Mexican Flan is a rich and creamy custard dessert with a smooth caramel topping. This classic treat is made with simple ingredients and is a favorite in many Latin American households.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:60 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes + chilling time
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mexican
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk (optional, for thinner texture)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns into a golden caramel. Immediately pour into a round baking dish or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk (if using). Blend until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
Place the dish in a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides (water bath).
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert onto a plate to release the caramel topping.
Notes
Use a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent the flan from cracking.
Flan can be made a day ahead—it gets better as it chills.
You can infuse the milk mixture with citrus zest or cinnamon for added flavor.