5-Ingredient Caramel Flan
This 5-Ingredient Caramel Flan is a creamy, smooth custard dessert featuring a rich golden caramel topping. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it offers effortless elegance and a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for any occasion, this flan delivers a luscious, velvety treat that is quick to make and universally loved.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Caramel
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Caramel: Melt 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir gently until it turns a deep amber color without burning. Immediately pour the caramel into your flan mold or ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly before it hardens.
- Heat the Milk: Warm 2 cups of whole milk in a saucepan just until it is about to boil. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly whisk in the warm milk to create a silky, even mixture.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in your mold. Place the mold into a larger baking dish filled with hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill and Serve: Remove the flan from the water bath and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate so the caramel flows over the top.
Notes
- Be patient when melting the sugar to avoid burning and ensure smooth, flavorful caramel.
- Using a water bath prevents the custard from cracking and promotes even cooking.
- Use room temperature eggs for a creamier texture and better emulsification.
- The flan should be slightly jiggly in the center when done baking, as it will firm up while chilling.
- Chill thoroughly to achieve the best texture and allow the caramel to soak into the custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: caramel flan, easy flan recipe, 5 ingredient dessert, creamy custard, gluten free dessert, quick flan