Matcha-Infused Cilantro Flan
A creamy Mexican flan with a vibrant green matcha swirl and a hint of cilantro. This mexican-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes layers eggs, milk, matcha powder 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 290 calories and feeds 6, 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 eggs
- 500ml milk
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- 100g sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk them vigorously with a fork until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated and the mixture appears slightly frothy. Add 500ml milk, 100g sugar, and 2 tbsp matcha powder, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth with no visible granules. Tip: Sift the matcha powder through a fine mesh sieve before adding to avoid lumps.
- Step 2: Finely chop 1 tbsp fresh cilantro using a knife, then add it to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until the cilantro is evenly distributed and the mixture has a vibrant green color. Tip: For a more intense flavor, blend the cilantro with 1/4 cup of the milk in a blender before adding it to the rest of the mixture.
- Step 3: Grease 6 ramekins with butter or non-stick spray, then pour the mixture evenly into each, filling them about 3/4 full. Place the ramekins into a larger baking dish and add enough hot water to the dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a water bath).
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Carefully place the baking dish with the ramekins into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken. Tip: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes to prevent the flan from sinking.
- Step 5: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and firm to the touch.
- Step 6: To serve, run a sharp knife around the edges of each ramekin to loosen the flan. Invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, gently tapping the bottom to release the flan. Chill for an additional 15 minutes before serving to ensure a clean, neat presentation. Tip: For a decorative touch, dust the top with a fine layer of matcha powder before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Matcha-Infused Cilantro Flan take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 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 Matcha-Infused Cilantro 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 Matcha-Infused Cilantro 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 Matcha-Infused Cilantro Flan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Matcha-Infused Cilantro Flan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mexican come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mexican come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.