Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Classic Flan

This Classic Flan is a smooth, creamy, and rich custard dessert topped with a golden layer of caramel. A staple in many Latin American kitchens, it’s made with simple ingredients like eggs, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a luscious texture and sweet, velvety flavor.
The caramel base melts into a syrup as the flan bakes, creating a glossy finish when flipped and served. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is elegant, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American
Keyword: Classic Flan
Servings: 8 Servings

Equipment

Ingredients

For the caramel

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

For the flan

  • 3 whole eggs
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium saucepan, stir together the water with the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a golden caramel color, about 5–7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of a flan mold or a round baking dish, swirling it around to coat the base evenly. Set aside to cool.
  • In a blender combine the remaining ingredients, then blend until completely smooth. Strain the flan mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the caramel-lined flan mold.
  • Place the flan mold inside a larger baking dish, and pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan mold, creating a water bath.
  • Cover the flan mold tightly with aluminum foil to prevent browning, then carefully place the dish in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  • Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the flan to fully set.
  • To serve, run a rubber spatula around the edges of the mold, place a serving plate on top, and carefully flip it over to release the flan. The caramel sauce will pour over the top, creating a beautiful finish.
  • Slice, serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from burning too quickly
  • Let the caramel fully harden before adding the custard base to avoid mixing the layers
  • Chilling overnight yields the best flavor and texture
  • You can add a pinch of salt or a splash of orange zest to the custard for a subtle twist
  • Flan will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered tightly