Flan, a traditional Mexican dessert, is a creamy, caramel-infused treat that is beloved across the country and beyond. Its velvety texture, rich flavor, and elegant presentation make it a favorite choice for dessert lovers. In this article, we will explore the origins of flan, its cultural significance, and provide a delectable recipe for you to recreate this delightful dessert at home.
Flan traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where it was known as “flado” or “tyropatina.” Over the centuries, the recipe spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to Mexico during the Spanish colonization. The Mexicans embraced this culinary delight and added their own unique twist, resulting in the creation of the popular Mexican flan we know today.
It has become an integral part of Mexican cuisine, particularly during celebrations and special occasions. Its popularity can be attributed to its smooth and creamy texture, which melts in the mouth, and its ability to effortlessly complement a wide range of flavors. Whether it’s a family gathering, a fiesta, or a romantic dinner, flan is always a welcome addition to the dessert table.
Recipe: Flan Napolitano
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat until it caramelizes, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the sugar has melted and turned into a golden-brown caramel, quickly pour it into a 9-inch round baking dish, evenly coating the bottom.
- In a blender, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and cream cheese. Blend on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gently pour the mixture over the caramelized sugar in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan or roasting pan. Create a water bath by pouring hot water into the larger pan, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Carefully transfer the pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until the flan is set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the flan. If it comes out clean, the flan is ready.
- Once done, remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the water bath.
- Once cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the dish to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate upside down on top of the baking dish and quickly invert the dish to release the flan. The caramel sauce will flow over the flan, creating a delicious glaze.
- Slice and serve the flan chilled, either as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit.
TYT Newsroom
