The sweet, creamy custard dessert known as flan holds a special place in Cuban cuisine. A must-have at any Cuban feast, flan is a deliciously rich and flavorful treat that is served in almost every Cuban household. Taking its origins from Spain, Cuban flan is typically made with just a few simple ingredients but packs a punch of flavor. It’s light, sweet, and absolutely delicious. In this article, you’ll learn how to make authentic and delicious Cuban flan right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Cuban Flan
To make an authentic Cuban flan, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Caramel:
• 1 cup sugar
For the Custard:
• 6 eggs
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cuban Flan
Now that you have all the ingredients together, let’s go through the steps for making Cuban flan:
Step 1: Make the Caramel
Place sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Let the sugar melt, swirling it occasionally to prevent it from burning. Once melted, continue cooking the sugar until it becomes a deep golden color. Once the sugar turns golden-brown, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the caramel into an ungreased cake pan. Rotate the pan to distribute the caramel evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the eggs in a large bowl. To the eggs, add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Pour the custard over the caramel in the cake pan. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour warm water into the larger pan so that it comes about halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is set. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the custard to cool in the water bath. Once cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cuban Flan
To ensure success when making Cuban flan, keep the following tips in mind:
Bake with the Right Equipment: The best way to bake Cuban flan is in a water bath. This will help prevent the flan from overcooking and becoming rubbery. Bake in a preheated oven with the water bath to help distribute the heat evenly.
Make the Caramel Carefully: The caramel is a crucial part of Cuban flan as it gives the dessert its golden-brown color and a slightly bitter, sweet flavor. To make the perfect caramel, make sure to stir occasionally while the sugar is melting to keep it from burning.
Refrigerate the Flan: The best way to make sure the Cuban flan sets properly is to refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the custard to firm up and give the flan a creamy texture.
Enjoy your Authentic and Delicious Cuban Flan
Now that you know how to make the authentic and delicious Cuban flan, it’s time to get baking! This sweet, creamy treat makes for a delightful dessert and is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy the rich, velvety delight of Cuban flan, whether as a dessert or an afternoon snack. Viva Cuba!
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