Flan is a beloved dessert that offers a silky, smooth texture paired with a rich caramel flavor. Its creamy custard base makes it a favorite treat across many cultures, especially in Latin America and Europe. One of the easiest and most popular ways to make flan is by using condensed milk, which simplifies the recipe while maintaining a luscious taste and velvety texture. This easy flan recipe with condensed milk is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers who want to create a delicious homemade dessert without fuss. The use of condensed milk not only adds sweetness but also helps achieve that characteristic creamy consistency that defines the perfect flan.
Ingredients for Easy Flan with Condensed Milk
Before starting, gather all the ingredients. This recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it very accessible:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- Optional: pinch of salt
These ingredients combine to create a rich custard with a beautifully caramelized topping that complements the dessert perfectly.
Making the Caramel
The caramel layer is a signature feature of flan, giving it a sweet, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy custard. Here’s how to make the caramel:
- Place the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Allow the sugar to melt slowly without stirring. You can gently swirl the pan to help the sugar melt evenly.
- Once the sugar turns a deep golden amber color, immediately remove from heat.
- Carefully pour the caramel into your flan mold or individual ramekins, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
Be cautious when handling caramel, as it can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with skin.
Preparing the Custard Mixture
While the caramel cools and hardens, prepare the flan custard. This step is straightforward and quick:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, continuing to whisk gently until fully combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Make sure the custard mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
The key to a perfect flan is to avoid over-mixing to prevent too many air bubbles, which can create an uneven texture.
Cooking the Flan
The flan is traditionally baked in a water bath, which ensures gentle, even cooking and prevents cracking. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the flan mold or ramekins.
- Place the mold inside a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This water bath method helps regulate temperature and cook the custard gently.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Check for doneness by gently shaking the mold. The custard should wobble like gelatin but not be liquid.
Cooling and Serving Your Flan
After baking, it’s important to cool the flan properly to achieve the perfect texture and make it easier to unmold:
- Remove the flan mold from the water bath carefully and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the custard set firmly and enhances the flavor.
- To serve, run a thin knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the flan.
- Place a serving plate upside down over the mold and carefully invert it, allowing the flan to slide out with the caramel sauce flowing over the top.
Enjoy your silky smooth flan with its luscious caramel topping, a dessert that’s both elegant and simple.
Tips for the Best Flan Using Condensed Milk
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps the custard blend better and reduces the risk of cracking during baking.
- Be patient with the caramel: Avoid stirring to prevent crystallization and aim for a deep amber color for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooking leads to a rubbery texture; the flan should still jiggle slightly when done.
- Water bath is essential: It keeps the custard smooth and prevents it from curdling or cracking.
- Strain the custard mixture: For an ultra-smooth texture, pour the mixture through a fine sieve before baking.
Variations on the Classic Condensed Milk Flan
Once you’ve mastered this easy flan recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions:
- Coconut flan: Substitute half the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Coffee flan: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in warm water to the custard mixture.
- Citrus flan: Add zest of orange or lemon to the custard for a refreshing note.
- Chocolate flan: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Why Choose Condensed Milk for Flan?
Condensed milk simplifies flan making by providing sweetness and creaminess all in one ingredient. It eliminates the need for extra sugar and heavy cream, reducing the recipe’s complexity and making it more accessible. Additionally, it contributes to a velvety smooth texture that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.
Using condensed milk also means the dessert has a lovely caramelized flavor profile, enhanced by the caramel layer. This makes it a popular choice for quick, reliable, and delicious homemade flan.
This easy flan recipe with condensed milk is a fantastic way to bring a classic, elegant dessert to your table with minimal effort. The combination of creamy custard and rich caramel creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple treat, this recipe offers a foolproof approach to crafting the perfect flan at home. Follow the tips, experiment with variations, and enjoy the rewarding experience of homemade flan that’s smooth, sweet, and utterly satisfying.