Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel
A smooth and silky egg custard with a golden caramel sauce, offering a delicate and elegant dessert that's a beloved treat across Puerto Rico. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers large (200g) eggs, (240ml) whole milk, (200g) granulated sugar 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 220 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
- 4 large (200g) eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- pinch (0.5g) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water, and cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color (8-10 minutes). Immediately pour into a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend on low speed until smooth (1 minute).
- Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the baking dish with the caramel, and gently tap to remove air bubbles.
- Step 4: Place the baking dish in a larger pan, then fill the larger pan with hot water until halfway up the sides of the smaller dish. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the flan is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Step 5: Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel?
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 Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel?
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 Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel 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 Flan de Huevo: Classic Spanish-Style Custard with Caramel?
Spanish 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.