How to Make the Perfect Easy Baked Flan
Spanish · Easy · 65 min · 8 servings
This classic baked flan is a kid friendly dessert that flips out dramatically onto a plate with its own caramel sauce making kids gasp with delight. Parents love this simple recipe because it uses everyday pantry staples and feeds the whole family.
Why this recipe works
This Easy Baked Flan recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 65 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 whole large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Preheat oven to 350F. Melt sugar in a dry saucepan over medium heat without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Quickly pour caramel into the bottom of a 9 inch round baking dish and tilt to coat evenly. Work fast as caramel sets quickly.
Step 2: Blend the Custard
Blend sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth. You can use a blender or whisk vigorously by hand until no streaks remain.
Step 3: Bake in Water Bath
Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the baking dish. Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and fill with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
Step 4: Cool and Unmold
Remove from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a large plate allowing the caramel to flow over the top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → evaporated milk for a richer creamier flan
- granulated sugar → brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Stirring the caramel while it melts causing it to crystallize and become grainy
- Not using a water bath resulting in a cracked and rubbery custard texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 7g protein, 38g carbs, 14g fat, 0g fiber.
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