If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy desserts, this Mexican Flan Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This classic treat combines silky custard with rich caramel in a way that feels luxurious yet comforting all at once. With just a handful of humble ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s smooth, sweet, and utterly irresistible—perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself after a long day. The magic lies in the simplicity and balance that this Mexican Flan Recipe delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect flan starts with simple, essential ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. From eggs that give structure to the custard, to the milks that add creaminess and sweetness, every item is crucial for that flawless texture and taste.
- 6 large eggs: These are the backbone of your flan, setting the custard’s rich yet tender texture.
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk: Adds a silky creaminess without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 (14 oz) can condensed milk: Sweetens the flan naturally and helps achieve that luscious, smooth finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle, aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel): Transforms into a golden caramel that provides a perfect balance to the creamy custard.
- Hot water (for the water bath): Essential for gentle, even baking to keep the flan silky and perfectly set.
How to Make Mexican Flan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Start by melting 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it transforms from granules to a beautiful, golden brown caramel—this step is where the rich, deep flavors begin. Once melted, quickly pour the caramel into a round cake pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly before it hardens.
Step 2: Blend the Flan Mixture
Next, take your blender and combine the eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend these together until you have a smooth, silky custard mixture. The blending ensures everything is well incorporated which results in that perfectly creamy texture we love in this Mexican Flan Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble for Baking
Pour the blended custard gently over the set caramel layer in your cake pan. Place the cake pan inside a larger oven-safe dish and add hot water halfway up the sides. This water bath is crucial—it keeps the heat gentle and consistent during baking, preventing the custard from curdling and ensuring it sets just right.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slide the water bath with your flan mixture inside and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly—perfectly custardy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Allow your flan to cool to room temperature before moving it to the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. When it’s time to serve, run a knife around the edges and invert the cake pan onto a plate to reveal the stunning caramel top with that gorgeous creamy custard underneath.
How to Serve Mexican Flan Recipe
Garnishes
Though this flan shines on its own, a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a few fresh berries can add a lovely, fresh contrast. A sprig of mint or a drizzle of heavy cream also elevates the presentation and taste, making your serving even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mexican Flan Recipe with fresh fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. A cup of strong coffee or a spiced Mexican hot chocolate also complements the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the flan in individual ramekins for personal-sized desserts that impress. You can also layer flan cubes with whipped cream and berries for a stunning parfait that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Flan keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain that smooth, creamy texture and sweet caramel flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best avoided because the custard can change texture after thawing. If you do freeze it, allow the flan to thaw slowly in the fridge and expect a slightly softer consistency.
Reheating
This dessert is typically served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture and cause it to become watery.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Regular milk won’t provide the same creamy richness and texture as evaporated milk, but you can substitute it by simmering regular milk to reduce and thicken it slightly before using.
How do I know when the flan is fully cooked?
The flan is done when the edges are set, and the center jiggles gently when you shake the pan. If it’s too liquidy, give it a bit more time but be careful not to overbake.
Why do I need a water bath for baking flan?
The water bath ensures gentle, even heat distribution, preventing cracks and curdling by insulating the flan from direct oven heat.
Can I make Mexican flan without a blender?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients by hand thoroughly, but blending helps achieve a smoother texture and incorporates air for a lighter custard.
How long should I chill flan before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, chill the flan for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is even better as it allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Flan Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share with loved ones. Its creamy texture and rich caramel sweetness create a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple treat, give yourself the gift of this timeless dessert—you won’t regret it!
Print
Mexican Flan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 65 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This classic Mexican Flan recipe features a smooth and creamy caramel custard dessert made with eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla. The rich caramel topping adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the silky texture of the flan. Baked in a water bath for optimal creaminess, this traditional dessert is a beloved treat that serves 8 and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Flan Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel
- 1 cup sugar
Other
- Hot water (for the water bath)
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown caramel color. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a round cake pan, tilting to coat the base evenly. Be careful as caramel is extremely hot.
- Blend the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine the eggs, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous to ensure a creamy custard texture.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the blended custard mixture gently over the caramel layer in the cake pan. Place the cake pan inside a larger, oven-safe dish and add hot water to the outer dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan, creating a water bath to help the flan bake evenly and prevent cracking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the flan in the water bath for about 50 minutes, until the custard is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill and Serve: Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set. To serve, run a knife around the edges, invert onto a plate, and let the caramel sauce drizzle over the custard.
Notes
- Using a water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the flan from cracking.
- Be cautious when handling hot caramel to avoid burns.
- For best texture, avoid overbaking; the flan should wobble slightly when done.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use fresh eggs and good quality vanilla extract for best results.
