Classic Vanilla Flan

• Pinch of salt

These ingredients combine to create a beautifully rich, sweet custard with a golden caramel topping that makes flan such a delightful treat.

How to Make Classic Vanilla Flan

While it may seem like a fancy dessert, flan is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, allow the mixture to simmer without stirring. The sugar will start to bubble and turn a deep golden color.
3. Carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of a round, oven-safe dish (such as a 9-inch pie dish or a flan mold). Tilt the dish to coat the bottom evenly with the caramel. Be cautious as the caramel will be extremely hot.
4. Let the caramel sit for a few minutes to harden and set.

Step 2: Prepare the Flan Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the caramel-lined dish. This ensures a silky smooth texture by removing any eggshell bits or impurities.

Step 3: Bake the Flan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the flan dish into a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the flan dish, creating a water bath (also called a “bain-marie”). This gentle cooking method ensures the flan cooks evenly without cracking.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The flan should have a slight jiggle in the center when shaken.
4. Once baked, remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.

Step 4: Unmold and Serve

1. To unmold the flan, run a knife around the edge of the dish to loosen the custard from the sides.
2. Place a large plate over the flan dish and carefully flip it over. Gently lift the dish off, and the flan should slide out, revealing the caramel sauce on top.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet, velvety goodness of this classic dessert.

Tips for Perfect Flan

• Watch the Caramel: When making the caramel, be sure to keep an eye on it. Sugar can burn quickly, so once it begins to turn golden, you should remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming too dark or bitter.
• Strain the Custard: Straining the custard before baking helps ensure the flan’s smooth, creamy texture by removing any air bubbles or clumps of egg.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best results, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the custard. This will help the mixture come together more smoothly.
• Water Bath is Key: The water bath ensures that the flan cooks evenly and doesn’t crack. Be sure to fill the roasting pan with hot water and bake the flan in the middle rack of the oven.
• Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, you can infuse your flan with other flavors like cinnamon, coconut, or coffee. Simply add the flavoring to the custard before pouring it into the baking dish.

Why You Should Make Classic Vanilla Flan

Flan is a dessert that transcends cultures and generations. From its velvety texture to the balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the caramel, this dessert is beloved for good reason. It’s a versatile treat that can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence.

The beauty of flan lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a dessert that feels elegant and luxurious, yet is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced baker, this classic flan recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Conclusion

Classic Vanilla Flan is a timeless dessert that’s simple to make but has a sophisticated, irresistible taste. Its smooth, creamy custard paired with the rich caramel sauce makes it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to serve it at a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply enjoy a treat on your own, flan is always a great choice. With this recipe, you can easily create a classic dessert that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

So grab your ingredients, prepare this creamy masterpiece, and enjoy the magic of homemade vanilla flan!