Popular's Creamy Flan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar glaze, baked to perfection for a classic Puerto Rican dessert that melts on the tongue. This puerto rican-inspired desserts ready in about 85 minutes layers heavy cream, whole milk, 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 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 55 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat without stirring until golden amber, swirling occasionally; pour into a 9-inch round baking dish and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 3 eggs in a bowl until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour the cream mixture over the caramel in the baking dish, then place the dish in a larger roasting pan. Add 1 cup hot water to the roasting pan to create a water bath.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is just set and the edges are golden; cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours before unmolding and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular's Creamy Flan take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (30 min prep + 55 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 Popular's Creamy 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 Popular's Creamy 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 Popular's Creamy 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 Popular's Creamy 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.

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