Description
Silky smooth caramel cheesecake flan merges Mexican and American dessert traditions into one irresistible masterpiece. Rich custard and velvety cream cheese create a luxurious finale that melts perfectly on your palate, inviting pure indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 (14-ounce/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce/340 grams) can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk, at room temperature
Caramel Components:
- 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a golden caramel base by melting sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally until the mixture transforms into a rich amber color, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Distribute the molten caramel evenly among ramekins, allowing it to cool and solidify into a glossy bottom layer.
- Combine cream cheese and eggs using an electric mixer, initially on low speed, then increasing to medium-high until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
- Incorporate condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until fully integrated.
- Carefully transfer the custard mixture into caramel-lined ramekins, ensuring each vessel is filled to within 1/2 inch of the rim.
- Arrange ramekins inside a large baking dish, creating a water bath by adding hot water halfway up the sides of the containers.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture and potential burning.
- Bake at 325°F for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the flan develops a delicate, slightly trembling center when gently tapped.
- Allow the flan to cool completely for a minimum of 2 hours, enabling the custard to set and flavors to meld.
- To serve, delicately trace the ramekin edges with a knife and invert onto serving plates, revealing the luscious caramel-topped dessert.
Notes
- Caramel Precision: Watch the sugar syrup closely during caramelization to prevent burning, aiming for a rich golden-brown color without bitter notes.
- Smooth Blending Technique: Use room temperature ingredients and beat cream cheese slowly to avoid lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
- Water Bath Mastery: Create an even water level around ramekins for gentle, consistent baking that prevents cracking and ensures creamy consistency.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these flans a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and caramel to fully set, enhancing overall taste and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg