Cream Cheese Flan
Cream Cheese Flan is a rich, creamy custard with a caramelized sugar topping, offering a smooth and indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. Its velvety texture and balanced sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy classic, elegant desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup sugar in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until sugar melts and turns a light golden brown.
- Quickly pour hot caramelized sugar into a 2-quart flan dish, tilting to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Let stand for 5 minutes until hardened.
- Whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, milk, evaporated milk, salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Process egg whites, cream cheese, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a blender until smooth.
- Stir the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
- Pour the mixture through a wire mesh strainer into a large bowl.
- Pour the custard into the caramel-coated flan dish.
- Place the dish in a large shallow pan, adding hot water to a depth of one-third of the dish’s height.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove from the water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cover and chill for at least 3 hours.
- Run a knife around the edge of the flan to loosen, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Chill for an additional 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth flan, strain the custard mixture to remove any lumps before pouring it into the dish. If you want a lighter texture, you can substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. For a caramel sauce twist, consider adding a splash of rum to the caramel for added flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on the caramel as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the flan chilled, garnished with fresh fruit like berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an impressive dessert spread, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Apple Enchiladas or Super Easy Tamale Pie for a delightful meal finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to reheat it, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Avoid reheating it too long as it can change the texture. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Flan contains roughly 364 calories, with 11g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 make this flan ahead of time?
Absolutely! This flan can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just ensure it is covered and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to chill overnight, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to invert it onto a serving plate just before serving.
Why is my flan watery?
A watery flan usually results from overcooking or not baking it in a water bath. Ensure the water bath is maintained at the proper level during baking and check for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean. Also, avoid over-mixing the custard to prevent incorporating too much air.
Can I make this flan without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of ricotta or mascarpone cheese if you prefer a different flavor. This will still provide a creamy texture while altering the taste slightly. Just keep in mind that the final dessert may differ in richness and flavor.
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).