The Best Spanish Flan: Creamy Caramel Delight Recipe

Name: The Best Spanish Flan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup evaporated milk; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup water (for caramel)

Published: April 29, 2025

by Aria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Best Spanish Flan is surprisingly simple to make, making it accessible even for kitchen novices
Its rich flavor profile combines creamy custard with sweet caramel for an irresistible treat
Visually stunning with its golden hue, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table
This versatile dessert can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion

I have vivid memories of my family’s reactions when I first made this flan: everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first spoonful—priceless.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess essential for the perfect flan texture.
Evaporated Milk: It balances out the sweetness while adding body; don’t skip this!
Whole Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results; they provide structure and richness to the custard.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for making the caramel; use fresh sugar for optimal flavor.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor profile—skip imitation if you can.

For the Caramel:

Water: Just enough to help dissolve sugar when making caramel; use filtered water for clarity.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Creating The Best Spanish Flan is easier than you might think! Here’s how we’ll do it step by step:

Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water until dissolved. Cook until it turns golden brown but be careful not to burn it—trust me, burnt caramel smells worse than a gym sock!

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Immediately pour your luscious caramel into a round baking dish. Swirl it around so it covers the bottom evenly—it’ll look beautiful once set.

Blend the Custard Mixture: In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth—this is where magic happens!

Combine Everything: Pour your blended custard over the set caramel in the baking dish gently. You want them to stay separate initially—like two parties that don’t know they’ll get along later!

Bake in Water Bath: Place your baking dish inside another larger dish filled with hot water (that’s your water bath). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes until set—your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time.

Cool and Serve!: Once baked, let it cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or overnight). To serve, run a knife around edges and flip onto a plate—you’ll feel like a magician revealing your grand finale!

Enjoy every luscious bite of The Best Spanish Flan; it’s bound to become a beloved favorite like it did in my family!

You Must Know

The Best Spanish Flan is a creamy delight that impresses everyone
Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it irresistible, while the caramel adds a sweet crunch that leaves you wanting more
Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be a showstopper

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with The Best Spanish Flan, start by preparing the caramel first. Cook it until it’s golden brown before pouring it into your mold. While it cools, whisk together eggs, sugar, and milk for that silky consistency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize The Best Spanish Flan by adding vanilla extract or citrus zest to the custard mixture. A hint of cinnamon also works wonders, giving it an extra layer of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store The Best Spanish Flan in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to five days. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served chilled straight from the fridge for optimal flavor and texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect flan, ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification
Don’t rush the caramel; it should have a deep amber color for optimal sweetness
Always let flan cool completely before refrigeration to prevent condensation

Sharing The Best Spanish Flan with friends always brings back fond memories of laughter and joyful gatherings—nothing beats their smiles when they take that first creamy bite!

FAQs

FAQ

What is the secret ingredient in The Best Spanish Flan?

The secret ingredient is patience; allowing flavors to meld creates a richer taste.

Can I use low-fat milk for The Best Spanish Flan?

Yes, but using whole milk enhances creaminess and flavor significantly.

How long does The Best Spanish Flan need to set?

It typically requires at least four hours in the refrigerator to set properly.

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📖 Recipe Card