Basic Flan Recipe

Cook: 25 min Cuisine: French

A light, sweet, and creamy custard-based dessert with caramelized sugar topping, perfect for a comforting treat or elegant dinner ending, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cup sifted cake flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks until fluffy.
  2. Sift dry ingredients, then add alternately with flavoring and milk, blending well.
  3. Pour mixture into a greased and floured flan pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier flan, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or using half-and-half in place of milk. If you're short on cake flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Don't overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to a dense texture. Ensure your flan pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve flan chilled as a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This flan is also a great complement to coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire flan at once to prevent it from drying out. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basic Flan Recipe contains roughly 417 calories, with 15g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

417 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.7g 29% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 25% DV
Carbs 47.2g 17% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 776.2mg 34% DV
Potassium 226.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 149.6mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 14mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 3.2mcg 16% DV
Calcium 376.8mg 29% DV
Iron 7mg 39% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Using whole eggs can alter the texture of the flan, making it denser. For the best results, stick to egg yolks as they provide richness and a creamy texture. If you must use whole eggs, consider adjusting the baking time slightly.

What can I do if my flan is too sweet?

If your flan turns out too sweet, serve it with a tangy fruit compote or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to balance the flavors. You can also reduce the sugar in the recipe next time, especially if you plan to serve it with sweet accompaniments.

How can I tell if my flan is done baking?

To check if your flan is done, insert a toothpick or knife into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If there's wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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