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5-Ingredient Caramel Flan

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Custard

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: caramel flan, easy flan recipe, 5 ingredient dessert, creamy custard, gluten free dessert, quick flan