Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a cloud of creamy, dreamy deliciousness? Then get ready to bake the most incredible Flan Tres Leches! This classic Latin American dessert, meaning "three milks" in Spanish, is a showstopper—rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a dessert worthy of raves. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a delightful balance of sweet indulgence and simple preparation.
Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish.
Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns into a rich amber color.
- Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Be cautious, as the caramel will be extremely hot.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy. This is crucial for a smooth, creamy flan.
Bake the Flan:
- Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in 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 bain-marie, ensuring even cooking).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Soak:
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the roasting pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important to avoid cracking the flan.
- Once cooled, prepare the milk mixture by whisking together all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Gently pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled flan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flan to soak up the delicious milk mixture.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish.
- Invert the flan onto a serving plate. The caramel will now be on top, creating a beautiful and flavorful topping.
- Slice and serve this heavenly dessert! It’s best enjoyed chilled.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk in the milk mixture.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch of warmth.
- If you don't have a 9x13 inch dish, you can use a smaller one, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out mostly clean.
- For a quicker dessert, you can skip the baking step entirely and simply layer the custard over caramel and soak it with the milk mixture for at least 6 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: High Protein: Moderate Sugar: High
This delicious Flan Tres Leches is a perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s a beautiful, flavorful, and relatively easy recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy creating this delectable treat! Remember to share your creations using #FlanTresLechesRecipe! Happy baking!