How to Make a Perfect Leche Flan
Leche flan, also known as caramel custard, is a popular dessert in Latin American cuisine, particularly in the Philippines, Mexico, and Spain. This rich and creamy dessert is made with a combination of condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla, topped with a layer of caramel. Making a perfect leche flan requires attention to detail and a bit of patience, but the end result is worth it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a perfect leche flan, from preparing the ingredients to baking the dessert.
Ingredients
To make a perfect leche flan, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 8×8 inch baking dish or ramekins
Instructions
1. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Once the mixture turns a deep amber color, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it into the baking dish or ramekins. Tilt the dish or ramekins to spread the caramel evenly. Set aside to cool.
2. Whisk the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Pour the mixture: Carefully pour the whisked mixture over the caramel in the baking dish or ramekins. Be gentle to avoid breaking the caramel layer.
4. Bake the leche flan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish or ramekins in a baking pan and fill the pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the dish or ramekins. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center of the leche flan is set but still a little jiggly.
5. Cool and chill: Remove the leche flan from the oven and let it cool in the water bath for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the baking dish or ramekins to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Serve: Once the leche flan is chilled, run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the dish or ramekins. Invert the leche flan onto a plate or individual serving dishes. Enjoy your perfect leche flan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
By following these simple steps, you can make a perfect leche flan that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
