Delicious Cuban-Style Flan

I love a good flan, and have experimented with many during the years of my flan-fixation. This one is quite lovely—both for ease of preparation and for taste. It is denser than some I've tasted, not too heavy like some that use heavy cream, but texture-wise, very creamy and smooth. I got this recipe from a dear friend who gave me her mother's recipe from Cuba. Dont hesitate to make this recipe because you dont know what to do with the leftover egg-whites. There are lots of things to do with egg-whites! Use them in egg-flower soup, fried rice, egg-white omelettes, meringues, as the egg-binder in meatloaf, meatballs and spinach-artichoke dip, just to name a few. Enjoy. Note: prep time does not include cooling.

Delicious Cuban-Style Flan
Delicious Cuban-Style Flan

I love a good flan, and have experimented with many during the years of my flan-fixation. This one is quite lovely—both for ease of preparation and for taste. It is denser than some I've tasted, not too heavy like some that use heavy cream, but texture-wise, very creamy and smooth. I got this recipe from a dear friend who gave me her mother's recipe from Cuba. Dont hesitate to make this recipe because you dont know what to do with the leftover egg-whites. There are lots of things to do with egg-whites! Use them in egg-flower soup, fried rice, egg-white omelettes, meringues, as the egg-binder in meatloaf, meatballs and spinach-artichoke dip, just to name a few. Enjoy. Note: prep time does not include cooling.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 10
  • Carbohydrate 26.722177592633 g
  • Cholesterol 146.105767245396 mg
  • Fat 7.909333089263 g
  • Fiber 0 g
  • Protein 6.65530129150234 g
  • Saturated Fat 4.19055850318354 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (83g)
  • Sodium 2876.26134449606 mg
  • Sugar 26.722177592633 g
  • Trans Fat 0.438736625306708 g
  • Calories 202 calories

Step-by-step

  • Equipment: 1 quart flanera or 1 quart round casserole dish with lid AND 1 ovenproof dish or baking pan that the flanera or casserole will fit into.
  • Caramel: Some people like to make caramel by adding water to sugar and then cooking it to a nice dark golden brown, and some just like to melt the sugar to golden without water. Either method will work here. If you are using a flanera, which is a metal pan with a lock-down lid, you can make the caramel right in the flanera. If you are using a casserole dish, make the caramel in a saucepan and pour into the bottom of the casserole dish.
  • Custard: As you prepare the custard, the caramel will cool. In a separate bowl, beat the 1 whole egg and 5 egg yolks together. A whisk works very well here. Add the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk to the eggs and mix together. Add the vanilla extract, either 1/2 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon depending on what strength you prefer. Pour the custard mixture into the flanera or casserole dish over the hardened caramel. Put on the lid.
  • Put your flan into the ovenproof dish or baking pan and fill with hot water to about half-way up the sides, or as high as you can go and still move the thing without spilling hot water on yourself.
  • Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and let set for another 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and the water-bath and let cool.
  • Plating: Run a butter-knife around the outside edge of the flan. Place a plate large enough to handle the liquid caramel over the flan and invert. Chill the flan for at least an hour before serving.
  • Enjoy!

A Taste of Cuba: My Easy Cuban Flan Recipe

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and grocery shopping, leaving precious little time for elaborate culinary adventures. That's why I’m drawn to recipes that offer maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This Cuban flan, a gift from a dear friend, is a perfect example of that delightful balance.

This flan isn't just easy; it’s incredibly versatile too! The recipe itself is a beautiful dance of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting a creamy, rich dessert. The caramel, whether you opt for the classic water-added method or a streamlined melt-only approach, provides that perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the richness of the custard. The custard itself is a revelation - surprisingly dense and yet wonderfully smooth, a texture that stands in lovely contrast to some of the fluffier flan variations I’ve tried in the past. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve mastered a complex dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. And, let’s be honest, the satisfaction of creating something so delicious and visually appealing after a long day is unmatched.

But what really sets this recipe apart, for me at least, is its adaptability. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover egg whites, a common issue for bakers who only need yolks for certain recipes. Those egg whites are practically begging for a purpose, whether in a light and fluffy omelette, a hearty meatloaf, or a creamy spinach-artichoke dip. No ingredient goes to waste in my kitchen, and this recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. The recipe is so easy to adjust if your family isn't a fan of sweet treats. For instance, a savory take could be made with a variety of cheese or herbs. The same techniques can be utilized for a unique take on a savory treat that will please any palate.

Making this flan is more than just following a recipe; it's a mindful practice, a moment of calm amidst the chaos. The gentle stirring, the anticipation of the caramel’s golden hue, and finally, the satisfying inversion of the finished flan onto a plate – each step offers a small, sweet escape from the demands of daily life. It's a recipe that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, and for a busy woman like me, that’s priceless.

So, if you're looking for a delicious, easy dessert that’s both impressive and stress-free, look no further. This Cuban flan is your answer. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your repertoire, a comforting friend on those hectic evenings when you want something special without the hassle. The simple pleasure of savoring a slice of this creamy, dreamy flan is a reward all its own, a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients and a little bit of love combine.

I encourage you to try this recipe. Don't let the perceived complexity of flan deter you. Trust me, this recipe simplifies the process without compromising flavor or texture. You'll soon discover that creating a truly delightful dessert is easier, and more rewarding, than you ever imagined. And who knows, you might even find yourself adding this to your personal recipe collection, much like I have.

Beyond its deliciousness and ease, this flan also offers a delightful connection to another culture. It’s a culinary adventure, a brief journey to Cuba through the taste buds. This cultural exchange adds a unique layer of enjoyment to the entire experience, making it even more special. It’s a culinary journey without the need for an expensive plane ticket, an accessible taste of another culture, right in your own kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, clear your counters, and prepare for a delightful culinary experience. This Cuban flan recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a story, a memory, and a taste of happiness.

Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavor, and share the joy. Happy baking!