Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and impress your guests with a decadent treat? Look no further than the classic and irresistible flan. This creamy, caramel-infused delight is a showstopper that never fails to leave a lasting impression. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of creating the perfect flan using a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
The Building Blocks: Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
At the heart of every sensational flan are the carefully chosen ingredients. Gather 1 3/4 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a pinch of kosher salt, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar (divided), 3 large eggs, and 3 large egg yolks. This harmonious blend of elements sets the stage for a dessert that strikes the ideal balance between richness and sweetness.
Crafting the Caramel Canvas: A Delicate Dance of Heat and Sugar
The first step in creating the perfect flan is to master the art of crafting the caramel base. Preheat your oven to 350°F and whisk together the cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until well combined. In a medium saucepan, embark on a culinary adventure by cooking 1 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of water over medium-high heat. The goal? Achieving a deep golden color through gentle swirling, not stirring.
A pro tip: employ a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent burning and clean the inner sides of the pan. Quickly transfer this liquid gold into an 8″ round cake pan, ensuring an even coating of caramel on the inside. Don’t fret if the sugar hardens; it will gracefully melt during baking. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and move on to the next phase of flan perfection.
The Symphony of Mixing: Blending Creamy Elegance
In a spacious bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until a harmonious combination is achieved. Gently introduce the cream mixture to this egg symphony, stirring until just combined. Pour this luscious concoction over the bed of caramel in the cake pan. To ensure even baking and a flawless texture, add enough hot water to the larger baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
Baking Brilliance: Achieving Flan Nirvana
Slide your creation into the preheated oven and let it bake until just set, with a slight jiggle at the center, for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Once the flan has reached this state of perfection, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow it to cool. For an extra layer of indulgence, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or, for optimal results, overnight.
When the time comes to unveil your masterpiece, use a small knife or offset spatula to delicately loosen the edges of the flan. If refrigerated, let it reach room temperature before inverting. With a confident shake, invert the pan onto a plate with a shallow rim, releasing the flan from its caramel cocoon.
As the tantalizing aroma fills the air, it’s time to savor the sweet victory of your culinary prowess. Whether served at room temperature or chilled, the velvety texture and rich caramel undertones will captivate every palate. Impress your guests by presenting the flan on a plate with a shallow rim, showcasing its caramel crown.
