What are the ingredients to flan?

A classic flan recipe includes just a few simple ingredients: eggs, milk (often both evaporated and sweetened condensed), sugar, and vanilla extract. Some variations add cream cheese or citrus zest for extra flavor. The caramel topping is made by melting granulated sugar until golden brown and pouring it into the baking dish before adding the custard mixture.

What is a common mistake when making flan?

One of the biggest mistakes in any flan recipe is overbaking. This can cause the texture to turn rubbery or grainy instead of smooth. Another issue is rushing the caramel—burning it or letting it harden before the custard is added. Not using a water bath is another misstep, as it can lead to uneven cooking and curdling. Always bake flan gently and let it chill fully before unmolding.

What is the difference between French and Mexican flan?

The difference comes down to ingredients and texture. French flan, or crème caramel, is lighter and typically made with whole milk or cream. Mexican flan is denser and richer, often made with both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk. French flan is usually served plain, while Mexican flan might be flavored with cinnamon, citrus, or other warm notes.

What are the two types of flan?

The two most common flan types are traditional flan and flan de queso. Traditional flan is a smooth, egg-based custard topped with caramel. Flan de queso includes cream cheese, giving it a slightly firmer texture and a mild cheesecake flavor. Both are delicious and easy to make with the right flan recipe.

Flan Recipe – 1 Simple, Creamy & Irresistible Family Favorite

Name: Flan Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth: A Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¾ cup granulated sugar (for caramel); 1 tablespoon water (optional); 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Description

This creamy flan recipe is a family favorite with smooth custard and a rich caramel topping. Simple ingredients, unforgettable taste.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
1 tablespoon water (optional)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
4 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until deep golden brown.
Pour caramel into the base of your flan dish. Set aside to cool.
In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the dish.
Place dish inside a larger pan and fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until just set.
Let cool, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, loosen edges with a knife and invert onto a plate.

Notes

Let the caramel cool before adding custard to avoid mixing.
For best texture, refrigerate overnight before serving.
Warm the bottom of the pan before unmolding for a clean flip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Fat: 9g
Protein: 7g