Traditional Flan Recipe: A Creamy, Caramel Delight
Flan, a classic dessert with origins tracing back to ancient Rome, continues to enchant palates worldwide. Its smooth, creamy texture, perfectly balanced sweetness, and rich caramel topping make it a timeless favorite. This recipe guides you through creating a traditional flan that's sure to impress.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a simple yet effective approach to crafting a perfect flan. Gather the following ingredients:
- For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- For the Custard:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to prepare a luscious flan:
1. Making the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir.
- Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This process requires patience; avoid rushing it to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Set aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
3. Assembling and Baking:
- Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this creates a water bath, ensuring even cooking and preventing cracking).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. The water bath helps the flan cool gradually, minimizing the risk of cracking.
4. Chilling and Serving:
- Once completely cool, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the flan to firm up completely.
- To serve, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish. Invert onto a serving plate to reveal the glistening caramel.
Tips for Flan Perfection:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and milk helps prevent the custard from curdling.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry and cracked flan. The slight jiggle in the center is perfectly normal.
- Water Bath is Key: The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the flan from cracking.
- Patience is a Virtue: Allow ample time for the caramel to develop its rich color and the flan to cool and chill completely.
This traditional flan recipe is a journey into culinary delight. Each step, from crafting the rich caramel to the final chilling, contributes to a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Enjoy!
