Banco de Ahorro Flan
A silky, caramel-drenched custard dessert with a delicate vanilla aroma, embodying the sweetness and simplicity of Puerto Rican tradition. This puerto rican-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup brown sugar; cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and turns amber, about 5 minutes, then swirl to coat the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Gently whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until fully combined, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove lumps.
- Step 4: Pour the strained custard into the prepared baking dish, then place the dish in a larger roasting pan; add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken; cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before unmolding.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banco de Ahorro Flan take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Banco de Ahorro Flan?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banco de Ahorro Flan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Banco de Ahorro Flan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Banco de Ahorro Flan?
Puerto Rican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.