Cuban Flan Recipe: A Taste of Authentic Cuban Cuisine

Do you want to try some delicious Cuban cuisine, but don’t know where to start? Look no further than the classic Cuban Flan. This popular dessert is both timeless and elegant, with its caramelized topping and creamy custard filling. It’s also surprisingly easy to make and uses only a few simple ingredients.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make an authentic Cuban Flan, and enhance it with a few creative variations. Keep reading to discover the perfect recipe for this yummy treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensated milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until it turns a caramel color. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Evenly distribute the caramel mixture into a 9-inch baking dish and carefully tilt the dish to coat the bottom and sides. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes, then pour in the custard mixture.
• Set the baking dish inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dish. Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour or until the flan is set.
• Carefully remove the flan from the oven and let it cool for an hour before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• When ready to serve, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the flan from the dish. Place a serving plate on top of the baking dish and quickly invert to release the flan. Cut into wedges and drizzle with additional caramel sauce, to serve. Enjoy!

Variations:

Give your Cuban Flan a unique twist with these creative variations:

• Chocolate Swirl Flan: Add 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. Swirl the chocolate chips with a toothpick or knife for a marbled effect.
• Coconut Flan: Pour the custard mixture into the baking dish and top with 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Bake as directed and serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flavor.
• Banana Coconut Flan: Pour the custard mixture into the baking dish and top with 1/2 cup of sliced bananas and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Bake as directed and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a tropical twist.
• Orange Pineapple Flan: Add 2 teaspoons of grated orange zest and 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple to the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. Bake as directed and serve with additional crushed pineapple for tangy flavor.
• Mango Flan: Add 1/2 cup of pureed mango to the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. Bake as directed and serve with a sprinkle of ground ginger for a refreshing taste.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cuban Flan:

• Be careful not to let the sugar overcook or the caramel will taste bitter. Keep a close eye on the saucepan as it simmers and stir occasionally to monitor the color.
• For the best texture, be sure to let the flan chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
• Vary the flavors by adding different ingredients to the custard mixture, such as fruit purees, chocolate chips, and spices.
• Serve the flan with a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired, for an extra layer of sweetness.

Now that you have the perfect Cuban Flan recipe, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this classic dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative variations, you can enjoy the amazing flavors of authentic Cuban cuisine in your own home. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and try out this deliciously sweet treat today!