Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Spanish flan, a classic dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with a smooth custard base. This timeless treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more.
While most of the ingredients for this Spanish flan are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk if they are not already in your kitchen. These canned milks are essential for achieving the flan's signature creamy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients For Spanish Flan Recipe
Sugar: Used to create the caramel base, which adds a rich, golden sweetness to the flan.
Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a thick, sweet foundation for the custard, contributing to its creamy texture.
Evaporated milk: Adds a smooth, slightly less sweet creaminess that balances the dessert.
Eggs: Essential for setting the custard, giving it structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Technique Tip for Making Flan
When making the caramel, ensure you melt the sugar slowly over medium-low heat to prevent it from burning. Stir gently and continuously until it reaches a golden color. Once the caramel is ready, act quickly to pour it into the baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom evenly before it hardens. This will create a smooth, even layer of caramel that will enhance the flavor and presentation of your flan.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used to create a caramel-like syrup, though it will have a distinct flavor and slightly different texture.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Combine coconut milk with sugar and simmer until it thickens to mimic the sweetness and consistency of sweetened condensed milk.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can provide a similar creamy texture, though it is slightly less rich than evaporated milk.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a smooth consistency that can replace the binding and creamy properties of eggs.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the flan.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Flan
How to Store or Freeze Flan
Allow the flan to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the container, which could affect the texture.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the flan to an airtight container. This helps to maintain its creamy consistency and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
Store the flan in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the flan, first ensure it is well-chilled in the refrigerator. This step helps to preserve its texture during the freezing process.
Wrap the flan tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection prevents freezer burn and keeps the dessert fresh.
Place the wrapped flan in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date to keep track of its storage time.
Freeze the flan for up to 2 months. Beyond this period, the texture may start to degrade, although it will still be safe to eat.
To thaw, transfer the flan from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw slowly overnight. This gradual thawing process helps to maintain its creamy texture.
Before serving, let the flan sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This brings out its full flavor and ensures a perfect consistency.
For best results, avoid refreezing flan once it has been thawed. Repeated freezing and thawing can negatively impact its texture and taste.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the flan in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of flan on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
- Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 10 seconds if needed.
- Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.
Water Bath Method:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Place the flan in a heatproof dish or a sealed plastic bag.
- Submerge the dish or bag in the simmering water.
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until the flan is warmed through.
- Carefully remove from the water bath and let it cool slightly before serving.
Stovetop Steaming Method:
- Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the flan in a heatproof dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Set the dish on a steaming rack or trivet inside the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the pot and let it cool slightly before serving.
Best Tools for Making Flan
Saucepan: Used to melt the sugar until it turns golden and caramelizes.
Baking dish: This is where the caramel and flan mixture will be poured and baked.
Large bowl: Used to whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the flan ingredients until smooth.
Larger pan: Needed to create a water bath for the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the flan.
Knife: Used to run around the edges of the flan before inverting it onto a plate.
Plate: For serving the flan after it has been inverted from the baking dish.
How to Save Time on Making Flan
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This helps streamline the process.
Use a blender: Blend the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together for a smoother mixture in less time.
Preheat the oven: Ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start making the caramel to save waiting time.
Quick cool caramel: Place the baking dish with caramel in the fridge for a few minutes to cool faster.
Use a water kettle: Boil water in a kettle for the water bath to save time compared to heating it on the stove.

Spanish Flan Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar for caramel
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
- 1 can Evaporated milk 12 oz
- 5 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt sugar until golden. Carefully pour hot caramel into a baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour mixture over caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until set.
- Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Roasted Pork Chops Recipe35 Minutes
- Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs Recipe8 Hours 15 Minutes
- Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Recipe8 Hours 15 Minutes
- Garlic Pasta Recipe25 Minutes
- Italian Baked Meatballs Recipe45 Minutes
- Air Fried Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks Recipe35 Minutes
- Chicken Katsu Recipe35 Minutes
- Curried Egg Sandwiches Recipe20 Minutes
Leave a Reply