Looking for the perfect dessert to impress your guests? This baked flan recipe is a creamy, dreamy treat that’s incredibly easy to make. With a delicate texture that melts in your mouth, this flan is as delicious warm as it is chilled. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a comforting sweet, this flan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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The Best Baked Flan Recipe
Imagine a dessert that’s both sophisticated and simple. That’s exactly what you get with this baked flan. The combination of rich cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla creates a flavor that’s both luxurious and comforting. The caramelized sugar on top adds a perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delightful mix of creamy and sweet.
Notes on Ingredients
This flan recipe calls for just a few basic ingredients, but the quality of each one makes all the difference:
- Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a silky texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the flan, giving it that perfect custard-like consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Milk: Helps balance the richness of the cream.
How to Make Baked Flan
Making this flan is straightforward:
- Caramelize the Sugar: Heat sugar in a saucepan until it melts and turns a dark golden brown. Pour it into your baking dish to form the sweet, sticky base.
- Blend the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine the cream, condensed milk, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, then pour over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Place your flan dish in a larger pan filled with hot water, ensuring the water comes up about an inch on the sides. This gentle cooking method ensures your flan stays creamy and smooth.
- Bake Until Set: Pop the flan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until it’s just set. Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Baked Flan
Serve your flan warm for a comforting dessert, or chill it in the fridge for a few hours if you prefer a firmer texture. To serve, simply slice the flan and spoon a bit of the caramelized sugar syrup over each piece. It’s perfect on its own, but you could also serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store Baked Flan
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), cover the flan tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. To enjoy, you can eat it straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature.
FAQs About Baked Flan
Can I make this flan ahead of time?
Absolutely! This flan can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve whenever you are.
What if I don’t have a blender?
No problem! You can whisk the ingredients together by hand or use a hand mixer. Just make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice. However, keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk might result in a less rich flan.
The Best Baked Flan Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat sugar in a small nonstick saucepan over medium heat until completely dissolved; shake and swirl the pan until sugar has caramelized and is a dark golden brown color; pour into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, and swirl to coat the bottom of the dish evenly.
- Combine cream, condensed milk, eggs, milk, and vanilla in a blender; blend on high for one minute. Pour mixture over caramelized sugar.
- Place the baking dish into a deep roasting pan; pour in enough boiling water to come 1 inch up the sides of the dish.
- Bake in preheated oven until flan is set, 50 to 60 minutes.
