Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description: A beloved dessert from the Southwest, this Creamy Caramel Flan is an effortless indulgence that can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect sweet finale to a hearty Tex-Mex meal.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Mexican, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3/4 cup | granulated sugar |
| 4 | large eggs |
| 1 3/4 cups | water |
| 1 cup | sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 teaspoon | vanilla extract |
| 1/8 teaspoon | salt |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 196.5 |
| Total Fat | 6.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 109.9 mg |
| Sodium | 136.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 27.1 g |
| Protein | 7.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
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Prepare the Caramel: In an iron skillet over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Cook and stir continuously until the sugar melts and transforms into a beautiful caramel color, which should take just a few minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning the sugar; a rich amber hue is what you’re aiming for.
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Divide the Caramel: Carefully divide the melted caramel among eight ungreased 6-ounce custard cups. Gently tilt each cup to coat the bottom with the warm caramel, allowing it to set slightly as it cools.
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Mix the Flan Base: In a large mixing bowl, use a wire whisk to beat the eggs until they are well combined. Gradually stir in the water, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
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Fill the Custard Cups: Pour the egg mixture into each custard cup over the set caramel. Take care not to disturb the caramel at the bottom as you fill each cup.
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Create a Water Bath: Place the filled custard cups in a large, shallow baking pan. Fill the pan with hot water until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the custard cups. This water bath helps the flan cook evenly and prevents the edges from overcooking.
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Bake the Flan: Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The flan is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which could lead to a rubbery texture.
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Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove the custard cups from the water bath and allow them to cool at room temperature for a few minutes. After cooling, refrigerate the flan for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
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Serve: When you’re ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the cups. Invert each custard cup onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to flow over the flan, creating a luscious sauce.
This delightful Creamy Caramel Flan is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, perfectly complementing any Tex-Mex meal and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy your sweet creation!
