Description
Creamy and decadent Coconut Flan with a rich caramel base. This classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Let the mixture cook undisturbed until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble. The color will gradually change from clear to a light golden brown.
- Continue cooking until the caramel reaches a deep amber color (about 8-12 minutes, depending on your stove).
- Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Carefully pour the hot caramel into your flan mold or ramekins, swirling to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Be extremely cautious, as the caramel is incredibly hot.
- Set the caramel-coated mold or ramekins aside to cool and harden.
- In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
- Taste and adjust the vanilla extract if desired.
- Carefully pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the mold or ramekins.
- Skim off any bubbles on the surface of the flan mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the flan mold or ramekins inside a larger baking dish.
- Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, reaching about halfway up the sides of the flan mold or ramekins (water bath).
- Carefully transfer the baking dish with the flan and water bath to the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- To check for doneness, gently shake the baking dish. The flan should be mostly set, with a slight wobble in the center. You can also insert a knife into the center of the flan; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once the flan is done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Let the flan cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Before unmolding, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the mold or ramekins to loosen it.
- Place a serving plate over the top of the mold or ramekin.
- Carefully invert the mold or ramekin onto the serving plate.
- If the flan doesn’t release immediately, gently tap the bottom of the mold or ramekin. You can also try warming the bottom of the mold or ramekin slightly with a hot towel.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Be very careful when working with hot caramel, as it can cause severe burns.
- Do not stir the sugar and water mixture when making the caramel, as this can cause crystallization.
- A water bath is essential for preventing the flan from curdling and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
- Refrigerating the flan for at least 4 hours allows it to fully set and develop its flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes