Are you craving a rich, creamy dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This flan recipe using whole milk delivers a classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience without the complicated techniques. It's the perfect homemade treat for a special occasion or a simple weeknight indulgence. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously simple yet elegant dessert. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), or quick dinner ideas – though it's more of a delightful ending to a meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Caramel:
- Prepare the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns into a rich amber color. Be careful not to stir too much, or the sugar may crystallize.
- Caramelize: Once the caramel reaches a deep amber color, carefully pour it into the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish (a glass pie dish works well). Tilt the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
Preparing the Custard:
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a smooth and creamy flan.
- Strain (optional): For an extra smooth flan, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl. This removes any lumps or bits of egg white.
- Pour into baking dish: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.
Baking the Flan:
- Water bath: Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This creates a water bath, preventing the flan from cracking and ensuring even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool and chill: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the water bath. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flan to fully set and chill.
Serving:
- Invert: Carefully run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish. Place a serving plate upside down on top of the baking dish and quickly invert it. The flan should slide out onto the plate, revealing the glossy caramel.
Tips for the Best Flan:
- Use whole milk: Whole milk creates a richer, creamier flan compared to lower-fat alternatives. It's a key ingredient for achieving that delicious texture.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry, rubbery flan. Check for doneness by gently shaking the baking dish; the center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Patience is key: Allow the flan to cool and chill completely for the best texture and to prevent it from cracking.
Variations:
- Add flavor: Experiment with different extracts like coconut, almond, or orange.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flan.
- Coffee flan: Replace some of the milk with strong brewed coffee for a rich coffee flan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This delicious flan is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful technique. Enjoy this easy-to-make, healthy(ish!), and delicious homemade dessert! It’s a perfect addition to any meal, a delightful treat for guests, or a satisfying end to your day. Happy baking!