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flan

Easy Homemade Flan (Only 5 Ingredients!)

5 from 9 votes
Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a traditional custard dessert popular in many parts of the world. It consists of a creamy custard base topped with a layer of soft caramel, offering a delightful contrast in texture and flavor!
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Cooling Time 1 hour
Servings4

Ingredients  

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

Prepare the Caramel

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Cook until it turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization. This process can take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Quickly and carefully pour the caramel into your cake pan or flan mold, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Be cautious, as the caramel will be extremely hot. Set aside to cool and harden.

Prepare the Custard

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the milk mixture, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated. Ensure there are no lumps or streaks of egg yolk.

Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan or flan mold.
  3. Place the flan mold into a larger baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This water bath helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking.
  4. Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and Serve

  1. Remove the flan from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flan set fully and makes it easier to unmold.
  2. To unmold the flan, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a serving plate on top of the mold and invert quickly. The flan should release easily, and the caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful sauce.