- Quickly pour the caramel into a round baking dish or individual ramekins.
- Tilt the dish to evenly coat the bottom with the caramel.
- Let it cool while you prepare the flan mixture.
3. Make the flan mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
4. Strain the mixture:
- For a silky texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bubbles.
5. Assemble and bake:
- Pour the flan mixture gently over the cooled caramel in the dish.
- Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish, creating a water bath.
- Lightly cover the flan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
6. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake the flan for 50–60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and unmold:
- Remove the dish from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flan to set.
- To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the flan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
Tips and Variations
- Caramel: Work quickly when pouring the caramel, as it hardens fast.
- Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of orange zest to the flan mixture for a unique twist.
- Texture: For an even richer flan, substitute the whole milk with heavy cream.
Serving
Serve your caramel flan chilled, paired with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy!