Citrus Caramel Flan
This delightful Citrus Caramel Flan is a vibrant twist on the classic Mexican dessert, Flan de Naranja. Infused with the bright flavors of freshly squeezed orange juice and zesty lemon, this flan captures the essence of tropical Mexico in each creamy bite. Its silky texture is perfectly complemented by a sweet caramel topping that forms as the sugar cooks into a beautiful amber syrup. Ideal for special occasions or a refreshing end to a summer meal, this flan is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (divided into 3/4 cup for caramel and 1/4 cup for the custard)
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
orange zest
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
eggs
6 (large, at room temperature)
orange slices
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a hot water bath for the flan by placing a 9-inch pie pan (1-1/4 inches deep) inside a larger baking dish. While holding the pie pan down, fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie pan. Carefully remove the pie pan and place the water-filled outer pan in the oven to warm.
3
In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 3/4 cup of sugar. As the sugar melts, tilt and swirl the pan gently until the sugar transforms into a clear, medium-amber syrup. Pour this caramel into the pie pan, quickly tilting the pan to ensure the syrup coats the bottom and sides thoroughly. Set aside on a wire rack to cool and harden.
4
In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, and eggs. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5
Once the caramel has set, place the caramel-lined pie pan back into the hot water bath in the oven. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the caramel.
6
Bake uncovered for approximately 25 minutes, or until the center of the flan has a slight spring and the back of a spoon pushed gently into the center leaves a 3/8-inch crevice.
7
After baking, remove the pie pan from the water bath and allow it to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until fully chilled, about 4 hours or overnight. As the flan cools, the caramel will liquefy.
8
To serve, carefully run a knife around the edge of the custard to loosen it. Place a rimmed serving plate upside down over the flan and quickly invert it. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh orange slices before serving.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
16g
Carbs
2g
Protein
14g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Caramel Flan?
It is a vibrant twist on the classic Mexican dessert, Flan de Naranja, featuring orange and lemon flavors.
What are the primary citrus components in this recipe?
The recipe uses freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, and finely grated orange zest.
How many eggs are needed to make this flan?
You will need 6 large eggs, preferably at room temperature.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this flan?
A 9-inch pie pan that is 1-1/4 inches deep is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the water bath for the flan?
Place the pie pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie pan.
How is the caramel topping prepared?
Melt 3/4 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling until it becomes a clear, medium-amber syrup.
How much sugar is used in the custard base?
The custard base uses 1/4 cup of sugar mixed with the juices and eggs.
What is the total amount of sugar required for the whole recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sugar in total.
How long should the flan bake in the oven?
The flan typically bakes for approximately 25 minutes.
Should the flan be covered or uncovered while baking?
The flan should be baked uncovered.
How can I tell if the flan is done baking?
The center should have a slight spring, and a spoon pushed into the center should leave a 3/8-inch crevice.
How long does the flan need to be refrigerated before serving?
It should be chilled for at least 4 hours, though overnight is also recommended.
What happens to the hardened caramel during the cooling process?
The hardened caramel will liquefy into a syrup as the flan chills in the refrigerator.
How do I safely remove the flan from the pan?
Run a knife around the edge to loosen it, place a rimmed plate on top, and quickly invert it.
What is a suggested garnish for the Citrus Caramel Flan?
Fresh orange slices are recommended as a garnish for a beautiful presentation.
Is this flan recipe considered a Mexican dessert?
Yes, it is a variation of the traditional Mexican dessert Flan de Naranja.
How many calories are in one serving of this flan?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving of the flan?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for a serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is contained in one serving?
One serving contains 14 grams of sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
What is the overall texture of the Citrus Caramel Flan?
The flan has a silky, creamy texture.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
While possible, the recipe recommends freshly squeezed juice for the best tropical flavor.
Why should the eggs be at room temperature?
Room temperature eggs mix more easily into the sugar and juice for a smoother custard.
How much orange zest is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest.
Why is a rimmed serving plate important for this dessert?
A rimmed plate is necessary to contain the liquid caramel syrup when the flan is inverted.
What color should the sugar be when the caramel is ready?
The sugar should reach a clear, medium-amber color before being poured into the pan.
Does this dessert provide any dietary fiber?
No, this recipe contains zero grams of fiber.