Easy Creamy Caramel Flan Recipe

Flan is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, with origins tracing back to ancient Rome. In fact, in Latin America alone, millions of people enjoy this creamy caramel delight every year! This caramel flan recipe is one you have to try—it's rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.

Flan stands out for its silky texture, deep caramel flavor, and simple preparation. All you need are a handful of ingredients, a little patience, and the right technique to create a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. If you're craving something sweet, this is the best caramel flan recipe you'll ever need!

How to Make Creamy Caramel Flan? 

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Chilling Time: 6+ hours 

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Caramel:

• • • ¾ cup sugar (for the caramel layer)

For the Flan Custard:

• • • 6 large eggs
    • 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
    • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for the flan.

2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ¾ cup sugar, stirring frequently.

3. Keep stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color. Be careful—it can burn quickly!

4. Once the caramel is ready, immediately pour it into a 10-inch round cake pan, tilting the pan to evenly coat the bottom.

5. Set it aside to harden.

6. In a large bowl or blender, combine cream cheese, eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

7. Blend or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.

8. Pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel layer in the cake pan.

9. Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish with high sides.

10. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about 2 inches up the sides of the flan pan. (This water bath ensures an even, creamy texture.)

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should still jiggle slightly).

12. Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool for about an hour at room temperature.

13. Refrigerate the flan for at least 6 hours or overnight. This helps it set completely.

14. Before serving, run a knife around the edges to loosen it.

15. Place a rimmed serving plate over the pan and quickly invert it to release the flan.

Tips and Twists for the Best Caramel Flan

• Want a more intense vanilla flavor? Increase the vanilla extract to 1½ teaspoons.
• For a unique twist, add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to the flan mixture.
• For a dairy-free version, swap evaporated milk and condensed milk with coconut milk for a rich, tropical taste.
• No fresh eggs? You can use ¾ cup egg substitute in place of real eggs.
• Strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve before pouring it into the pan for a smoother flan.
• Want to make it ahead of time? This flan can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving.

Health Benefits of Caramel Flan

1. Eggs and dairy products provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function.

2. Flan contains calcium from milk, supporting strong bones and teeth.

3. Since this flan is made without flour, it's a great gluten-free dessert option!

4. Dairy-based desserts provide essential fats that help with brain function and energy.

Make Your Caramel Flan Today!

This easy caramel flan recipe is a foolproof way to impress guests and family members. It’s creamy, smooth, perfectly sweet, and rich—a truly classic dessert! Because honestly, what’s the point of dessert if it doesn’t make you pause and appreciate life a little?

This isn’t some really “healthy” flan with sugar swaps or dairy-free alternatives—this is the classic, unapologetically rich, eggy, caramelized goodness that flan is supposed to be. A little sweet, a little nostalgic, and ridiculously satisfying. Make it when you want to impress people. Make it when you need a foolproof, make-ahead dessert. Or just make it because you deserve something really, really good. And hey, if you want to take it over the top, drizzle on extra caramel. You know you want to!

Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

For the best results, use these high-quality kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen:

• Non-stick cake pan – Ensures easy caramel release
• Whisk or immersion blender – For a lump-free custard
• Fine-mesh sieve – Guarantees a smooth texture
• Oven-safe baking dish – Perfect for the water bath method

Try This Caramel Flan Recipe Today!

Now that you know how easy it is to make homemade caramel flan, it’s time to try it yourself! Let us know in the comments how it turned out and what dessert recipes you’d like to see next.

And don’t forget—share this recipe with your friends and family using #kitchenhappiness and tag @zulay_kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Flan

Why is my flan not set properly?

Flan needs to be fully baked and chilled for at least 6 hours to set properly. If it’s still too soft, it may need a longer baking time or more chilling time in the fridge.

What’s the secret to a smooth flan texture?

For the smoothest texture, always strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before baking. Also, avoid overbaking, as it can cause a rubbery texture.

Can I make flan without a water bath?

A water bath (bain-marie) is essential for preventing cracks and achieving a silky texture. Without it, the flan may cook unevenly or become grainy.

Can I use a different sweetener for the caramel?

Yes, but sugar is the best option for classic caramel. However, you can try honey or coconut sugar, but they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

What’s the difference between flan and crème brûlée?

Both desserts are custard-based, but crème brûlée has a hardened caramelized sugar topping, while flan has a soft caramel sauce at the bottom that becomes the top when inverted.