5-Ingredient Caramel Flan
A creamy and smooth 5-Ingredient Caramel Flan recipe that is quick, simple, and perfect for satisfying any dessert craving. This luscious custard dessert features a rich caramel topping and silky texture, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (for caramelizing)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Make the caramel: Heat 1 cup of sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts evenly and turns a rich amber color. Quickly pour the caramel into your baking dish or individual ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly before it hardens.
- Whisk the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 4 large eggs, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of whole or evaporated milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and fully blended, taking care to avoid creating bubbles that could affect the texture.
- Pour custard over caramel: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel layer in your baking vessel, ensuring even distribution without disturbing the caramel base.
- Bake in a water bath: Place your flan dish in a larger baking pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill and unmold: Allow the flan to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate to reveal the caramel top.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not stir the caramel once it has melted; swirl the pan gently instead to avoid crystallization.
- Ensure the hot water bath reaches halfway up the flan dish to promote even cooking and prevent cracking.
- For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve before pouring it over the caramel.
- Chill the flan thoroughly to set it properly for easier unmolding and richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150 g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: caramel flan, 5-ingredient flan, easy flan, custard dessert, classic flan recipe, creamy flan