Creamy Flan Recipe

Flan, a classic dessert that graces tables across various cultures, is loved for its silky texture and rich flavor. This Creamy Flan Recipe is a delightful take on the traditional dish, elevating it to a level of creaminess that will leave your taste buds singing. With its caramel topping and luscious filling, this flan is perfect for special occasions or simply a sweet treat at home. Let’s dive into the details of creating this exquisite dessert!

Why This Creamy Flan Recipe Stands Out

This Creamy Flan Recipe stands out because of its unique combination of cream cheese and a blend of milks that result in an incredibly smooth and velvety texture. The traditional flan can sometimes be overly eggy, but the addition of cream cheese adds a rich tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly. Plus, the homemade caramel sauce provides a deeper flavor than store-bought versions. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 cup granulated sugar – for the caramel topping
• 1/4 cup water – to help dissolve the sugar for caramel
• 8 ounces cream cheese – at room temperature
• 5 large eggs – the base of the flan
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk – for sweetness and creaminess
• 12 ounces evaporated milk – adds richness
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – for flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – to enhance the flavors

Must-Have Equipment

• Mixing bowl – for combining the ingredients
• Whisk – to ensure a smooth mixture
• 9-inch round baking dish – to hold the flan
• Small saucepan – for making the caramel
• Large roasting pan – to create a water bath for baking
• Blender or food processor – for a super smooth flan

Directions: Creamy Flan Recipe

Step 1: Make the Caramel

Start by preparing the caramel. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring. Watch it closely until it turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your 9-inch round baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Be careful as the caramel will be very hot. Set aside to cool and harden.

Step 3: Blend the Flan Mixture

In a mixing bowl, add the 8 ounces of cream cheese and whisk until smooth. In a blender or food processor, combine the 5 large eggs, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 12 ounces of evaporated milk, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Blend until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Pour

Add the smooth cream cheese mixture to the blender with the egg and milk mixture. Blend again until completely smooth. Pour this mixture over the hardened caramel in your baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Water Bath

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled baking dish into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, filling it halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This water bath will help the flan cook gently and evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Flan

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Once baked, remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.

Step 8: Serve

To serve the flan, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish to loosen it. Place a large plate on top and flip it upside down. The flan should slide out, showcasing its beautiful caramel topping. Slice and enjoy!

No-Store Runs Needed

• Granulated sugar – a pantry staple
• Cream cheese – check your fridge
• Eggs – usually always on hand
• Sweetened and evaporated milk – often found in the pantry
• Vanilla extract – a common baking ingredient

Behind the Recipe

This Creamy Flan Recipe has roots in traditional Latin American cuisine, where flan is often served as a celebratory dessert. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk creates a uniquely rich flavor profile, while the cream cheese elevates the texture. This recipe is inspired by countless family gatherings where flan was the star of the dessert table, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone who tasted it.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To store your flan, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled. The flan is best enjoyed cold, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to remain creamy.

Quick Q&A

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the flan may not be as rich and creamy as it would be with regular cream cheese. Full-fat ingredients typically yield the best results.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

You can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and a little heavy cream to achieve a similar texture and richness.

How do I know when the flan is done baking?

The flan is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make this flan ahead of time?

Absolutely! This flan can be made a day in advance. In fact, it’s better when allowed to chill overnight, as the flavors deepen and the texture improves.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Classic Cheesecake
• Easy Chocolate Mousse
• Vegan Chocolate Cake
• Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Let’s Eat

This Creamy Flan Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect ending to any meal or a sweet indulgence on its own. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it by yourself, this flan is bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make something truly delicious!