If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and melts in your mouth, this Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Combining the velvety smoothness of cream cheese with the luscious sweetness of caramel, this flan delivers a perfect balance of rich, creamy texture and golden caramel flavor. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s ideal for sharing and savoring any time you want to impress your guests or indulge yourself with a classic dessert that truly stands out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role: sugar transforms into the deep caramel base, cream cheese adds a luscious texture, and the milks create that dreamy custard finish.
- Sugar (¾ cup): The essential base for the rich caramel that forms the glossy, sweet topping and bottom layer of the flan.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the signature creamy texture and subtle tang that elevates this flan beyond ordinary custard.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds sweetness and a dense creaminess, ensuring the flan is wonderfully smooth and luscious.
- Evaporated Milk (1 can, 12 oz): Lightens the custard while maintaining richness and a delicate mouthfeel.
- Eggs (3 large): The natural thickener that sets the custard into that perfect flan firmness without being heavy.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cream cheese and caramel beautifully.
- Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors subtly but effectively.
How to Make Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a flan mold to ensure the flan releases smoothly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a perfect caramel layer and custard texture.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Base
Gently melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it transforms into a smooth, golden caramel. It’s magical to watch sugar change into this amber syrup. Pour the caramel into your pan and swirl it evenly across the bottom. As it cools, it will harden slightly, creating the signature luscious caramel base your flan will sit upon.
Step 3: Blend the Custard Mixture
Next, combine softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This step ensures an ultra-silky texture that defines this Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble for Baking
Pour this creamy custard mixture over the cooled caramel in your pan. Place the flan pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish halfway up with hot water. This water bath setup is crucial for gentle, even baking, preventing cracks and helping the flan set beautifully.
Step 5: Bake the Flan
Bake your flan for 50 to 60 minutes, until it’s mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Test doneness by inserting a knife—if it comes out mostly clean, your flan is perfectly baked. This timing ensures your flan has that dreamy custard consistency while holding its shape.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to develop fully and the custard to firm up just right for slicing.
Step 7: Serve Your Masterpiece
When you’re ready to serve, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen the flan. Invert it onto a plate and watch the caramel cascade over the silky custard like liquid gold. Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy each heavenly bite.
How to Serve Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
While the flan is already stunning on its own, a few garnishes can elevate its presentation and flavor. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a refreshing tartness, while a sprig of mint introduces a hint of herbal brightness. For extra indulgence, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted coconut flakes can add a delightful twist.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream balances the rich dessert. Consider serving alongside a cup of strong coffee or a bright citrus tea to contrast the custard’s creamy sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins, topped with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and edible flowers. You can also pour a thin layer of fruit compote beneath the flan before adding caramel to the mold—this adds surprise and flavor complexity when unmolded. Get creative and make this dish your own memorable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent drying out or absorbing odors. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, retaining that perfect creamy texture and caramel shine.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid freezing this flan for optimal texture. The custard can become watery once thawed. However, if you must freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated liquids.
Reheating
Cheese flan is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, let the flan sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause an uneven texture and melt the caramel layer.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk has a unique concentrated flavor and creaminess that regular milk doesn’t provide. Using regular milk may result in a thinner custard that lacks the rich texture of the traditional Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe.
What if I don’t have a blender? Can I mix by hand?
Absolutely! You can use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the custard ingredients. Just make sure to mix thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and smooth, to avoid lumps.
How do I avoid cracks in my flan?
Using a water bath as described in the recipe keeps the baking environment moist and gentle, which prevents cracking. Also, avoid overbaking and allow the flan to cool slowly for the best results.
Is this flan gluten-free?
Yes! This Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make mini individual flans?
Definitely! Use small ramekins for individual servings and adjust baking time accordingly, usually shortening it by about 10–15 minutes. This is a charming way to serve guests and control portions.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and magical about this Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe. It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down, enjoy the silky texture, and savor the beautiful marriage of sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other flan. I promise it will become a treasured recipe in your collection, ready to bring smiles to your table anytime.
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Cheese Flan with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This classic Cheese Flan is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a smooth cream cheese custard with a luscious caramel topping. Baked in a water bath for a silky texture, it’s perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
Caramel
- ¾ cup sugar
Flan Custard
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or flan mold thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring occasionally until it turns golden and smooth. Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Allow the caramel to cool and harden.
- Blend custard: In a blender, combine softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Pour custard over caramel: Pour the blended custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking pan. Place this pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the flan pan to create a water bath.
- Bake the flan: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Test doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and refrigerate: Carefully remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flan to fully set and chill.
- Unmold and serve: Run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Invert it onto a serving plate so the caramel sauce flows over the creamy custard. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth custard without lumps.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel to avoid burns.
- The water bath (bain-marie) helps the flan cook gently ensuring a silky texture without cracking.
- Chilling the flan overnight improves the flavor and firmness.
- You can decorate with fresh fruit or whipped cream when serving, if desired.
