Originating from the Philippines, Leche Flan is a beloved dessert known for its creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping. This velvety custard, reminiscent of crème caramel, delights taste buds with its decadent sweetness. Follow these steps to create your own homemade Leche Flan and treat yourself to this sumptuous delight.
Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
For the Leche Flan:
10 egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Caramel:
Heat Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, add sugar and water. Allow the sugar to dissolve completely without stirring. Swirl the pan occasionally to distribute the heat evenly.
Caramelize: Let the sugar mixture cook until it turns a rich golden-brown color. Swirl the pan to ensure the caramelization is uniform. Once achieved, immediately pour the caramel into your chosen flan mold(s). Tilt the mold(s) to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and solidify.
Making the Leche Flan:
Prepare Steaming Setup: Boil water in a steamer while preparing the Leche Flan mixture. Ensure you have enough water to last the steaming process.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Add the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until well combined and smooth.
Strain the Mixture: To achieve a smooth texture, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another bowl.
Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the Leche Flan mixture into the caramel-coated mold(s). Cover the mold(s) with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during steaming.
Steam the Flan: Place the mold(s) into the steamer and cover with a lid. Steam the Leche Flan over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until set. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the flan is cooked.
Chill and Serve: Once done, remove the mold(s) from the steamer and let the Leche Flan cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
Serving: To serve, run a knife along the edges of the mold to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate on top of the mold, then quickly invert it to release the Leche Flan with its caramel topping.
Conclusion:
Crafting your homemade Leche Flan is a rewarding endeavor that promises a decadent and delightful dessert experience. The creamy texture and caramelized sweetness of this Filipino classic are sure to impress your taste buds and those of your friends and family.
Indulge in the rich flavors and velvety smoothness of your homemade Leche Flan—a dessert that perfectly encapsulates the art of sweet indulgence!
