Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Pumpkin Caramel Flan Delight?
It is an exquisite, light, and velvety pumpkin-flavored dessert featuring a rich caramel sauce, serving as a sophisticated alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the calorie counts for this flan?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling for this recipe?
No, you should use unsweetened solid-pack pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure the correct texture and flavor.
What kind of milk is used in this pumpkin flan?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of Carnation Fat-Free Evaporated Milk.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the caramel layer?
Melt 3/4 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown, then quickly pour it into the baking dish.
What is the purpose of the water bath?
A water bath, or bain-marie, ensures the flan cooks evenly and maintains a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
How long does the flan need to bake?
The flan should bake for 40 to 45 minutes until it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
What is the required chilling time for the best results?
The flan needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best texture.
How do I unmold the flan for serving?
Run a small spatula around the edges to loosen it, invert a large plate over the dish, and carefully flip it over, shaking gently to release.
What sweetener besides sugar is used in this recipe?
Honey is used as a natural sweetener in the pumpkin mixture.
How much fat is in a serving of this flan?
This is a low-fat dessert containing only 2 grams of fat per serving.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs and 2 large egg whites, all beaten.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need an 8-inch square baking dish for the flan and a 13x9 inch dish for the water bath.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the sugar be stirred while melting for the caramel?
Yes, stir the sugar constantly over medium heat to ensure it melts evenly and reaches a golden brown color.
How deep should the water be in the water bath?
The water in the outer dish should reach a depth of about 3/4 inch.
Can I substitute the evaporated milk?
The recipe specifically calls for Carnation Fat-Free Evaporated Milk to achieve its specific nutritional profile and consistency.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
How should the flan be sliced for an elegant presentation?
Cut the square flan into quarters diagonally, and then cut each quarter in half to form triangle-shaped pieces.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the pumpkin mixture.
Does the recipe require a wire rack?
Yes, the flan should cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes after being removed from the water bath.
Is the flan heavy like a typical pumpkin pie?
No, it is described as a light yet satisfying dessert that is less heavy than traditional pumpkin pie.
What is the preparation for the pumpkin?
The pumpkin should be solid-pack and unsweetened.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The primary flavors are pumpkin, caramel, honey, and warm pumpkin pie spices.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, despite the sophisticated result.