Silky Sweet Condensed Milk Flan Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Custard Dessert

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly comforting about condensed milk flan. With its golden caramel layer and velvety custard, it melts in your mouth while offering just the right balance of sweetness and richness. This timeless dessert requires only a handful of ingredients yet delivers a show-stopping result. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make condensed milk flan step by step, provide expert tips, and share variations you can try at home.

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What Is Condensed Milk Flan?

Condensed milk flan is a custard dessert with caramel sauce on top. It’s prepared by mixing eggs with sweetened condensed milk, regular or evaporated milk, and vanilla, then baked gently in a water bath. Once chilled and inverted, the caramel flows over the flan, creating a glossy finish. Known in different regions as flan, crème caramel, or leche flan, it’s a dessert celebrated around the world.

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Ingredients for Condensed Milk Flan

To make a classic condensed milk flan, you’ll need:

• Sweetened condensed milk – provides sweetness and a creamy texture
• Whole milk or evaporated milk – balances the richness
• Eggs – the base that sets the custard
• Granulated sugar – for the caramel topping
• Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor

Optional: lemon or orange zest, salt, or spices for extra depth.

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Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the oven and water bath

Preheat oven to 325–350°F (160–175°C). Place your flan pan inside a larger baking dish to create a water bath later.

2. Make the caramel

Melt sugar slowly over medium heat until golden amber. Swirl gently, but do not stir. Once ready, immediately pour into your mold, coating the bottom evenly.

3. Mix the custard

Whisk together eggs, condensed milk, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth but avoid overbeating, as this creates bubbles. For best results, strain the mixture before pouring it into the mold.

4. Bake in a water bath

Pour the custard over the caramel. Fill the outer baking dish with hot water to halfway up the mold. Bake for 40–60 minutes, or until the center has a slight wobble.

5. Cool and chill

Allow the flan to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

6. Unmold and serve

Run a knife along the edge, place a plate on top, and flip carefully. The caramel sauce will flow beautifully over the custard. Serve chilled.

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Tips for Perfect Condensed Milk Flan

• Caramel carefully: Too light and it lacks depth, too dark and it tastes bitter.
• Strain custard: Ensures a silky, bubble-free texture.
• Use the water bath: Prevents curdling and keeps custard soft.
• Check for jiggle: The center should wobble slightly when done.
• Chill long enough: Overnight refrigeration improves both flavor and texture.

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Variations You Can Try

• Coconut flan – replace some milk with coconut milk for tropical flavor
• Citrus zest – add lemon or orange zest for brightness
• Coffee flan – mix in brewed coffee for depth and bitterness
• Mini flans – use ramekins for individual servings that bake faster

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Why People Love Condensed Milk Flan

This dessert is more than just sweet indulgence. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and universally loved. The condensed milk gives it unmatched creaminess, while the caramel topping creates a dramatic presentation. From family dinners to festive occasions, condensed milk flan has a special place on the table.

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Conclusion

Condensed milk flan is a dessert that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With a smooth custard base, glossy caramel topping, and endless variations, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Follow the steps carefully, use the tips to perfect your technique, and soon you’ll have a go-to dessert that impresses every time.

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