Authentic Mexican Flan Recipe
Introduction:
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Authentic Mexican Flan. This classic dessert features a smooth custard topped with decadent caramel sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow along to learn how to make this irresistible dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why Authentic Mexican Flan?
- Timeless dessert loved by many
- Simple ingredients, exquisite taste
- Perfect balance of creamy texture and sweet caramel
Ingredients:
For the Flan:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by placing it inside a larger pan filled with hot water to create a water bath. This will help the flan cook evenly.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the white sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it liquefies and turns amber in color. Be careful not to let it burn. Once the sugar has caramelized, carefully pour it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
- Mix the Flan Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and regular milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Strain the Mixture: For a smoother texture, strain the flan mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or air bubbles.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Gently pour the flan mixture over the cooled caramel layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate upside down on top of the dish and carefully flip it over to release the flan. The caramel sauce will flow over the top, creating a beautiful presentation.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the flan into individual portions and drizzle with any remaining caramel sauce from the baking dish. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy goodness of Authentic Mexican Flan!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 225 kcal per serving
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to the irresistible delight of Authentic Mexican Flan. With its creamy texture and decadent caramel sauce, this classic dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use brown sugar for the caramel sauce?
- While white sugar is traditionally used for caramelizing, you can certainly use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be aware that it may alter the color and taste of the caramel sauce.
- Can I make flan ahead of time?
- Yes, flan can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. This makes it a convenient dessert option for entertaining guests.
- Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk if you prefer. However, keep in mind that using full-fat milk will result in a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- What is the purpose of the water bath when baking flan?
- The water bath, also known as a bain-marie, helps to ensure gentle and even cooking of the flan, preventing it from curdling or cracking during baking.
- Can I add other flavors to the flan mixture?
- Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of your flan by adding ingredients such as cinnamon, citrus zest, or liqueurs like rum or coffee for a unique twist.