Learn How to Make Spanish Flan With a Simple Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is flan unhealthy? ›

Flan does contain high amount of calcium but the cholesterol and amount of sugar over powers the calcium benefits. One serving (3.5 oz / 100g) of flan has close to 36 grams sugar. It is and seem quite high until you compare it with a can of soda which contains about 44g of sugar.

French Flan vs Spanish Flan

The main difference is that the French version is baked inside a tart crust while the Spanish version is a pudding-like baked custard, usually baked in a water bath. The ingredients are pretty close, but the Spanish version usually does not have Cornstarch in it and is made with Milk only.

The name leche flan is translated into “milk custard,” and is often much richer than Spanish flan because it includes more egg yolks, condensed milk, and is steamed. Since there is an addition of milk, it's texture is much more jiggly and pudding-like than French flan.

In Spanish-speaking countries and often in the United States, crème caramel is known as flan. This was originally a Spanish-language usage, but the dish is now best known in North America in a Latin American context. Elsewhere, including in Britain, a flan is a type of tart somewhat like a quiche.

As the Roman Empire expanded throughout Europe, new variations of flan were created. The region of Spain today is where the classic sweet caramel sauce version was introduced. Eventually, Spain brought the recipe to the New World, specifically to the south of Mexico.

People with diabetes don't have to skip dessert. But Arévalo recommends making a treat that offers more than just carbs. You could do a bowl of fruit with a chocolate drizzle, or a coconut flan. Flan is made with milk and eggs—two protein sources that counteract the carbs slightly, Arévalo said.

Spaniards brought flan to Mexico during Spanish conquest and occupation. Since then it's become a truly beloved dish among Mexicans in all regions of the country. Most people consider flan a dessert, but more and more people are finding excuses to eat it at all times of the day.

Despite having a lot of sugar, which is a preservative, flan also has milk and eggs, which have a high protein and moisture content. This makes it a fertile breeding ground for unwanted, harmful bacteria.

Flan is a popular dessert in Spain and Latin America, also known as creme caramel due to its indulgent custard base topped with delicious caramel.

Mexican flan, a distant cousin of the crème brûlée, is a smooth, decadent custard-based dessert. Next time you do Mexican night at home, this will be the perfect finishing touch to your fiesta — it's not as tricky to make as you might think.

What is the difference between Vietnamese flan and regular flan? ›

Texture: Mexican flan is known for being denser and creamier in texture, while Vietnamese flan is more smooth and silky. Serving style: Mexican flan is usually served in a deep dish or ramekin, and the caramel sauce is poured over the top.

Why does my flan taste eggy? Using too many eggs or overcooking the flan will make it taste eggy. Make sure your egg-to-dairy ratio is correct. Add vanilla or citrus to enhance its flavor.

Mexican flan boasts a rich vanilla flavor accompanied by a deep caramel topping. On the other hand, Vietnamese Banh Flan incorporates coconut milk, and sometimes pandan, infusing subtle flavors that add a unique Southeast Asian twist to the classic custard taste.

Flan (also known as crème caramel) is a custard of sugar, milk, cream, and egg yolks, baked in a caramel-sauce-lined ramekin until soft and wiggly.

Egg custard ( pudding) is egg, milk &/ or cream, sugar and usually vanilla. Flan or creame caramel is egg custard with Carmelized sugar in the bottom of the pan that the custard is baked in. Most often flan is served inverted.

What does it taste like? Flan has a rich, toasted sugar caramel flavor from the topping and the base tastes very milky, perfectly sweet and lightly eggy. It is similar to creme brulee or panna cotta in taste, but texturally the three are quite different.

It's essentially baked custard—eggs, gelatin, vanilla, and cream or milk. Nuances will vary subtly or not so subtly depending on if you're enjoying, say, a Spanish flan versus a Mexican one. For instance, your flan will most likely be drenched in a sweet milky caramel syrup if it's Latin-style, like dulce de leche.