Flan
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 5 large large eggs
- 2 large large egg yolks
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (canned)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (canned)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 8 cups water – boiling (for water bath)
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a 9-inch round cake pan inside a deep roasting pan; put a kettle of water on to boil for the water bath.
2. Make the caramel: Combine the granulated sugar and 0.25 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the syrup turns a deep amber, 6–9 minutes, swirling the pan gently near the end for even color.
3. Immediately pour the caramel into the cake pan and tilt to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to let the caramel harden.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolks just until blended, avoiding excess foam.
5. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and fine salt until smooth.
6. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or pitcher to remove bubbles and chalazae.
7. Pour the custard into the caramel-lined pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil to promote even cooking.
8. Set the roasting pan with the filled cake pan on the middle oven rack. Carefully pour about 8 cups boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
9. Bake until the edges are set and the center still jiggles like gelatin, 50–70 minutes; an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 175–180°F (79–82°C).
10. Remove the cake pan from the water bath, discard foil, and let cool on a rack for 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate uncovered until thoroughly chilled and set, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
12. To unmold, briefly set the bottom of the pan in hot water to loosen the caramel. Run a thin knife around the edge, invert a rimmed serving plate over the pan, and flip to release. Let the caramel sauce flow over the custard. Slice and serve cold.
Flan is a silky, creamy baked custard capped with a glossy layer of bittersweet caramel that melts into a sauce when unmolded. Its texture is tender yet sliceable, with a gentle wobble and a clean, vanilla-forward flavor balanced by caramel’s gentle bitterness. Served well-chilled, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, ideal for holidays, family meals, and celebrations.
Originating from European custard traditions and embraced across the Spanish-speaking world, flan became a hallmark dessert throughout Spain and Latin America. In Spain, flan de huevo typically uses milk, eggs, and sugar, sometimes scented with vanilla or citrus. Across Latin America—especially Mexico—versions evolved to include pantry milks like sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, yielding a richer, denser custard known as flan napolitano. Despite regional nuances, the essential identity remains a baked custard set in caramel and unmolded with its own sauce.