The Golden Spanish Flan Recipe: Sweet Caramel Custard Magic

Sweet, silky, and utterly irresistible, this authentic Spanish flan recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Spain.

Creamy custard with a golden caramel glaze defines the magic of this classic dessert.

the best Spanish flan recipe comes alive with just a few simple ingredients that blend traditional techniques with pure culinary delight.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable treat, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Rich egg custard meets caramelized sugar in a dance of flavors that melts on your tongue.

Each spoonful promises a smooth, luxurious experience that captures the essence of Spanish dessert traditions.

You’ll fall in love with this elegant, surprisingly easy recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sweet sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredient List for Spanish Flan

• Granulated Sugar: Rich golden sweetener that transforms into a luscious caramel coating, creating the signature glistening top layer of the flan.

• Large Eggs: Creamy binding agent that provides structure and silky smooth texture to the classic dessert.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ultra-rich dairy product that delivers intense sweetness and luxurious creaminess to the flan.
• Whole Milk: Adds gentle dairy richness and helps achieve the perfect delicate consistency of the custard.

• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic liquid that infuses the flan with warm, sophisticated depth and traditional Spanish dessert character.

Tools for Spanish Flan Preparation

• Heavy Saucepan: Small, sturdy pan for making smooth caramel without burning.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and gently mixing custard ingredients.
• Whisk or Fork: To blend eggs, milks, and vanilla evenly without creating bubbles.
• Flan Pan or Round Baking Pan: Specifically needed for shaping and cooking the flan.
• Aluminum Foil or Lid: To cover the flan during baking.
• Roasting Pan or Large Baking Dish: Used for creating the water bath during cooking.
• Paring Knife: To loosen flan edges when unmolding.
• Serving Platter: For presenting and inverting the finished flan.
• Kitchen Towel or Oven Mitts: To safely handle hot pans during baking and removal.
• Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring water and milk ingredients.

Directions for Making the Best Spanish Flan

• Caramel Creation

Prepare a smooth golden syrup by heating sugar in a small pan. Watch carefully as it transforms into a rich amber liquid, swirling gently to prevent burning. Pour the liquid quickly into a round pan, coating the bottom evenly before it hardens.

• Custard Preparation

Blend eggs, milks, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix softly to keep the mixture silky and avoid creating bubbles that could disrupt the smooth texture.

• Water Bath Technique

Transfer the custard mixture into the caramel-lined pan. Wrap the pan securely with foil. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with warm water, creating a gentle cooking environment.

• Oven Magic

Slide the carefully prepared dish into a preheated oven. Let it bake until the custard sets with a gentle wobble. Once done, remove and allow natural cooling at room temperature.

• Plating Ceremony

After chilling in the refrigerator, loosen the edges with a knife. Flip the pan onto a serving plate in one confident motion. The caramel will cascade over the creamy dessert, creating a stunning presentation.

• Serving Delight

Slice the flan into elegant portions. Serve chilled and savor the luxurious blend of silky custard and golden caramel that defines this Spanish classic.

Flan Texture Tips & Variations

• Perfect Flan Mastery: Expert Tips & Twists
• Caramel Control: Work quickly when pouring caramel to prevent hardening. Keep a small pot of warm water nearby to help smooth any sticky spots or reheat if needed.
• Bubble-Free Technique: Whisk egg mixture gently and tap the bowl on the counter to release air bubbles, ensuring a silky smooth custard texture without unwanted air pockets.
• Water Bath Wisdom: Use hot water when creating the bain marie to maintain consistent temperature and prevent temperature shock that could crack your flan's delicate surface.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with infusing vanilla bean, adding orange zest, or incorporating a splash of rum for sophisticated flavor variations that elevate the classic recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Flan can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. Store covered in the refrigerator and unmold just before serving for maximum presentation impact.

Presentation Tips for Spanish Flan

• Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve alongside a steaming cup of rich Spanish coffee or a light espresso to complement the flan's creamy sweetness and enhance the dessert's delicate flavor profile.
• Elegant Garnish Touches: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or add a small dollop of whipped cream on top to create visual appeal and introduce a subtle refreshing contrast to the rich caramel dessert.
• Fruit Accent Recommendation: Arrange fresh berries like raspberries or strawberry slices around the flan to provide a bright, tangy accompaniment that cuts through the creamy custard's richness and adds a pop of color to the presentation.
• Texture Contrast Option: Crumble some toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios over the flan to introduce a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, silky texture of the traditional Spanish dessert.

Flan Storage & Advance Prep Ideas

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your Spanish flan fresh and delightful with these easy tips.
• Refrigerator Sanctuary: Store the flan in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it stays in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Slice the flan into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen flan maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Flavor Protection: Always keep the flan covered to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture buildup and maintain its silky smooth consistency.
• Serving Wisdom: Remove the flan from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture and releasing the full depth of caramel flavors.

Creamy Spanish Flan

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• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Spanish flan delights dessert enthusiasts with its silky custard and caramel glaze. Rich eggs, milk, and sugar combine into a classic sweet treat that transports palates directly to traditional Spanish kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk (300 ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Caramel Creation: Melt sugar in a heavy saucepan, carefully watching its transformation to a deep amber without scorching, ensuring a rich, golden liquid develops.
2. Caramel Coating: Generously swirl the molten caramel across the bottom of a round baking dish, completely covering the surface and allowing it to cool and solidify.
3. Custard Composition: Blend eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract with fluid whisking motions, creating a homogeneous, silky mixture without incorporating excessive air.
4. Assembling the Flan: Pour the smooth custard mixture into the caramel-lined pan, maintaining an even consistency and careful distribution.
5. Water Bath Preparation: Wrap the flan pan tightly with aluminum foil, then nestle it inside a larger baking dish. Fill the outer container with warm water halfway up the flan pan’s sides, creating a gentle cooking environment.
6. Baking Process: Slide the water bath into a preheated oven, allowing the delicate custard to cook slowly and evenly for approximately 75 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
7. Cooling and Setting: Remove the baking dish from the oven using protective towels. Let the flan rest at room temperature to continue setting, then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours or overnight to develop optimal texture and flavor.
8. Serving Presentation: Run a sharp knife around the pan’s edges to loosen the flan. Invert a serving platter over the pan and swiftly flip in one confident motion, allowing the caramel to dramatically cascade over the creamy custard. Slice into elegant portions and serve chilled, embracing the traditional Spanish dessert experience.

Notes

• Prevent Sugar Burning: Watch caramel closely during melting, stirring gently to achieve golden honey color without scorching.
• Create Smooth Custard: Whisk eggs and milks with soft, slow movements to avoid incorporating air bubbles that could disrupt texture.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Fill outer baking dish with warm water halfway up flan pan sides to ensure gentle, even heat distribution during baking.
• Perfect Cooling Process: Refrigerate flan for minimum four hours or overnight to develop rich flavor and achieve luxurious, silky consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg