Flan is a creamy baked custard topped with a rich caramel sauce. It’s known for its smooth texture and elegant simplicity—comforting yet impressive.
Ingredients
For the Caramel
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup water
For the Custard
4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz / 350 ml) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
Do not stir—just swirl the pan gently as it cooks.
Cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 8–10 minutes).
Carefully pour the hot caramel into a round baking dish or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
Be careful—the caramel is extremely hot.
2. Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs gently (avoid creating too many bubbles).
Add condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel.
3. Bake the Flan
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place the flan dish inside a larger baking pan.
Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish (water bath).
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
4. Cool and Chill
Remove from the oven and water bath.
Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
5. Unmold and Serve
Run a knife around the edges of the flan.
Invert onto a serving plate.
Let the caramel sauce flow over the top naturally.
Tips for Perfect Flan
Low and slow baking prevents cracks and a rubbery texture
Strain the custard before baking for extra smoothness
Don’t overbake—a slight jiggle in the center is ideal
Chill thoroughly for clean slices and better flavor
Flan Variations
Vanilla Bean Flan
Use scraped vanilla bean instead of extract for deeper flavor.
Coconut Flan
Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk.
Coffee Flan
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso to the custard.
Orange Flan
Add orange zest for a citrus note.
How to Store Flan
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
Do not freeze (texture will change)
Why This Flan Recipe Works
This flan recipe balances eggs, dairy, and gentle heat, creating a custard that’s:
Creamy
Smooth
Not overly sweet
Perfectly caramelized
Final Thoughts
This classic flan recipe is elegant, easy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a simple homemade dessert, flan never fails to impress. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
If you’d like, I can also share a no-bake flan, air fryer flan, or dairy-free version—just say the word! 🍮✨