Flan is one of the most versatile and pleasing desserts. It can be prepared in a variety of flavors, enjoyed at any time of the year, and is one of the most popular options among those looking to end their lunch or dinner with something sweet. It also has a rich flavor and soft texture, making it perfect as a snack. The recipe is simple and easy to make at home, and the ingredients can be adjusted to suit the needs of those with lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions.
Flan originates from France and is characterized by a creamy, slightly gelatinous consistency, similar to a firm custard. However, its roots go back to the time of the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who created a similar dessert known as tiropatina, where eggs were the star. This sweet was also popular in the Middle Ages, when it was made with sugar and caramel, especially during Lent, when some foods were prohibited. From the 7th century onwards, the franc began to spread to different countries and received the name we know today.
In France, there are still regional variations. Some versions are flavored with apple brandy or salted butter, or with lavender or orange blossom water. Across borders, this dessert has many different names and nuances. For example, in Argentina and Uruguay it is called dulce de leche and is served with cream. Colombia is rich in tropical and dried fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts. The Dalmatian region of Croatia makes a similar version, Rojata, flavored with Dubrovnik rose liqueur.
The basic ingredients to make this recipe are always in our shopping carts and can be found in our refrigerators and pantries. These are the three essential ingredients: eggs, milk, and sugar.
caramel flan
Flan with caramel is the easiest and most common way to make this dessert. This recipe does not require an oven. It takes a total of 1 1/2 hours between prep and cooking. Ingredients for 4 people are as follows:
- 6 eggs
- cans of condensed milk and cans of evaporated milk
- Half cup brown or white sugar
First, pour the eggs into a large bowl and mix with a fork or whisk. Then add condensed milk and evaporated milk and keep stirring until you get a homogeneous and creamy mixture.
Meanwhile, place the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning. The sugar will gradually melt and turn into a shiny golden liquid candy.
Carefully pour this hot caramel into the bottom of the mold where you will make the flan. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down and firm up a bit. Then pour the homemade flan mixture over it. Make sure to leave a finger-sized space between the edge of the mold and the liquid to prevent it from overflowing during cooking.
Next, place a large pot and pour a few bottles of water into it. Place the flan mold inside and cook in a double boiler, maintaining constant heat until the mixture solidifies.
When ready, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. When it’s warm, put it in the fridge for an hour. Finally, carefully remove from the mold, cool and enjoy.
chocolate flan
This recipe takes about an hour to make. Ingredients for 6 servings:
- milk 0.5 liter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- half teaspoon flaky salt
- 110 grams sugar
- 4 eggs
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate bars for decoration (optional)
- 4 tablespoons liquid caramel
First, preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Next, carefully pour the liquid caramel into the bottom of the flan pan or into a round, oven-friendly mold, making sure to cover the bottom well.
Next, add the 4 eggs to a large bowl and mix with a fork or whisk until well incorporated and slightly frothy. Then add the milk and keep stirring. Next, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste and 1/2 teaspoon of flake salt and mix well to flavor the preparation.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder using a strainer to avoid lumps. After 2 or 3 passes, add a little at a time to the previous mixture and stir gently until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Finally add the sugar and mix again so that all ingredients are fully integrated.
Finally, divide the mixture into 6 flan pans, filling them a little more than halfway. Prepare for boiling by placing in an oven-safe container and adding enough hot water to cover the bottom. Cover the flan pan with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes or until you are sure the flan is set.
When it is ready, remove it from the oven and wait for it to cool to room temperature. Then put it in the refrigerator for an hour to achieve the perfect consistency. Carefully unmold, cool and serve, garnishing with chocolate bars as desired.
flan and coffee
It takes a total of 1 hour to prepare and cook to maximize the flavor of the ingredients. However, it must be left in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Here’s a list of everything you need to make 8 servings with this recipe.
- 5 tablespoons liquid caramel
- 750ml whole milk
- 2 cups, approximately 150ml of cold coffee
- Half a cup, about 200 grams of white sugar
- 4 eggs
Once all the ingredients are ready, you can start preparing your delicious flan. First, preheat the oven to 180 degrees and make sure it reaches the right temperature. Then, using a spoon, carefully pour the liquid caramel into an oven-friendly flan bowl or mold.
Next, add the milk along with the cold coffee in a large bowl or blender glass. Using an electric or manual whisk, mix until both ingredients are fully integrated. Next, add white sugar and 4 eggs and continue mixing until you get a homogeneous mixture without lumps.
When the mixture is ready, carefully pour it over the caramel mold, leaving about a finger’s worth of space between the edges and the liquid to avoid overflowing. Next, prepare a bain-marie, place the mold on an oven-friendly tray, and pour in about 2-3 fingers of boiling water.
Then place the tray in the oven and cook for 30 minutes or until you see that the flan is set. To check this, poke it with a toothpick and see if it comes out clean. Once cooked, let it cool in the oven with the power turned off to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Finally, once warm, place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Then carefully remove from the mold, cool and serve.