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5-Ingredient Caramel Flan

5-Ingredient Caramel Flan

This 5-Ingredient Caramel Flan is a luscious, creamy custard dessert topped with rich caramel syrup. It features a silky texture and perfect sweetness balance, making it an elegant yet effortless treat ideal for any occasion. With only five essential ingredients and a quick preparation, this classic dessert impresses with its smooth consistency and glistening caramel presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Topping

  • 1 cup sugar

Custard

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramel: Heat 1 cup of sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Immediately pour the caramel into your flan mold, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly before it hardens.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined to ensure a silky texture.
  3. Pour Custard Over Caramel: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the mold, making sure not to disturb the caramel layer.
  4. Bake in a Water Bath: Place the flan mold into a larger baking dish filled halfway with hot water. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Chill and Serve: Remove the flan from the oven and water bath, allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edges, invert onto a plate, and watch the caramel cascade over the creamy custard.

Notes

  • Caramel Patience: Avoid burning sugar by stirring constantly and removing from heat the moment it reaches deep amber.
  • Water Bath Importance: Using a bain-marie ensures even, gentle cooking and prevents cracking in the custard.
  • Fresh Eggs Matter: Using fresh eggs yields the best texture and flavor for the creamy custard.
  • Don’t Overbake: Flan should be just set but slightly jiggly to maintain its signature silky texture.
  • Cooling Time: Allow enough chilling time for the flan to firm up and for flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel flan, 5-ingredient dessert, creamy flan, easy flan recipe, classic flan, custard dessert