Spanish Flan

Last summer we went on a family trip to Spain and one afternoon after walking in the hot sun we stopped at this tiny café where the waiter smiled and placed in front of me the most perfect looking Spanish Flan I’d ever seen and I didn’t even wait for a spoon I just dug right in because honestly who could resist it and the funny part is the first time I tried making it at home I burnt the caramel and my kids laughed so hard and said it looked like a science experiment gone wrong yet I tried again the next day because I’m stubborn like that and when it finally came out silky and sweet with that golden caramel sauce sliding down the sides I was shocked at how good it was and I thought why didn’t I make this sooner and if you’ve never tried it yourself you’re in the right place because I’m about to show you how to make it the easy way so you can have that same melt-in-your-mouth moment right in your own kitchen

What is Spanish Flan?

Spanish Flan is a smooth, creamy, and sweet dessert made from eggs, sugar, and milk, topped with a shiny layer of golden caramel. It’s a classic treat in Spain and many Latin American countries. Imagine pudding, but lighter and silkier, with a sweet caramel sauce that melts in your mouth. Flan is baked slowly so it gets that perfect, jiggle-like texture that makes everyone smile when they take their first bite. This dessert has been loved for centuries, and it’s still one of the easiest ways to impress your family and friends.

What to Eat with Spanish Flan

Spanish Flan tastes amazing on its own, but you can make it even more special by pairing it with other treats. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries will add a fruity freshness. Some people enjoy flan with a small cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. For kids, a glass of cold milk is a perfect match. If you want something more indulgent, serve flan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear quickly from the plate!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make a traditional Spanish Flan:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for the caramel)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for the custard)
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• 6 small ramekins or 1 large baking dish
• Baking pan (for water bath)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

How to make Spanish Flan

1. Make the caramel – In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until it melts into a golden brown liquid. Be careful—it’s very hot! Once melted, quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of each ramekin or your baking dish, tilting them to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the custard – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Whisk gently so you don’t create too many bubbles.
3. Combine caramel and custard – Pour the custard mixture on top of the hardened caramel in your ramekins or baking dish.
4. Bake using a water bath – Place the ramekins into a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This helps cook the flan evenly and keeps it creamy.
5. Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Cool and chill – Remove the ramekins from the water bath. Let them cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve – To serve, run a knife around the edge of the flan, place a plate on top, and flip it over so the caramel sauce runs down the sides. Enjoy your creamy Spanish Flan!

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover flan (which is rare because it’s so delicious), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing flan because it can change the smooth texture into something grainy.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a bit of orange zest or cinnamon to the custard mixture.
• If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can replace it with whole milk, but the flan might be a little less rich.
• Don’t skip the water bath—it’s the secret to getting that creamy texture.
• Be patient when melting the sugar for caramel. High heat will burn it quickly, so medium heat is safer.

FAQ

What does Spanish Flan taste like?

Spanish Flan has a creamy, silky texture with a sweet vanilla flavor and a hint of caramel. It’s similar to pudding but lighter.

Is Spanish Flan the same as crème caramel?

Yes, they are almost the same thing. Crème caramel is the French version, while Spanish Flan is the Spanish version. Both have caramel topping and a soft custard base.

Can I make flan without ramekins?

Absolutely! You can use a large round baking dish or loaf pan instead. Just adjust the baking time so it cooks evenly.

Why do I need a water bath?

A water bath helps the flan cook gently and evenly, preventing the custard from cracking or becoming rubbery.

Can I make Spanish Flan ahead of time?

Yes, flan actually tastes better the next day after chilling overnight. It allows the flavors to develop fully.

Can I use plant-based milk for flan?

You can, but the texture might be different. Coconut milk is a popular dairy-free option that still makes a creamy flan.

How do I know when the flan is done baking?

The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the dish. It will firm up as it cools in the refrigerator.

What should I do if my caramel hardens before I pour it?

Caramel hardens quickly, so work fast. If it hardens too soon, you can reheat it gently until it melts again.

Conclusion

Spanish Flan is a dessert that brings smiles to the table, whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just a weekend treat. With its creamy texture, golden caramel, and sweet vanilla flavor, it’s easy to see why it’s loved around the world. Now you know how to make it step-by-step, from caramel to custard, and even how to store leftovers. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family so they can try it too. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that make every meal a little more special.