Easy Spanish Flan Recipe

Experience a delectable journey with this Easy Caramel Flan Recipe. Indulge your senses in a delightful blend of sweet caramel and silky custard that invites shared moments of joy in every bite. Celebrate life, tradition, and unforgettable tastes with this irresistibly charming dessert sure to spark conversation at any table.

I recently decided to try my hand at an Easy Spanish Flan recipe that turned out to be a delicious surprise. I used 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water to create a golden caramel sauce that sets the stage for this rich, sweet custard.

Mixing in one can of sweetened condensed milk with a can of evaporated milk, four large eggs and a tablespoon of vanilla extract really gave the flan a smooth, creamy texture and just a hint of vanilla flavor. I was reminded of classic recipes like those from Goya Flan Recipe and How To Make Puerto Rican Flan that give the dessert a deep connection to tradition.

Every bite felt light and decadent. Its gorgeous caramel finish awakened flavors that made it a total standout dessert.

I hope you get as excited about this recipe as I did making it. Enjoy exploring the flavors of Spanish Flan!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, the caramel is ridiculously good. I mean, when the sugar turns that golden amber color and fills the dish with a rich flavor, it’s just amazing. Next, the custard comes out so creamy and smooth. Every spoonful makes me feel like I’m tasting something really special. Another thing is how simple it is to make. Even when I’m in a hurry or not feeling super confident in the kitchen, the steps are straightforward and not too intimidating. And finally, I love that this flan reminds me of home and family gatherings – its sweet, comforting taste gives me a warm feeling every time I dig in.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar gives sweetness and forms caramel’s sticky texture, essential for decadent flan layers.
• Water activates sugar caramel by evenly distributing the heat, ensuring smooth caramelization for perfect dessert.
• Condensed milk adds rich sweetness and creaminess, offering indulgent flavor and a slight protein boost.
• Evaporated milk creates a velvety texture, making the flan extra creamy and well balanced.
• Eggs provide essential structure, protein, and rich flavor, ensuring a satisfying, smooth flan.
• Vanilla extract enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic note that elevates the dessert.
• Combined, these key ingredients form a balanced dessert, offering creamy texture and lively sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel)
• 1/3 cup water (for the caramel)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar with 1/3 cup water and heat on medium. Let it get a golden, amber caramel color, but keep watching it so it doesn’t burn.

3. Quickly pour the caramel into a round baking dish, tilting it to cover the bottom evenly.

4. In a large bowl, mix 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk, 12 oz of evaporated milk, 4 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Whisk it together until it’s smooth.

5. Slowly pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel in the dish.

6. Place the baking dish into a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water. This water bath will help cook the flan gently.

7. Bake in the oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Once done, remove the dish from the water and let it cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge before serving. Enjoy your delicious flan!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set at 350°F
2. Small saucepan to make the caramel
3. Round baking dish to hold the flan
4. Large bowl to mix the milks, eggs, and vanilla extract
5. Whisk to beat the ingredients until smooth
6. Larger pan to create a water bath during baking
7. Measuring cups and spoons for the sugar, water, and vanilla extract
8. Knife to test if the flan is done by checking for a clean cut when inserted into the center

FAQ

Easy Spanish Flan Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Granulated sugar: You could try swapping it with light brown sugar if you dont mind a deeper caramel flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Instead you can make your own by simmering heavy cream with sugar, then thining it out with a bit of evaporated milk.
• Evaporated milk: If you dont have this, using whole milk will work fine. Just use a little less so the texture stays right.
• Eggs: If eggs are hard to come by, you can use an egg substitute or use one whole egg and two extra yolks for a similar effect.
• Vanilla extract: You might try almond extract for a different twist, but use the same amount as the vanilla called for.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re making the caramel, keep a really close eye on it and be ready to take it off the heat; caramel can go from golden to burnt in just a few seconds so it may help to use a timer or just watch it like a hawk.
2. When you’re mixing the milks and eggs, stir it slowly and try not to over blend the mixture because too much whisking might add unwanted bubbles in your flan.
3. Make sure your water bath is filled with hot water before you put your baking dish in it; this helps cook the mixture evenly and prevents it from curdling.
4. Let your flan cool completely before putting it in the fridge; if you rush it while its still warm, you might end up with a texture that’s not as smooth as you want it to be.