Decadent Chocolate Sesame Flan
Indulge in this luxurious Decadent Chocolate Sesame Flan, a delightful twist on the classic flan that combines rich chocolate flavors with a nutty sesame brittle. This exquisite dessert features a velvety smooth texture, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home. The flan is made with high-quality cocoa powder and is infused with aromatic cinnamon and vanilla, creating a rich, complex flavor profile. The homemade caramel adds a touch of elegance, while the crunchy sesame topping provides a satisfying contrast in texture. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet ending to any meal, this stunning dessert is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (For caramel)
Sesame Seeds
1/2 cup (For topping)
Agave Syrup
2 tablespoons (For topping)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For caramel and topping)
Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups (For chocolate mixture)
Whole Milk
1 1/2 cups (For chocolate mixture)
Crushed Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
2 teaspoons (For infusion)
Vanilla Bean
1 (Split)
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup (For chocolate mixture)
Large Eggs
6 (For flan base)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Allow the sugar to melt, stirring occasionally with a heatproof rubber spatula, until it turns a uniform dark brown color (approximately 10-12 minutes), being careful not to let it burn.
2
Once the caramel is ready, quickly pour it into an 8-inch diameter cake pan, swirling to ensure an even coverage that’s 1/4-inch deep. Set aside to cool and harden.
3
Next, prepare the chocolate and milk mixture. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer. Whisk in cocoa powder until there are no lumps. Then add the heavy cream, whole milk, split vanilla bean, and crushed cinnamon stick. Stir and bring back to a simmer. Once simmering, remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a blender, purée the eggs with the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
5
Strain the steeped chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, discarding the solids. Blend on low speed just to combine, then skim any foam from the top. Carefully pour the combined mixture over the cooled caramel in the cake pan.
6
Prepare a roasting pan by lining it with a thick kitchen towel (this helps prevent the flan from sliding in the oven). Place the filled cake pan inside the roasting pan and pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches the same level as the flan mixture.
7
Bake the flan in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it looks set (it should wobble gently like Jell-O). Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
8
Cover the flan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours, until set and cold.
9
While the flan is chilling, prepare the sesame brittle. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons of agave syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Spread this mixture evenly on a silpat- or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
10
Bake the sesame mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the seeds are golden brown and bubbly. Allow it to cool completely before breaking it into small, crisp pieces.
11
When ready to serve, run a small knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Invert the flan onto a serving platter, and top with the broken pieces of sesame brittle for a crunchy finish. Enjoy your stunning and decadent dessert!
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
18
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Sesame Flan?
It is a luxurious twist on classic flan that combines rich chocolate flavors with a nutty sesame brittle topping.
How many calories are in a serving of this flan?
There are 220 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Chocolate Sesame Flan?
Each serving contains 12 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
This dessert provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cocoa powder is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder.
What size pan is needed to bake the flan?
You should use an 8-inch diameter cake pan.
How long does it take to melt the sugar for the caramel?
It takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes for the sugar to melt and turn dark brown.
What is the purpose of steeping the chocolate mixture?
Steeping the mixture for 30 minutes helps to enhance the flavors of the vanilla and cinnamon.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many eggs are required for the flan base?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs.
How do you prepare the sesame brittle topping?
Combine sesame seeds, agave syrup, and salt, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
How long should the flan be refrigerated before serving?
The flan should be chilled for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours, until it is set and cold.
What type of cinnamon is recommended for the infusion?
The recipe recommends using crushed Ceylon cinnamon sticks.
Why is a kitchen towel placed in the roasting pan?
A thick kitchen towel helps prevent the flan pan from sliding inside the roasting pan while in the oven.
How do you know when the flan is finished baking?
The flan is done when it looks set but still wobbles gently like Jell-O, typically after 35 to 45 minutes.
What kind of milk and cream are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
Is agave syrup used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of agave syrup are used for the sesame brittle topping.
How much sugar is used for the caramel layer?
1/2 cup of granulated sugar is used to create the caramel.
How do you loosen the flan from the pan for serving?
Run a small knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it before inverting it onto a serving platter.
Does the recipe use vanilla extract or a vanilla bean?
The recipe uses one split vanilla bean for the chocolate mixture infusion.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How is the caramel distributed in the pan?
The melted sugar is poured into the pan and swirled to ensure even coverage about 1/4-inch deep.
Should the chocolate mixture be strained?
Yes, the chocolate mixture should be strained into the egg mixture to discard solids like the vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks.
What is the texture of the sesame brittle?
The sesame brittle is crunchy and crisp, providing a contrast to the velvety flan.
Can this dessert be prepared in advance?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, chocolate, sesame, creamy, elegant, and special occasion.
What is the function of the water bath during baking?
The boiling water in the roasting pan ensures even, gentle heat for the flan mixture.
How much salt is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt is split between the caramel and the topping.
What is the serving suggestion for the brittle?
The brittle should be broken into small pieces and sprinkled over the top of the inverted flan.