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Homemade Vanilla Flan

Homemade Vanilla Flan

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish or individual ramekins, swirling the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Make the Custard

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  3. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

3. Combine and Bake

  1. Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish or ramekins.
  2. Place the baking dish or ramekins in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this is called a water bath or bain-marie).
  3. Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

4. Cool and Chill

  1. Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature while still in the water bath.
  2. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.

5. Serve

  1. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish.
  2. Place a serving plate over the dish, then carefully invert to release the flan onto the plate. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful glaze.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Flan

  • Don’t Overcook: The flan should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
  • Use High-Quality Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the flan its rich, aromatic flavor. Avoid artificial substitutes for the best results.
  • Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother custard.

Variations to Try

  • Coconut Flan: Add a half-cup of shredded coconut to the custard mixture for a tropical twist.
  • Coffee Flan: Mix a tablespoon of instant coffee into the milk for a rich coffee flavor.
  • Chocolate Flan: Replace a portion of the condensed milk with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

This homemade vanilla flan recipe delivers a creamy, caramel-kissed dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, its simplicity and elegance make it a timeless classic.

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