Cheese Flan
A rich and creamy cheese flan with a caramel glaze, perfect for dessert lovers. Smooth, sweet, and indulgent, ideal for special occasions or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, water, cream cheese, eggs, and blend until smooth. Divide the mixture into two parts if needed to prevent overflow.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture turns a caramel color.
- Spread the caramel glaze evenly over the bottom and sides of an 11 x 7 x 2-inch pan.
- Pour the blended flan mixture over the caramelized glaze in the pan.
- Place the pan in a larger baking dish filled with water to create a water bath.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, or until set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Refrigerate until chilled before serving.
- Cut into squares and serve on plates.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel glaze over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth flan, blend the ingredients thoroughly, and consider straining the mixture for a silkier texture. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes. Keep an eye on the caramel; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. If you prefer a flavored flan, consider adding vanilla extract or citrus zest for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the flan chilled, cut into squares, and drizzled with the remaining caramel glaze. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Breakfast Bites for a sweet and savory combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cheese Flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed chilled. If you want to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave in short intervals to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Alternatively, serve it cold for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Flan contains roughly 450 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
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 low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the flan. The flavor will still be delicious, so feel free to make the substitution if you prefer a lighter version.
What can I do if my caramel hardens before I pour the flan mixture?
If your caramel hardens, gently reheat it on low heat with a splash of water until it melts again. Be sure to stir continuously to achieve a smooth consistency before pouring it into the pan.
How do I know when the flan is set?
The flan is set when it has a slight jiggle in the center but is firm around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean when the flan is fully baked.
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).