How to Make Flan: The Classic and the Vegan Recipes

If you want to know how to make flan the classic way, this easy recipe will guide you. It uses simple ingredients and steps so you can prepare it at home from scratch.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup white sugar (for caramel)

- 4 large eggs

- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a baking dish ready and have a larger pan for the water bath.

2. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir slowly until the sugar melts into a golden brown caramel. Be careful not to burn it. Pour the caramel into the baking dish and swirl so it covers the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking dish.

5. Place the baking dish inside the larger pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This water bath helps the flan cook evenly and stay creamy.

6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. To check, insert a knife in the middle. It should come out clean.

7. Remove from the oven and let the flan cool at room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

8. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan. Place a plate over the dish and quickly flip it upside down. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a shiny topping.

For those who avoid dairy or eggs, learning how to make flan in a vegan style is a great option. This recipe keeps the creamy sweetness but uses plant-based ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup white sugar (for caramel)

- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy milk)

- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

- ½ cup cornstarch

- ½ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the caramel the same way as in the classic recipe. Melt the sugar in a pan until golden brown, then pour into a baking dish and spread evenly. Let it cool.

2. In a saucepan, combine the almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of turmeric. Whisk well until everything is mixed.

3. Add the cornstarch slowly while whisking, making sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.

4. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a custard-like texture. This may take about 8–10 minutes.

5. Pour the mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.

6. Let the flan cool to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set.

7. Once ready, flip the dish onto a plate in the same way as the classic flan. The caramel will coat the top, and the flan will hold its shape.

Making flan can be easy, but a few extra tips can make your dessert even better.

1. Use a water bath properly: Always place your flan dish inside a larger pan filled with hot water that reaches halfway up the sides. This gentle cooking method stops the custard from cracking and helps it stay silky smooth.

2. Do not overcook: Flan is ready when it is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. If baked too long, the texture becomes dry and rubbery. Remove it as soon as the center looks softly firm.

3. Caramel control: The caramel should be golden brown, not dark brown. Once the sugar reaches this stage, remove it from the heat immediately. If it burns, the caramel will taste bitter and spoil the delicate flavor.

4. Cool before flipping: Give the flan time to rest and chill in the refrigerator before serving. This cooling period helps the custard firm up, making it easier to flip neatly without breaking apart.

5. Serve fresh: For the best taste and texture, enjoy flan within a day or two. The caramel flavor is at its strongest during this time, and the custard remains soft and creamy without becoming watery.

After enjoying a delicious slice, you might wonder what to do with the leftovers. Can you store flan? The answer is yes, but it needs a little care so the texture and taste remain just right.

The best way to store flan is to keep it in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other flavors. Flan can stay fresh for up to 3–4 days when stored properly in the fridge.