan to sit at room temperature for a few minutes after unmolding before serving. This helps enhance the flavor and creaminess.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
Spanish flan is made of a caramel topping created from melted sugar, water, and lemon juice. The custard consists of eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, and milk, creating a creamy, smooth dessert that's baked and served with a delicious caramel layer.
Spanish flan typically refers to a creamy custard dessert with a caramel layer made from eggs, sugar, vanilla, and milk, common in Spain and Latin America. Leche flan, more prevalent in the Philippines and some Asian countries, often includes condensed and evaporated milk, resulting in a denser and richer texture with a sweeter caramel layer.
Flan is popular in Spain due to its cultural heritage, simplicity with common ingredients, versatility in flavors, association with celebrations, the appealing caramelization technique, and its smooth, creamy texture coupled with a rich vanilla flavor. The dessert's tradition, Latin American influence, and its role as a beloved family treat further contribute to its popularity.
🍮More Custard and Pudding Recipes!
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Spanish Flan
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Caramel:
- 150 g Sugar
- 4 tablespoon Water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Ingredients for the Flan:
- 4 Eggs
- 150 g Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
- 400 ml Milk
Instructions
How to Prepare the Caramel:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color.
- Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your flan mold, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
How to Make the Flan:
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until well combined.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Strain the flan mixture through a fine-mesh sieve over the caramel in the flan mold to ensure a smooth texture.
- Place a steaming rack in a saucepan and fill it with hot water.
- Cover the flan mold with aluminium foil and carefully transfer it inside the saucepan with hot water.
- Cover the saucepan and cook at Bain-Marie over medium heat for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the flan from the saucepan and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Place a serving plate over the top of the flan mold, then invert the flan onto the plate.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade Spanish flan!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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