Mastering the Art of Leche Flan- A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting This Classic Latin American Dessert

How to Prepare a Leche Flan: A Delightful Spanish Dessert

Leche flan, also known as Spanish flan, is a classic Spanish dessert that has won the hearts of many with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made primarily of eggs, evaporated milk, and caramel, this dessert is a perfect ending to any meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare a leche flan, ensuring that you can enjoy this delightful treat at home.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation steps, let’s first gather the necessary ingredients:

– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 5 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the caramel sauce:
– In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water.
– Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
– Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Be careful, as the caramel can burn quickly.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish or ramekins. Tilt the dish to ensure the caramel coats the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the leche flan mixture:
– In a large bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together until well combined.
– Gradually add the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk to the eggs, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from curdling.
– Pour the mixture into the caramel-coated baking dish or ramekins.

3. Bake the leche flan:
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
– Place the baking dish or ramekins into a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with hot water, ensuring that the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish or ramekins.
– Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center of the leche flan is set but still a bit wobbly.
– Turn off the oven and let the leche flan sit inside for another 30 minutes. This will allow it to set completely.

4. Cool and serve:
– Remove the leche flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
– Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
– To serve, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish or ramekins to loosen the leche flan.
– Invert the leche flan onto a plate or individual serving dishes.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a slice of fresh fruit, if desired.

Now that you know how to prepare a leche flan, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious Spanish dessert. Buon appetito!