Flan de Crema

Flan de Crema Recipe from Spain with Evaporated Milk and Cream Cheese

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Flan de Crema is a delicious and creamy dessert that originates from Mexico. This dessert is a variation of the traditional flan, made with a combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and eggs. The addition of cream cheese gives this flan a rich and velvety texture that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Flan de Crema has been a popular dessert in Mexico for many years. It is believed to have originated from Spanish influence, as flan is a traditional Spanish dessert. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different variations, such as the addition of cream cheese. This variation adds a unique twist to the classic flan, making it even more decadent and delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup water
1.5 cups (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
1.25 cups (14 oz or 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 package (8 oz or 227 g) cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
5 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
In a medium, heavy-duty saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture, without stirring, for about 15 minutes or until it turns caramel colored.
Quickly pour the caramel over the bottom and sides of 12 six-ounce custard cups. If the syrup hardens, you can soften it over low heat.
In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Cover the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared custard cups.
Arrange the custard cups in one or two large baking pans. Pour hot water into the pan(s) to a depth of 1 inch.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Allow the custard cups to cool in the pan(s) on wire rack(s) for 20 minutes.
Chill the custard cups for several hours or overnight.
Run a knife around the rims of the custard cups and gently shake them to loosen the custards.
Invert the custard cups onto serving dishes.

Variations

For a citrus twist, add some lemon or orange zest to the flan mixture.
For a nutty flavor, sprinkle some chopped almonds or pecans on top of the flan before serving.
For a boozy kick, add a splash of rum or brandy to the flan mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making the caramel for the flan, be sure to keep a close eye on it as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

- To prevent lumps in the flan mixture, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before blending.

- Be sure to properly grease the custard cups before pouring in the caramel to ensure easy removal of the flan after baking.

- Allow the flan to cool completely before serving to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Flan de Crema can be served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Flan de Crema is baking in a water bath. This gentle cooking method ensures that the flan cooks evenly and prevents it from curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor.

- You can use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version of Flan de Crema.

Make Ahead Tips

Flan de Crema can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the custard cups with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

To add a decorative touch to your Flan de Crema, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

Flan de Crema pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced mango.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Flan de Crema in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the custard cups in a warm water bath or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Flan de Crema contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Flan de Crema contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Flan de Crema contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Flan de Crema contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Flan de Crema is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Flan de Crema contains dairy (milk, cream cheese, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Flan de Crema is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins and vitamins, making it a delicious treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Flan de Crema is a decadent and creamy dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich texture and delicious flavor, this dessert is perfect for any special occasion or celebration. Enjoy a slice of this delicious flan and savor the sweet taste of Mexico.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. She had just returned from a trip to Mexico, and she brought back with her a cookbook filled with traditional Mexican recipes. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye: Flan de Crema.

Maria explained to me that Flan de Crema is a rich and creamy dessert, similar to a custard, that is topped with a caramel sauce. It is a classic Mexican dessert that is often served on special occasions and holidays. I had never tried it before, but the description alone made my mouth water.

Maria graciously offered to show me how to make Flan de Crema, and I eagerly accepted her offer. We spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, gathering all the ingredients we needed: eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Maria had a special touch with her cooking, and I knew I was in for a treat.

The first step in making Flan de Crema is to create the caramel sauce. Maria demonstrated how to melt sugar in a pan until it turned a golden brown color, then pour it into the bottom of a baking dish. The caramel would harden as it cooled, creating a sweet and sticky base for the flan.

Next, we prepared the custard mixture. Maria cracked eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with sugar, vanilla extract, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. The mixture was smooth and velvety, with a rich and creamy texture that promised a decadent dessert.

Once the custard was ready, Maria poured it carefully over the caramel in the baking dish. She then placed the dish in a water bath in the oven, allowing the flan to cook gently and evenly. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, a mix of sweet caramel and warm vanilla.

As the Flan de Crema baked, Maria and I chatted and laughed, sharing stories and memories. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, and I cherished these moments spent with my dear friend.

After about an hour, the flan was ready. Maria carefully removed the baking dish from the oven and let it cool before flipping it onto a serving platter. The caramel had soaked into the custard, creating a beautiful marbled effect that was almost too pretty to eat.

But eat it we did, and oh, what a delight it was! The Flan de Crema was smooth and silky, with a rich and creamy texture that melted in my mouth. The caramel added a sweet and sticky contrast, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

I knew then and there that Flan de Crema would become a favorite in my repertoire of recipes. I thanked Maria for introducing me to this delicious dessert and vowed to make it for my own family and friends. The recipe held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joys of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones.

Over the years, I have made Flan de Crema countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this decadent dessert. And every time I make it, I think of Maria and that warm summer day when I first learned to make Flan de Crema. Cooking truly is a gift that brings us together, and I am grateful for the memories and moments shared over a simple but exquisite dessert.