Flan, a luscious and creamy dessert, has captured the hearts and palates of dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Its smooth caramel sauce and velvety custard make it a delightful treat for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, how to make flan we'll walk you through the process of creating this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you embark on your flan-making journey, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 large eggs

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

2 cups water (for the water bath)

Equipment You'll Require

Make sure you have the following kitchen tools at your disposal:

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Flan mold or ramekins
• Baking dish for the water bath
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Step 1: Preparing the Caramel

Place the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Continuously stir the sugar until it melts and turns into a golden-brown caramel. Be vigilant, as sugar can burn quickly.

Once the desired color is achieved, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of your flan mold or individual ramekins. Tilt the mold or ramekins to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 2: Preparing the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until well combined.

Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Step 3: Combining the Caramel and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the caramel layer in your flan mold or ramekins.

Step 4: Creating the Water Bath

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Place the filled flan mold or ramekins in a larger baking dish. Add hot water to the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan mold or ramekins. This water bath helps ensure even and gentle cooking.

Step 5: Baking the Flan

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.

Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.

Allow the flan to bake for approximately 1 hour. You'll know it's ready when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.

Step 6: Cooling and Chilling

Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, cover the flan mold or ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the flan to fully set.

Step 7: Unmolding and Serving

To unmold, run a knife around the edge of the flan to loosen it from the sides.

Place a serving plate upside down on top of the flan mold or ramekin. Invert the flan onto the plate, allowing the caramel to cascade over the custard.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully created a delectable flan from scratch. This impressive dessert is sure to wow your guests or provide a sweet treat for your family. Experiment with different variations and garnishes to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy every creamy, caramel-infused bite!