Leche flan is a rich and creamy caramel custard that is a popular dessert in the Philippines. It's made with eggs, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, creating a smooth and indulgent treat. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
For the caramel:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For the flan:
- 10 large egg yolks (make sure to separate the yolks from the whites)
- 1 can (12 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Equipment Needed:
- 8-inch round llanera (traditional flan mold) or any heatproof dish (like a cake pan or baking dish)
- Steamer or large pot with a lid
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Strainer (optional, for smoother custard)
- Saucepan for caramelizing sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
- Caramelize the sugar:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture boil. Swirl the pan occasionally (don’t stir) until the sugar turns golden brown.
- Be careful not to burn the caramel; once it reaches a golden amber color, immediately pour it into your llanera or flan mold. Swirl the mold around so that the caramel coats the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
Step 2: Prepare the Flan Mixture
- Mix the custard ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 10 egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract to the egg yolks. If using, add the heavy cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Whisk everything together until fully combined. You can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any air bubbles or egg white traces for a smoother texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Leche Flan
- Pour the flan mixture:
- Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture into the caramel-coated mold. Fill it up but leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during steaming.
Step 4: Steam the Leche Flan
- Steam the flan:
- Prepare a steamer by filling the bottom with water and heating it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a lid or a bamboo steamer.
- Place the mold (or molds, if you’re using more than one) into the steamer. Make sure the mold is not touching the water—use a small rack or trivet to lift the mold above the water level.
- Cover the steamer with a lid. Steam the flan for about 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
- Avoid opening the lid too often while steaming, as this can cause the flan to collapse. If you’re unsure if it’s cooked, let it steam a little longer.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Unmold
- Cool and unmold the flan:
- Once the leche flan is set, remove it from the steamer and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the custard firm up.
- To unmold the leche flan, run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen it. Invert the flan onto a serving platter. The caramel will flow over the flan, creating a beautiful sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Slice the leche flan into small pieces, as it's quite rich and creamy.
- Serve chilled as a delightful dessert or treat for special occasions like birthdays, fiestas, or holidays.
Tips:
- Egg Yolks: Only egg yolks are used for a smoother texture. The egg whites can be saved for other recipes, like meringue or egg-white omelets.
- Caramel: Keep an eye on the sugar while caramelizing—it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Steaming Time: Steaming times may vary depending on the size and depth of your mold. Larger or deeper molds will take longer to cook.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a bit of citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to the flan mixture for a fresh twist or even a splash of rum or brandy.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious Filipino Leche Flan!