Description
This classic Venezuelan Flan recipe delivers a smooth, creamy caramel custard dessert with a rich caramel topping. Made with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and eggs, it’s baked in a water bath for a perfect silky texture. Ideal for a sweet finish to any meal, this flan is both simple to make and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Flan Custard
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook until it turns a deep amber color, about 6–8 minutes. Be careful to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Coat the baking dish: Immediately pour the hot caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish or flan mold, swirling the dish to coat the bottom evenly with caramel.
- Make the custard mixture: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps.
- Combine and prepare for baking: Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Set up water bath: Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish to create a water bath, which will help the flan cook evenly and gently.
- Bake the flan: Carefully place the water bath setup in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Remove the baking dish from the water bath carefully. Let the flan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to develop and the custard to set firmly.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan. Place a serving plate flat over the top of the baking dish, and quickly invert to release the flan with its caramel topping.
Notes
- Watch the caramel closely as it darkens to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Chilling the flan overnight improves the flavor and texture significantly.
- Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon or some citrus zest to the custard for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
