Oh my goodness, let me tell you, this easy flan recipe is a total game-changer! I remember the first time I made flan at home—it was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this recipe that only needs 5 ingredients, and I was instantly hooked! It’s such a comforting dessert, with that silky-smooth texture and a luscious caramel topping that just makes my heart sing.
What I love most about this flan is how simple it is. Seriously, with just a cup of sugar, four large eggs, a can of sweetened condensed milk, a can of evaporated milk, and a splash of vanilla extract, you can whip up this delightful treat without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again, and your friends will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delightful flan! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These simple ingredients are all you need to create a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s sure to impress! I promise, you won’t need anything fancy—just the good stuff that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this flan! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—no, even easier than that! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’re going to want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial! A properly preheated oven ensures that the flan cooks evenly and comes out just right. So go ahead and set that temperature while you get everything else ready.
Prepare the Caramel
Next up, grab a saucepan and toss in your cup of sugar. Over medium heat, gently melt the sugar, stirring it occasionally. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it starts to turn that gorgeous golden brown color—this is where the magic happens! Once it reaches that sweet spot, quickly pour the caramel into a round baking dish, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Be careful, it’s hot! Ouch, I’ve definitely learned that the hard way!
Blend the Flan Mixture
Now let’s whip up the flan mixture! In a blender, combine the four large eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and that lovely teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to watch it come together! It smells heavenly, too.
Combine and Bake
Pour the smooth mixture right over the caramel in the baking dish. Now, here’s the fun part: place that dish into a larger pan filled with water—this is called a water bath, and it helps the flan cook gently. Bake it in the oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until it’s set in the middle. You’ll know it’s ready when you gently jiggle it, and it holds its shape. Easy peasy!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a bit at room temperature. Then, pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—yes, I know, waiting is tough, but it’s so worth it! This cooling time lets those flavors meld together beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Just make sure to run a knife around the edges before flipping it onto a plate—it’s all about that dramatic reveal! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect from each slice of this delicious flan:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use. But hey, life’s too short not to enjoy a little sweetness now and then, right? This flan is all about balance, so indulge a bit and relish every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, but keep in mind that it will give the flan a slightly different flavor profile. I’ve also heard of people using evaporated milk with added sugar, but it won’t be quite as rich. Just remember, sweetened condensed milk adds that luscious sweetness and creamy texture that makes flan so delightful, so any substitute will change the final taste a bit!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just cover the flan with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, just slice off a piece and enjoy! I actually love it chilled, but if you’re feeling fancy, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds can take the chill off without melting it completely. Yum!
Can I make this flan ahead of time?
Oh, you bet! This flan is perfect for making ahead of time, and I often whip it up a day or two before I need it. Just follow all the steps, let it cool, and then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you can resist!). It’s a great make-ahead dessert because the flavors only get better as it sits. Just remember to give it enough time to chill before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this flan in the oven and start enjoying your day!
- Easy: Simple steps and only 5 ingredients make this recipe perfect for all skill levels—no fancy techniques required!
- Affordable: You don’t need to break the bank to make this dessert. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples!
- Delicious: The creamy texture and rich caramel flavor are simply irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your flan turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure success every time you whip up this delicious dessert:
- Check for Doneness: The best way to know if your flan is ready is to gently wiggle the baking dish. If the center is set and doesn’t jiggle excessively, you’re good to go! You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean, indicating that it’s fully cooked.
- Blend Smoothly: When blending your ingredients, make sure everything is well combined. A smooth flan is key to that lovely, creamy texture. If you see any lumps, just blend a bit longer until everything is perfectly silky!
- Water Bath Matters: Don’t skip the water bath step! It helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking. Just be sure to use a deep baking dish to hold enough water, and place it carefully in the oven to avoid splashes.
- Be Patient: I know waiting can be tough, but letting your flan chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can) really allows those flavors to meld and gives you that perfect texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Play with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to the mixture before blending. It’s a fun way to give your flan a unique twist!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to flan perfection! Enjoy the process, and remember, practice makes perfect—so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this scrumptious flan, let’s talk about how to elevate your dessert experience! Flan is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can take it to a whole new level.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy flan. Plus, the tartness of the berries balances the sweetness beautifully!
- Whipped Cream: Who doesn’t love a dollop of whipped cream on their dessert? A light and fluffy topping adds an airy texture that complements the flan perfectly. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for a little extra flair.
- Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over your flan is a game-changer! The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the caramel flavor, creating a decadent treat.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of your flan. It adds a lovely crunch and enhances the flavors, especially if you use coconut milk in your flan!
- Caramel Drizzle: Don’t hold back on that caramel! A little extra drizzle on top not only makes it look stunning but also ups the sweet factor. You can even warm it slightly for a gooey topping.
- Mint Leaves: For a refreshing touch, garnish your flan with a few fresh mint leaves. It’s a simple yet elegant way to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness!
These serving suggestions are all about enhancing the delightful experience of enjoying your easy flan. So, mix and match your favorites, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert! Enjoy every creamy bite!
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Easy Flan Recipe Only 5 Ingredients: Deliciously Simple Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy flan recipe requires only 5 ingredients and is simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Pour it into a round baking dish.
- In a blender, combine eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with water (water bath).
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a deep baking dish for the water bath.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center.
- This flan can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: easy flan recipe, 5 ingredients flan
