Leche Flan

Name: Leche Flan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 12 large egg yolks; 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup white granulated sugar (for caramel); 3 tbsp water (for caramel)

A richly smooth Filipino steamed custard made with egg yolks and condensed milk, crowned with a layer of golden caramel. Denser and creamier than its Spanish cousin, it is the centerpiece of every Filipino fiesta dessert table.

70 minMediumServes 8320 cal/serving

FilipinoDessertOvenVegetarianLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

12 large egg yolks
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup white granulated sugar (for caramel)
3 tbsp water (for caramel)

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Have a large roasting pan ready for the water bath.
2

Make the caramel: combine 1/2 cup white granulated sugar (for caramel) and 3 tbsp water (for caramel) in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling gently (do not stir) until the sugar turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into an 8x4-inch loaf pan or individual llaneras, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to harden.
3

In a large bowl, whisk 12 large egg yolks until smooth. Add 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk and 12 oz evaporated milk and whisk gently until fully combined. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and stir. Avoid whipping air into the mixture.
4

Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared pan over the hardened caramel to remove any chalazae or foam.
5

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the roasting pan and add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the flan pan (water bath).
6

Bake for 45-55 minutes until the custard is just set - it should jiggle slightly in the center but not slosh. A thin knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
7

Carefully remove the flan pan from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully chilled and firm.
8

To unmold, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan. Place a serving platter larger than the pan over the top, then quickly invert in one confident motion. The caramel sauce will flow down over the custard. Slice and serve cold.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Leche Flan need?

For Leche Flan, the oven is set to 325 F (about 165 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 55 minutes, in step 6.

Why does Leche Flan bake in a water bath?

Step 1 reads: "Have a large roasting pan ready for the 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.

Do I need any special equipment for Leche Flan?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a loaf pan (step 2) and a fine-mesh sieve (step 4).

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk in Leche Flan?

The entry for Leche Flan calls for 14 oz 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 Leche Flan dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Leche Flan is 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, 12 oz 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 Leche Flan contain eggs?

Yes: 12 large egg yolks. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Which part of Leche Flan can be done ahead?

Everything up to step 6. Step 6 is a built-in pause of 55 minutes: "Bake for 45-55 minutes until the custard is just set - it should jiggle slightly in the center but not slosh." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 7 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

Tsokolate drink
Sorrel Drink drink
Tej drink

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