Description
A silky, creamy custard dessert topped with a rich, liquid golden caramel sauce. This simple, make-ahead recipe uses pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality treat that is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Heat over medium heat without stirring, swirling occasionally, until the sugar melts into a deep golden amber color (5-7 minutes).
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble violently). Stir gently until smooth. Add butter and stir until melted.
- Pour the caramel into a 9-inch round or springform pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to harden.
- In a blender, combine whole milk, eggs, ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup to remove any egg bits or foam.
- Pour the custard gently over the hardened caramel in the pan.
- Place the cake pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan (water bath).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly like Jell-O.
- Remove from the water bath and let cool to room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edge, place a serving plate upside down over the pan, and flip confidently to unmold.
Notes
Do not overbake; the flan continues to cook as it cools. Straining the custard is crucial for a smooth texture. Use hot water for the water bath to maintain oven temperature. This dessert is best made ahead and chilled overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 6
Keywords: flan, flan napolitano, golden caramel, custard dessert, gluten-free dessert, make-ahead dessert, easy flan recipe