An Essential Guide to Bánh Flan

Fact: Vietnamese flan was influenced by the French during their colonial period.

#85 in Vietnam

Bánh Flan: Basic Information

Pronunciation

bahn flahn

Alternative Name(s)

Caramen (in the Northern region)

Dish Type

Desserts, Snacks

Course

Dessert

Mealtime

Anytime

Bánh Flan: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Popular Bánh Flan Variations

Bánh Flan Trà Xanh

Bánh Flan Phô Mai

Rau Câu Bánh Flan

Bánh Flan Gato

Bánh Flan: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Eggs, milk, sugar

Main Cooking Method

Steaming (traditionally)

Preparation Process

Preparing the caramel and custard mixture, pouring them in ramekins, steaming until set

Bánh Flan: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

A popular dessert in Vietnamese cuisine, influenced by French culinary traditions

Taste

Sweet with a caramel flavor

Texture

Smooth, creamy, and custard-like

Aroma

Sweet, with hints of caramel and vanilla

Color

Light yellow with a dark caramel top

Serving Style

Typically in individual cups

Serving Temperature

Chilled or cold

Accompaniment

Often served with black coffee poured around the cake

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Gluten-free, vegetarian

Calories

189 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for 1 cup of Banh flan

Popularity

Vietnam, especially in urban regions

Popular Similar Dishes

Crème Brûlée

Popular Dining Area

Vietnamese dessert cafes, restaurants, street vendors, or households

Bánh flan is a favorite dessert made from a steamed mixture of eggs, milk, and caramelized sugar. It is popular across Vietnam, especially as a street food in urban regions.

Regarding its history, bánh flan is a fusion treat that was introduced during the French colonial period in Vietnam.

It eventually evolved through the addition of local ingredients and flavors. It is also known as a Vietnamese-style creme caramel. Plus, in the Northern part of Vietnam, bánh flan is known as caramen.

In the reading, you’ll have a closer look at Vietnamese flan cake’s ingredients and how to prepare it in the traditional way (steaming on the stove) or baking it in the oven. Furthermore, I’ll show you some beloved varieties of bánh flan in this Southeast Asian country.

Nonetheless, consumers should be mindful of the specific benefits and drawbacks to enjoy them accordingly, address some common questions regarding bánh flan, and find out other similar culinary delights.

Key Points

Vietnamese bánh flan is a dessert made from eggs, milk, and caramel.
It gained popularity in Vietnam during the French colonial era.
The dessert can be prepared traditionally by steaming or by baking in an oven.
Various styles of bánh flan exist in Vietnam, incorporating unique ingredients like green tea, cheese, jelly, or sponge cake.

Bánh Flan Images

What Are Ingredients To Prepare Bánh Flan?

To prepare bánh flan, you typically need the following ingredients:

Eggs

Use whole eggs and additional egg yolks for a richer custard base.

Milk

In Vietnam, locals can make it with either condensed milk or fresh milk (or both). All increase the creaminess of the cake.

Sugar

For making caramel. It can be white or brown sugar.

Vanilla Extract

To reduce the original flavor of eggs and give bánh flan a more delicate aroma.

Please note that the exact ratio of milk to eggs in bánh flan can vary as it also depends on what types of milk are used. However, they are important in determining the cake’s texture and smoothness.

Another factor for a perfect flan is cooking it. Read on to comprehend its making process.

How To Make Bánh Flan?

Here are simplified steps to prepare bánh flan at home.

Step 1: Preparing the Caramel

In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves and turns into a golden-brown caramel. Quickly pour the caramel into ramekins or a flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 2: Making the Custard Mix

Whisk eggs in a bowl. Add sweetened condensed milk or fresh milk (or both, depending on personal preference) and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix well. Strain the mixture with a filter to increase the smoothness.

Step 3: Pouring the Mixture

Pour the custard mix into the caramel-coated ramekins or mold.

Step 4: Steaming the Flan

Steam them on the stove. To check the doneness. Use a toothpick to pierce the cake; if no batter sticks to it, bánh flan is ready.

Step 5: Cooling

Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge until chilled.

Step 6: Serving

Vietnamese people normally enjoy bánh flan with brewed black coffee since the bitterness of coffee can complement the sweetness and creaminess of this steamed cake. Additionally, locals also often use milk coffee or mix black coffee with coconut milk to reduce the bitterness.

However, bánh flan often ends up with a pitted surface when steam condenses on the lid and drips down during the steaming process. Therefore, others choose another way to cook it, which is by oven.

How To Bake Bánh Flan in An Oven?

Making bánh flan in an oven is similar to steaming it on the stove, except for the part of preparing it for baking. You will need to:

Step 1: Preheating the oven to 325-350°F.
Step 2: Placing the filled ramekins in a deep baking pan and creating a water bath by filling the pan with hot water to the midway point of the ramekins’ height.
Step 3: Baking the flan for around 45 minutes to 1 hour until the cake is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. You can use a toothpick to check the doneness.

Next, let’s discover the diverse versions of this dessert that are common in Vietnam.

What Are the Common Varieties of Vietnamese Bánh Flan?

Besides the basic form of bánh flan, Vietnamese know how to adapt other ingredients to make it more diverse in varieties. Below are four famous styles of bánh flan in this country.