Dreamy Dulce de Leche Flan

Indulge in the creamy, caramel-kissed perfection of Dulce de Leche Flan! This delightful dessert is a Latin American classic, known for its smooth, velvety texture and the rich, buttery flavor of dulce de leche. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.

Originating from Latin America, flan is a custard dessert with a layer of clear caramel sauce, contrasted with the Dulce de Leche version where the caramel is incorporated into the custard. The result is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more.

Why This Recipe Works

This Dulce de Leche Flan recipe is a guaranteed success because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Using just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create a dessert that rivals any bakery or restaurant version.

The key to this recipe is the slow baking process, which ensures that the flan sets evenly and develops a smooth, creamy texture. The dulce de leche adds a decadent twist, infusing the custard with a deep caramel flavor that elevates the entire dessert.

What’s In Dulce de Leche Flan?

The magic of Dulce de Leche Flan lies in its few key ingredients:

• Dulce de Leche: This caramelized milk spread is the star of the show, providing a rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
• Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base, eggs provide structure and richness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and creates the perfect consistency for the flan.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Sugar: For making the caramel topping.

How To Make Dulce de Leche Flan

Making Dulce de Leche Flan may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. The most important thing is to follow the steps carefully and be patient during the baking process. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Make the Caramel

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat. Do not stir until the edges begin to melt and turn golden.
2. Once the sugar starts to melt, gently swirl the pan to help the sugar melt evenly. Continue cooking until the caramel is a deep amber color.
3. Pour the caramel evenly into the bottom of your ramekins or baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Flan Mixture

1. In a blender, combine the dulce de leche, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake the Flan

1. Pour the flan mixture over the caramel in the ramekins or baking dish.
2. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
3. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan. Add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish (this creates a water bath).
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

1. Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature.
2. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 5: Unmold and Serve

1. To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan.
2. Invert the flan onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to drip over the sides.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Sides for Dulce de Leche Flan

Pair your Dulce de Leche Flan with these delightful accompaniments:

• Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of berries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flan.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the creamy texture.
• Coffee or Espresso: The perfect complement to the sweet, caramel flavors.
• Coconut Shavings: A sprinkle of toasted coconut adds a tropical twist.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use Homemade Dulce de Leche?

Absolutely! Homemade dulce de leche will add an extra layer of richness and flavor to your flan. Just make sure it has cooled properly before blending it into the flan mixture.

How Do I Prevent the Flan from Curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure to bake the flan in a water bath at a low temperature. This helps to cook the flan gently and evenly, preventing it from becoming rubbery or curdled.

How Long Does Dulce de Leche Flan Last?

Dulce de Leche Flan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Other Recipes To Try

• Classic Vanilla Flan: A timeless dessert with a smooth, creamy custard base.
• Chocolate Flan: A decadent twist on the classic flan, infused with rich chocolate flavor.
• Coconut Flan: A tropical treat with a creamy coconut custard and a hint of lime.
• Coffee Flan: For coffee lovers! This flan incorporates a bold coffee flavor into the custard.
• Quesillo: Quesillo is a very similar dessert, but it comes from Venezuela.

Delicious Dulce de Leche Flan

This Dulce de Leche Flan recipe is a decadent and creamy dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. The rich caramel flavor of the dulce de leche combined with the smooth custard makes for an unforgettable treat!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Flan

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Chilling: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 5 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 320kcal

Equipment

Medium Saucepan

Blender

Ramekins

Ingredients

For the Caramel:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

For the Flan:

• 1 can 13.4 oz dulce de leche
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Make the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns into a deep amber caramel. Pour evenly into the bottom of six ramekins or a 8-inch round baking dish.
• Prepare the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine dulce de leche, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
• Bake the Flan: Pour flan mixture over the caramel in the ramekins or baking dish. Cover with foil. Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the flan is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
• Cool and Chill: Remove from the water bath and let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
• Unmold and Serve: Run a knife around the edge of the flan. Invert onto a serving plate. Serve chilled.

Notes

• Water Bath: A water bath is crucial for a creamy flan, preventing it from curdling.
• Dulce de Leche: Ensure your dulce de leche is smooth for the best texture.
• Caramel Color: Watch the caramel carefully; it can burn quickly. A dark amber color is perfect.
• Refrigeration: Chilling the flan overnight is ideal for a firmer texture and richer flavor.
• Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Variation: Use plant based milk like almond or oat milk. Use silken tofu to substitute the eggs.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 120mg | Sugar: 38g

Enjoy your homemade Dulce de Leche Flan! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!