Name: Irresistible Cuban Flan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 1 can evaporated milk; 3 large eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’re searching for a way to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen, look no further than the delightful Cuban flan. This creamy, caramel-topped custard is not just a dessert; it’s a journey to the vibrant heart of Cuban culture, where every bite feels like the warmth of a friendly hug. Trust me, once you take your first spoonful, you’ll be left dreaming of lazy afternoons and sun-soaked beaches. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this recipe that marries simplicity with elegance!

Why This Recipe Is Worth Making

Cuban flan is far more than just a sweet treat. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk gives this flan a smooth, luscious texture that’s simply unbeatable.
Incredible Flavor: With just the right hint of vanilla and the deep, caramel goodness melted into every layer, each spoonful is a sweet symphony for your taste buds.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this dessert. Just some pantry staples and a touch of love, and you’re set to create magic in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or just a Tuesday night craving, Cuban flan fits right in. It’s visually stunning and makes for a show-stopping dessert that your friends will be raving about.
Easy to Make: Trust me; you don’t need to be a pro to whip up this flan. With just a few steps, anyone can master the art of flan-making. Plus, the process itself can be quite therapeutic!

Step-by-Step: Making Cuban Flan

Ready to embark on your sweet culinary adventure? Follow these straightforward steps to create your very own Cuban flan.

Ingredients:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and turns into a golden caramel. Quickly pour the caramel into a flan mold, swirling to coat the bottom.
In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the caramel in the mold.
Place the mold in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with water halfway up the sides of the mold.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until set.
Allow to cool, then refrigerate for several hours.
To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate.

How to Serve Cuban Flan

Serving Cuban flan is all about showcasing its beautiful, glossy caramel top and creamy texture. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

Garnish with Fresh Fruit: A few slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or kiwi, add a splash of color and a zesty contrast to the sweet flan.
Whipped Cream: For a decadent twist, top your flan with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds good texture and taste without overshadowing the flan itself.
Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a lovely aroma and subtle flavor that pairs wonderfully with flan.
Chocolate Sauce: If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an unexpected but delightful combination.

Storage Tips for Cuban Flan

To keep your flan fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:

Refrigerate: Always store your flan in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, to prevent it from absorbing any odors.
Consume Within a Week: For the best flavor and quality, try to enjoy your flan within a week. The texture and taste are as fresh as can be within the first few days.
Frozen Flan?: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze flan if you need to keep it longer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just know that the texture may change a bit upon thawing, so it’s better enjoyed fresh!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cuban Flan

To ensure you create the best Cuban flan, here are some expert tips:

Caramel Perfection: Keep a close eye on the sugar while it melts. It can go from perfect to burned in seconds! Once it turns a golden color, quickly pour it into the mold before it hardens.
Blend Well: Make sure to blend the egg mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. Any lumps can affect the final texture of your flan.
Water Bath: The water bath not only helps cook the flan evenly but prevents the edges from overcooking. So don’t skip this step!
Patience: Allow the flan to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps it set properly, resulting in a smoother texture.

Delicious Variations of Cuban Flan

While the classic Cuban flan is a hit, don’t hesitate to play around with different flavors and textures! Here are some creative variations:

Coconut Flan: Replace some of the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist that will transport you to the beach.
Coffee Flan: Add a tablespoon of strong coffee or espresso to the egg mixture for a rich, decadent flavor that coffee lovers will adore.
Almond Flan: Swap out the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that adds a beautiful depth to your flan.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
While you can try using low-fat milk, the richness of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk is key to getting that creamy texture flan is known for. Full-fat is where the magic happens!

2. How can I tell if my flan is done baking?
Your flan is ready when it shakes gently but is not liquid in the center. You can also insert a knife in the middle; it should come out clean.

3. Can I make flan ahead of time?
Absolutely! Flan actually tastes even better when made a day ahead of time, as the flavors meld together beautifully while it chills in the fridge.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make a perfect Cuban flan, I can’t wait for you to whip this up! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet indulgence. Happy baking!