If you have a sweet tooth and a love for silky, dreamy desserts, this Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. This classic treat delivers rich caramel flavor layered with a luxuriously smooth custard that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a delicate balance of sweet and creamy textures that feels indulgent yet comforting—perfect for any occasion when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony, each playing a vital role in crafting the luscious texture and rich taste of the flan. From the deep caramel notes to the velvety custard, every item is essential magic in your dessert masterpiece.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This transforms into the golden caramel, providing an irresistible, slightly bittersweet base.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps the sugar dissolve and caramelize evenly without burning.
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and thick texture to the custard.
- 12 oz can evaporated milk: Lightens the custard while keeping it rich and silky.
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream: Intensifies creaminess and gives the flan a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract: Brings warm, fragrant undertones that enhance the custard’s flavor.
- 5 large eggs (room temperature): The vital binder that sets the custard and gives it structure.
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all the caramel and vanilla notes.
How to Make Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Water Bath
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and get a pot of water boiling for the water bath. The water bath is key to baking the flan gently, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without cracks or bubbles.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cook undisturbed until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This caramel is the heart of the Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe, providing a luscious, slightly smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the custard.
Step 3: Coat the Pan with Caramel
Quickly pour the hot caramel into a non-stick cake pan, tilting it so the caramel evenly coats the bottom before it hardens. This thin caramel layer will become the glossy, jewel-like topping when the flan is inverted after baking – it’s such a magical transformation!
Step 4: Blend the Custard Ingredients
In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt. Blend until totally smooth and homogenous. For an ultra-silky finish, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to catch any egg bits.
Step 5: Pour Custard Over Caramel
Gently pour your creamy custard mixture over the caramel layer in the pan. The flan is starting to come together – you can almost taste the perfect creamy texture waiting to be baked!
Step 6: Set Up the Water Bath and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with foil, then place it in a roasting pan. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cake pan. Bake in the oven for 70 to 80 minutes. Look for a slightly jiggly center that indicates the flan is perfectly set but still tender.
Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate
Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate it for at least six hours, or overnight if possible, to fully set and develop those luscious creamy flavors.
Step 8: Unmold and Serve
To serve your Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. Watch as the caramel pools beautifully over the custard – a picture-perfect, delicious finale!
How to Serve Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh berries or a few mint leaves can brighten the presentation with a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence that complements the custard’s creamy texture.
Side Dishes
Since the flan itself is rich and satisfying, pair it with light accompaniments like a citrus salad or a crisp fruit compote. A strong espresso or a cup of herbal tea also makes an ideal partner, perfect for balancing the dessert’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual flans in ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. You can also drizzle some extra caramel sauce or crushed toasted nuts on top for texture and visual appeal. It’s a simple way to elevate this classic dessert to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. This makes it a convenient dessert to prepare ahead of time without losing any of its amazing texture or flavor.
Freezing
While flan can be frozen, the texture may change slightly once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, wrap the flan tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
The best way to enjoy refrigerated flan is chilled, but if you’d like a slightly warmed dessert, pop individual servings in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the custard creamy without curdling.
FAQs
What makes this flan so creamy?
The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety custard that sets with a smooth, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
Can I use fresh milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk has a thicker consistency and concentrated flavor which contributes significantly to texture. Using fresh milk may result in a thinner flan and slightly less depth in taste.
Why is a water bath necessary?
The water bath provides gentle, even heat that prevents the custard from cracking or overcooking, ensuring your Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe is perfectly smooth and tender.
How do I know when the flan is done baking?
The flan is ready when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills.
Can I make this flan vegan or dairy-free?
This particular recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature creaminess. However, vegan variations use coconut milk, plant-based creamers, and egg substitutes, though the texture and flavor will differ from the classic Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe a try—it’s one of those timeless desserts that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or indulging in a quiet moment, the smooth custard and rich caramel will win hearts every time. Once you make it, flan will undoubtedly earn a special spot in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic flan recipe delivers a creamy, smooth caramel custard dessert perfect for any occasion. With a rich caramel topping and velvety texture made from sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, this flan is baked in a water bath to achieve the perfect delicate consistency.
Ingredients
Caramel
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Custard
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Water Bath: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring water to a boil for the water bath you’ll use to bake the flan gently.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cook without stirring until it turns a golden brown caramel color.
- Pour Caramel into Pan: Quickly pour the hot caramel into a non-stick cake pan, tilting and rotating it to coat the bottom evenly before the caramel hardens.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a blender or large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and fine sea salt. Blend or whisk thoroughly until smooth. For an extra silky texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
- Assemble Flan: Pour the smooth custard mixture over the set caramel in the cake pan.
- Set Up Water Bath: Cover the cake pan tightly with aluminum foil, then place it inside a larger roasting pan. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan, ensuring the flan cooks evenly and gently.
- Bake the Flan: Bake for 70 to 80 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done, indicating a silky custard texture. Remove from oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the flan for at least six hours or overnight to fully set. To serve, run a knife around the edges to loosen the custard, then invert the flan onto a serving platter so the caramel topping cascades over it.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs blend better and help prevent curdling during baking.
- Using a water bath (bain-marie) ensures gentle, even cooking and prevents the custard from cracking.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the custard mixture before pouring it over the caramel.
- Make sure to pour boiling water carefully around the cake pan to avoid splashing into the custard.
- Refrigerate the flan thoroughly before serving to achieve the best texture and flavor.
