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If you love smooth, creamy desserts with a rich caramel finish, then Mexican Flan is a must-try! This silky, custard-based dessert is made with just a handful of ingredients but delivers big flavor—with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and that signature golden caramel layer on top.
Whether you’re serving it for Cinco de Mayo, a family gathering, or just because you love a good flan, this easy, foolproof recipe will have everyone scraping their plates for more!
🍮 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Caramel Topping:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
👉 For the Flan Custard:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a warm Mexican touch!)
🍯 How to Make Mexican Flan
Step 1: Make the Caramel
1️⃣ In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
2️⃣ Cook, swirling the pan (don’t stir!), until the sugar dissolves and turns into a deep amber caramel. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Quickly pour the caramel into a 9-inch round cake pan or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Let it harden while you prepare the custard.
Step 2: Make the Custard
4️⃣ In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel layer in the pan.
Step 3: Bake in a Water Bath
6️⃣ Place the flan pan inside a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the flan pan.
7️⃣ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
8️⃣ Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!).
Step 4: Unmold & Serve
9️⃣ Run a knife around the edges to loosen the flan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel will drizzle down beautifully!
🔟 Slice, serve, and enjoy with extra caramel drizzle on top!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🔥 Want Extra Flavor? Add a splash of Kahlúa or rum to the custard for a deeper, richer taste!
🍫 Chocolate Twist? Drizzle with Mexican chocolate sauce instead of caramel.
🥥 Dairy-Free? Swap the condensed and evaporated milk for coconut milk and almond milk.
❄️ Make Ahead? Flan tastes even better the next day—just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days!
💡 What to Serve with It?
- A dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
- Fresh berries or mango slices for a fruity contrast
- A dusting of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish
This Mexican Flan is creamy, rich, and effortlessly elegant, with that perfect golden caramel drizzle cascading down each slice. It’s simple to make but guaranteed to impress!
