Flan de Caramel with Vanilla Custard is one of the most beloved desserts across Latin America, Spain, and various parts of the world. Known for its silky-smooth texture, glossy caramel topping, and rich vanilla-infused custard, this dessert strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and elegance.

The moment you invert the flan onto a plate and watch the caramel gently cascade down its sides, you’ll understand why this timeless treat has remained a classic for generations. Its creamy, delicate interior and deep caramel flavor make it a delightful finish to any meal, whether for a family dinner, special celebration, or festive occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies comfort and sophistication all at once. The custard is incredibly smooth, the caramel adds wonderful depth, and the fragrance of vanilla enhances every bite. What makes flan truly magical is how a few humble ingredients transform into a dessert that feels luxurious.

It’s also a recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making entertaining stress-free. Every time I serve this, whether to guests or family, it receives enthusiastic praise, and there are rarely leftovers.

Why This Dish Is a Must Try

This dish is a must try because it offers a dessert experience that is both satisfying and universally appealing. It’s creamy, lightly sweetened, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. Flan is also incredibly versatile—you can customize flavors, adjust sweetness, and pair it with many toppings.

If you enjoy desserts like creme caramel, custard pudding, or tres leches, this flan will quickly become a favorite. It is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Preparation and Cooking Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 250–270 calories per serving
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Spanish, Latin American

Ingredients

For the Caramel

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water

For the Vanilla Custard

4 large eggs
1 can (400 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (380–400 ml) evaporated milk
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, scraped
Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the caramel and coat the mold or ramekins.
2. Mix custard ingredients until smooth but not frothy.
3. Pour custard over cooled caramel.
4. Bake in a water bath at 160°C for 55–65 minutes.
5. Cool, chill for several hours, then unmold.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium without stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue heating until the mixture turns a deep amber caramel.
Immediately pour the hot caramel into the bottom of a flan mold or 6 ramekins. Swirl gently to coat the bottom. Let it cool and harden.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs gently to avoid too much foam. Add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Avoid vigorous whisking; a smooth mixture ensures a silky texture.

Step 3: Strain the Mixture

Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove bubbles or any egg solids. This is key to achieving a silky flan.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the custard gently over the hardened caramel.
Place the mold or ramekins in a deep baking dish. Pour hot water around them halfway up the sides.
Bake at 160°C for 55–65 minutes or until the center jiggles slightly but is set.

Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate

Remove the flan from the water bath and allow to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and enhance flavor.

Step 6: Unmold and Serve

Run a thin knife around the edges of the flan.
Place a serving plate over the mold and quickly invert.
Lift the mold gently; the caramel will cascade over the custard.

How to Serve

Serve the flan chilled with its natural caramel sauce pooling around it.
It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For a richer experience, serve with espresso or strong coffee after a meal.

Recipe Tips

Use low heat and avoid stirring the caramel to prevent crystallization.
Straining the custard ensures the smoothest texture.
Do not overbake; overcooking leads to a rubbery flan.
Chill thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
If bubbles form on the surface, the water bath temperature was too high.

Variations

Coconut Flan
Replace whole milk with coconut milk and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.

Coffee Flan
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water to the custard.

Orange or Citrus Flan
Add 1 teaspoon orange zest or lemon zest to the custard for brightness.

Chocolate Flan
Melt 85 g dark chocolate into the warm milk before mixing with eggs.

Cheese Flan (Flan de Queso)
Blend 100 g cream cheese into the custard for a richer, cheesecake-like flavor.

Almond Flan
Add 1 teaspoon almond extract and top with sliced toasted almonds.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store flan in its mold, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as custard can separate and become grainy after thawing.
Unmold only when ready to serve for best appearance and texture.

Special Equipment Needed

Flan mold or 6 ramekins
Deep baking dish for water bath
Fine mesh sieve
Whisk
Saucepan for caramel
Knife for unmolding

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my flan full of bubbles?
The oven temperature was too high or the custard mixture was overmixed.

Why didn’t my caramel liquefy after unmolding?
It was likely cooked too dark or overheated. Caramel should reach a deep amber, not dark brown.

Can I make flan ahead of time?
Yes, flan is best made the day before. It improves in flavor after chilling overnight.

Can I make flan without a water bath?
It is not recommended. A water bath ensures gentle cooking and prevents curdling.

Why is my flan watery?
It may have been undercooked or not chilled long enough.

Conclusion

Flan de Caramel with Vanilla Custard is a beautiful blend of tradition, simplicity, and indulgence. With its silky-smooth texture, rich caramel sauce, and fragrant vanilla aroma, it stands as one of the most cherished desserts in many cultures. This recipe proves that only a handful of ingredients can create a stunning dessert worthy of any celebration. Whether for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a quiet evening treat, this flan offers comfort, elegance, and an unforgettable taste in every bite.