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How to Make Flan

The Key Ingredients in Flan

The word flan is commonly used to describe a Mexican or Spanish version of crème caramel or caramel custard. However, flan is traditionally denser and richer than crème caramel because it contains more eggs and egg yolks, as well as some cream, milk, sweet condensed milk or half and half. Flan used to be baked in a water bath on top of the stove but now it is usually baked in a water bath in the oven, for about an hour over a low heat.

Flan is made with a top layer of custard and a bottom layer of a light caramel sauce. They are baked at the same time. The flan is then chilled and inverted so the caramel sauce sits on top of the custard.

There are different versions of Mexican flan including pistachio, almond, coffee, orange and pumpkin but the classic Mexican flan recipe which has a hint of vanilla is also very popular.

Flan Molds

If you want to make a flan Mexican dessert recipe, you will need a smooth-sided dish, which is safe to bake in the oven. Alternatively, you can make individual flans in ramekins rather than one big one. Actually, flan is often made in five or six ounce ramekins in the authentic Mexican flan recipe.

Flan molds can be made from porcelain, Pyrex, steel or glass. The smoothness of the dish is what allows the flan to slip out in one piece without breaking. Some flan molds have a lid and a bain marie, which is like a water bath to even out cooking, which allows your flan to be made on the stove as opposed to in the oven.

Different Types of Flan Recipes

The basic Spanish flan recipe is a good starting point for creating different flan varieties. Savory flans such as spinach flan or asparagus flan demonstrate how the English and Spanish concepts of flan differ.

A coffee flan is a great variation of the Spanish flan and a cheese flan is similar to cheesecake but has a more refined texture.

English custard flan has a unique crust but is otherwise similar to the Spanish style flan. Mexican flan is very similar to the original Spanish flan recipe but try adding some Mexican chocolate for an indulgent and delicious Mexican dessert recipe.

Tips for Making a Perfect Flan Recipe

If you enjoy making good Mexican desserts and you want to make a perfect flan, the key to its success is precision in following the recipe and paying attention to all the details. You will need to watch the flan carefully and take it away from the heat source when it is done. Flan is done when an inserted knife comes out clean.

Flan is easy to make and wonderful to eat. You can add chocolate, coconut or coffee to make different varieties and knowing the history of flan makes eating it even more fun.


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