Delicate Portuguese Flan (Creme Caramel)
Indulge in the creamy, velvety delight of this authentic Portuguese Flan, also known as Creme Caramel. This classic dessert features a luscious custard base enveloped in a rich caramel sauce. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a meal or for any special occasion. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, each flan serves up a beautiful golden hue that promises a deliciously sweet experience. This recipe is created for four servings, ensuring you have enough to share with friends or enjoy over multiple days.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cold water
50-75 ml (None)
white sugar (for caramel)
200 g (None)
white sugar (for custard)
200 g (None)
eggs
12 (Beaten individually)
milk
1 liter (None)
cinnamon stick
1 (None)
lemon rind
1 strip (None)
vanilla essence
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Caramel: In a heavy saucepan, combine cold water and sugar, pouring the sugar into the center of the water to prevent it from sticking to the edges. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the caramel to develop its color without stirring. Watch as it transitions from a light blonde to a rich dark hue.
2
Once the desired color is achieved, quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of ramekins, swirling gently to coat the base.
3
Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs one at a time into the sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
4
In a saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon stick, lemon rind, and vanilla essence. Heat gently until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and carefully pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine without over-mixing.
5
Strain the combined mixture through a sieve into a jug to ensure a smooth texture before distributing it evenly into the prepared ramekins, being careful to swirl it slightly as you pour over the caramel to avoid cracking.
6
Set the ramekins in an ovenproof dish and fill the dish halfway up the sides with water for a gentle steam baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully turn the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
7
Allow the flans to rest for 30 minutes after baking. Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins to loosen, then invert onto a serving dish to showcase the glossy caramel topping.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
62.5
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portuguese Flan?
Portuguese Flan, also known as Creme Caramel, is a classic, creamy dessert featuring a velvety custard base topped with a rich caramel sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce four servings.
What are the ingredients for the caramel?
The caramel is made using 50-75 ml of cold water and 200 g of white sugar.
How do I prevent sugar from sticking to the saucepan edges?
To prevent sticking, pour the sugar into the center of the water in a heavy saucepan before cooking.
How long does the caramel take to develop?
The caramel typically takes about 10 minutes to develop its color over medium heat.
What color should the caramel be?
The caramel should transition from a light blonde to a rich, dark golden hue.
How do I prepare the ramekins with caramel?
Quickly pour the finished caramel into the bottom of the ramekins and swirl gently to coat the base.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
This recipe requires 12 eggs, which should be beaten individually into the sugar.
How should the eggs and sugar be mixed?
Whisk the eggs one at a time into the sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy.
What aromatics are used to flavor the milk?
The milk is flavored with a cinnamon stick, a strip of lemon rind, and a teaspoon of vanilla essence.
Should the milk be boiled?
Yes, the milk mixture should be heated gently until it just comes to a boil before being removed from the heat.
How do I combine the hot milk with the egg mixture?
Carefully pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine without over-mixing.
How can I ensure the flan has a smooth texture?
Strain the combined custard mixture through a sieve into a jug to remove any lumps or solids before baking.
How do I pour the custard into the ramekins without cracking the caramel?
Swirl the mixture slightly as you pour it over the caramel to distribute the heat and avoid cracking the base.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Bake the flans in a preheated oven at 150°C or 300°F.
What is a water bath in this context?
A water bath involves placing the ramekins in an ovenproof dish filled halfway up the sides with water to provide gentle steam heat.
How long should the flan bake?
The flan should bake for a total of 30 minutes.
Why should I turn the baking dish halfway through?
Turning the dish after 15 minutes ensures that the flans cook evenly.
How long should the flan rest after it comes out of the oven?
Allow the flans to rest for 30 minutes before attempting to serve them.
How do I remove the flan from the ramekin?
Run a knife around the inner edges of the ramekin to loosen the custard, then invert it onto a serving dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this flan?
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 62.5 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is vanilla essence necessary for this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla essence is used to provide the classic flavor profile.
Can I use any type of sugar for this recipe?
The recipe specifies white sugar for both the caramel and the custard base.
What part of the lemon is used?
The recipe uses a single strip of lemon rind for flavoring the milk.
How much milk is needed?
You will need 1 liter of milk for the custard base.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its visually stunning golden appearance and sophisticated flavor make it perfect for special events.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include dessert, Portuguese flan, creme caramel, sweet treat, custard, and comfort food.