Velvety Maple Ricotta Custard Flans
Indulge in a luscious, velvety dessert of Velvety Maple Ricotta Custard Flans, where the creaminess of ricotta meets the rich sweetness of maple syrup. These elegant flans are not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them the perfect finishing touch for any special occasion or a delightful treat to elevate your everyday dessert experience. Their make-ahead convenience allows you to chill out while they chill in the fridge, ensuring you can host with ease.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (divided, plus 1 teaspoon)
eggs
4 (beaten)
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (container)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pour 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup equally into the bottom of six 6-ounce custard cups. Gently tilt each cup to ensure the syrup evenly coats the bottom.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Stir these ingredients together until thoroughly mixed but avoid creating foam.
3
Place the prepared custard cups inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly divide the egg-and-cheese mixture among the cups. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of each.
4
Place the baking dish on an oven rack. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish until the water reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the custard cups. This water bath will help the flans cook evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a flan comes out clean.
5
Remove the custard cups from the baking dish and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, cover each cup and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour or until you're ready to serve.
6
To serve, take a small knife and carefully run it around the edges of each flan to loosen them. Invert a dessert plate over each cup, then swiftly flip the custard cup and plate together so the flan unmolds onto the plate, drizzled with the maple syrup from the bottom of the cup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Velvety Maple Ricotta Custard Flans?
They are a luscious, velvety dessert where creamy ricotta cheese meets the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup in an elegant flan format.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 individual servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size custard cups should be used?
The recipe calls for six 6-ounce custard cups.
How much maple syrup is placed at the bottom of the cups?
A total of 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup is divided equally among the six cups.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
Four eggs are required, and they should be beaten before mixing.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
What other sweeteners are included besides maple syrup?
The recipe also includes 1/4 cup of sugar.
Is there maple syrup inside the custard mixture?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup is stirred into the egg-and-cheese mixture.
What flavor extract is used in this recipe?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is used.
Are there any optional spices?
Yes, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of each custard if desired.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Stir the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed, but be careful to avoid creating foam.
What size baking dish is used for the water bath?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is used to hold the custard cups.
How deep should the water bath be?
Pour boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the custard cups.
Why is a water bath necessary?
The water bath helps the flans cook evenly and maintains a gentle heat.
How long do the flans need to bake?
They should bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do you test if the flans are finished cooking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a flan; if it comes out clean, they are done.
Do the flans need to be cooled before refrigerating?
Yes, remove them from the water bath and allow them to cool completely before transferring to the fridge.
How long should the flans chill in the refrigerator?
They should chill for at least one hour, or until you are ready to serve.
Should the cups be covered while in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover each cup before placing them in the refrigerator.
How do you unmold the flans for serving?
Run a small knife around the edges, invert a plate over the cup, and flip them together swiftly.
What serves as the sauce for the flan?
The maple syrup from the bottom of the cup creates a natural drizzle once the flan is unmolded.
Can these be made in advance?
Yes, they offer make-ahead convenience, as they need time to chill in the fridge.
What type of cuisine does this dessert lean toward?
It is described as an Italian-style dessert due to the use of ricotta cheese.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is described as incredibly simple to prepare.
How do you ensure the syrup coats the bottom of the cups?
Gently tilt each cup after pouring in the syrup to ensure an even coating.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The texture is described as velvety and creamy.
Should I use pure maple syrup?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What category of food is this recipe?
It is categorized as a Dessert.