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Flan de Leche

A silky Cuban custard dessert topped with a rich golden caramel sauce. baked gently in a hot water bath for optimal texture.

75 minMediumServes 8310 cal/serving

CubanDessertStovetop and OvenVegetarianGluten-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a hot water bath.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup water without stirring until it turns a deep amber caramel.

  3. 3

    Pour the hot caramel immediately into an 8-inch baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom, and set aside to cool.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, whisk together 4 beaten large eggs, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.

  5. 5

    Pour the custard liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into the caramel-lined dish.

  6. 6

    Place the baking dish inside a larger pan, fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until set.

  7. 7

    Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before inverting onto a plate to serve.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Flan de Leche at?

For Flan de Leche, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 1 hour, in step 6.

Why does Flan de Leche bake in a water bath?

Step 1 reads: "Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a hot water bath." The water holds the outside of the dish at a gentle, even temperature, so the custard sets without curdling or cracking. Step 1 sets it up; use hot tap water, not boiling.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in Flan de Leche?

The entry for Flan de Leche calls for 1 can sweetened condensed milk. In its place: There is no quick swap. Simmer two cups of milk with two thirds of a cup of sugar until reduced by half, about 35 minutes.

Can I make Flan de Leche dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Flan de Leche is 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk. Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based version of the same product; the evaporated milk for a plant-based version of the same product. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Flan de Leche contain eggs?

Yes: 4 large eggs, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I start Flan de Leche the day before?

Yes. Step 6 is a built-in pause of 1 hour: "Place the baking dish inside a larger pan, fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until set." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 7 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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