Authentic Mexican Flan Recipe: How to Make the Best Traditional Dessert

Are you craving a rich and delicious traditional Mexican dessert? Look no further than Mexican flan. Known for its creamy texture and sweet caramel taste, this dessert is a crowd favorite in Mexico and around the world. Flan is a type of custard dessert with a caramel topping, reminiscent of crème brûlée. Its recipe has been passed down through generations and its preparation requires just a few ingredients and some patience.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make a classic Mexican flan recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. We’ll start by introducing the ingredients you’ll need, as well as how to prepare and cook each step of the recipe. You’ll also find expert tips and tricks to ensure your dessert turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Flan

The basic ingredients for traditional Mexican flan include milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar. This classic recipe also calls for a few additional ingredients to enhance the flavor including orange extract and lemon zest. Some recipes also call for brandy or rum.

Here’s what you’ll need for this Mexican flan recipe:
– 1 cup sugar
– 12 oz can sweetened condensed milk
– 2 cups whole milk
– 5 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp orange extract, optional
– 1 tsp lemon zest, optional
– 1 tbsp brandy or rum, optional

Preparing the Caramel Topping

The first step in making Mexican flan is preparing the caramel topping. This will give the flan its signature flavor and texture. The caramel must be carefully prepared to avoid burning, but don’t worry! We’ll guide you through the process.

Here’s how to make the caramel topping for Mexican flan:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium-high heat.
2. Once the sugar starts to melt, begin to stir frequently with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the sugar is a deep amber color.
3. Once the caramel is ready, quickly pour it into the bottom of a 9-inch circular baking dish. Carefully swirl the dish to evenly cover the bottom with caramel. Be very careful, as the caramel will be extremely hot!

Making the Flan Custard

With the caramel topping ready, it’s time to prepare the flan custard. This step is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Once the custard is mixed, it is poured over the caramel topping and then baked to create the final product.

Here’s how to make the flan custard:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, orange extract, and lemon zest. Optionally, add the brandy or rum. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Pour the custard over the caramel topping and smooth out the top.

Baking the Flan

With the flan custard poured over the caramel topping, it’s time to bake the dessert. Baking the flan requires some patience, as the dessert must be baked in a water bath to ensure even cooking. The water bath serves to regulate the temperature and distribute the heat evenly.

Here’s how to bake the Mexican flan:
1. Place the baking dish with the flan custard inside a larger baking dish.
2. Fill the larger baking dish with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the smaller baking dish.
3. Carefully place the baking dishes in the preheated oven.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set.
5. Once the flan is set, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mexican Flan

Making Mexican flan can be simple with the right tools and knowledge. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your flan turns out perfect every time:

– Use a non-stick saucepan to melt the sugar for the caramel topping. This will help to prevent the sugar from burning and help it to melt more evenly.
– Make sure to evenly distribute the caramel on the bottom of the baking dish. This will help to ensure the caramel topping doesn’t stick to the bottom of the dish after baking.
– Fill the larger baking dish with hot water before placing the flan in the oven to prevent spilling.
– For the perfect flan texture, bake the dessert just until set. Overbaking can result in a tough texture.

Now that you know how to make the best traditional Mexican flan, it’s time to give it a try! With just a few easy steps, you can create a rich and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!