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    Home » Recipes » Caramel Desserts

    Easy Dulce de Leche Flan Recipe

    by Jolina | Published: April 3, 2024 | Last Updated: April 3, 2024 | 2 Comments
    This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Pin for Smooth and Creamy Dulce de Leche Flan.
    Pin for Easy Dulce de Leche Flan Recipe.
    Pin for Smooth and Creamy Dulce de Leche Flan.

    Dulce de leche flan is smooth, rich and creamy. The combination of decadent dulce de leche and velvety custard results to a delicious dessert you’ll want to make over and over. 

    (Are you a big fan of flans like I am? You’ll love this creamy Filipino leche flan, delightful leche flan cupcakes and stunning leche flan cake.)

    Freshly made flan de dulce de leche on a cake platter.
    Jump To hide
    Why you’ll love making this recipe
    How to make
    Expert flan making tips
    Recipe FAQs
    Other custard desserts
    Dulce de Leche Flan

    If you think sweetened condensed milk is amazing, wait till you try dulce de leche. It’s like condensed milk on steroids.

    The taste is similar to caramel but creamier, richer and thicker. 

    It’s used in a lot of latin American desserts and I use them in these dulce de leche brownies and dulce de leche cupcakes.

    Today I’m adding dulce de leche flan (flan de dulce de leche or dulce de leche creme caramel) to my dulce de leche dessert collection.

    And yes it’s as luxurious as it sounds.

    Let’s get to it.

    Why you’ll love making this recipe

    Overhead shot of dulce de leche creme caramel.

    Some people are afraid of making flan but it’s actually easy and simple to make (I give lots of tips below). Also:

    • Simple ingredients. You’ll only need 7 easy-to-find ingredients. If you’re wondering about dulce de leche, you should be able to find them where you would find the condensed milk.
    • Use whatever pan you like. This recipe is also customizable in that you can use whatever pan you want. You can even use ramekins to make individual flans. Traditionally, Filipino leche flan is made in a llanera and that would work here too. I prefer using an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
    • Make ahead. You need to make flan ahead so it has time to set, which makes it perfect for parties and potlucks — make it when you have time, serve when you’re ready for dessert.
    • Crowd favorite. Whenever we have company, flan is always one of the first to disappear from the dessert table. Everyone loves it!

    How to make

    Dulce de leche flan ingredients with text overlay.
    (Featured products are not sponsored.)

    Some flans are steamed but I like to bake mine. And don’t worry, it’s easy!

    Ingredients

    You’ll need pantry staples like granulated sugar, salt and vanilla extract. A few things to note:

    • Whole eggs — I usually make flan using just egg yolks but for this recipe, I’ve decided to use whole eggs to lighten the mixture a bit. Dulce de leche on its own is already very rich.
    • Dulce de leche — you can find dulce de leche in the baking aisle, where you would usually find the condensed milk, or in Amazon.
    • Evaporated milk — for best results, use full-fat evaporated milk.

    Baking tools

    You don’t need an electric mixer in this recipe. And you can use any kind of pan or mould you like.

    You will need a roasting pan or deep baking pan for the water bath.

    Step-by-step photos

    Preheat oven to 350F.

    Make the caramel by dissolving granulated sugar with water in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Swirl occasionally to ensure the sugar does not harden and/or burn (see below for tips).

    Caramel in a pan.

    Once it turns a light golden color, remove from heat and spread evenly on your baking pan. Set aside to work on the flan.

    Beaten whole eggs in a bowl.

    Whisk eggs.

    Eggs and dulce de leche mixture.

    Add dulce de leche and stir until thoroughly combined.

    Evaporated milk added to flan mixture.

    Add evaporated milk, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

    Dulce de leche flan mixture in a bowl.

    Mix well.

    Flan mixture strained into a pan.

    Strain mixture into your baking pan (on top of the caramel). 

    Dulce de leche flan mixture in a baking pan.

    Gently and carefully pour so as not to create large air bubbles.

    Place your baking pan in a roasting pan and put the roasting pan in your preheated oven. 

    Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the side of your baking pan. 

    Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the flan is set (firm but still jiggly). If you see that the top is getting too brown, loosely cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.

    Take the flan out of the oven and cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.

    Run a thin, sharp knife around the edges of your pan to loosen the flan before inverting into a platter to serve.

    Expert flan making tips

    " "

    Easy, right? Here are more tips for perfect flan every time.

    • For the creamiest texture, bake your flan in a water bath. Put baking pan in a roasting pan (or any deep baking pan) filled with hot water that comes up to your baking pan halfway.
    • You’ll know if your flan is done baking when the top has turned a light amber, the sides have started to firm up but the middle still looks jiggly (but not soupy). It’s similar to how you check for doneness in cheesecakes.
    • The key to making the caramel is to watch it but leave it alone. This means don’t walk away but also resist the urge to stir. What you want to do is gently swirl your pan once the sugar dissolves so it doesn’t burn. And when it turns a beautiful golden color, you’re done.
    • Allow time for the flan to set. I chill mine for at least 3 hours before serving.

    Recipe FAQs

    " "
    What pan should I use when making dulce de leche flan?


    You can use any pan you like! I prefer using a 9×9 round cake pan, or an 8×8 round cake pan if I want a thicker flan.

    Why did my flan not set?


    Soupy flan can be due to different factors, including:

    (1) Undercooking — make sure to cook the cake all the way through.
    (2) Wrong ratios — there might be too much liquid in the mixture. Read the recipe carefully and make sure to add the correct amounts of ingredients.

    What do I do if my flan is stuck in the pan?


    Run a thin sharp knife along the edges of your pan before inverting your pan into a serving platter. I like to help things along by gently tapping on the pan’s bottom so the flan smoothly drops into the platter.

    Flan is rarely stuck but if yours is, you can leave it in the pan and serve them by scooping them into little bowls.

    How do I store dulce de leche flan and how long does it last?


    Keep dulce de leche flan in a covered container in the fridge. It should keep for 3 days.

    Other custard desserts

    Do you like custard-based desserts? Check these out!

    • Close up shot of yema balls in a bowl.
      Easy Filipino Yema Balls Recipe
    • Close up shot of a Brazo de Mercedes cake.
      Brazo de Mercedes (Recipe, Tips & More!)
    • Freshly baked Hokkaido cheese tarts.
      The Best Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts (Easy Recipe)
    • Filipino Egg Pie Recipe
      Filipino Egg Pie Recipe

    Happy baking!

    Did you make this dulce de leche flan recipe? I’d love to hear all about it! Leave a comment or a star rating below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see your creations!

    You can also find me on Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

    Slice of dulce de leche flan on a plate.

    Dulce de Leche Flan

    Author: Jolina
    Dulce de leche flan is smooth, rich and creamy. The combination of decadent dulce de leche and velvety custard results to a delicious dessert you’ll want to make over and over.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Chill Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Latin American
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 37 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Balloon Whisk
    • 8-Inch Round Pan

    Ingredients
     
     

    Caramel

    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup water

    Custard

    • 5 pieces large eggs room temperature
    • 1 10-oz can dulce de leche
    • 1 12-oz can evaporated milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • pinch salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350F.
    • Make the caramel by dissolving granulated sugar with water in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Swirl occasionally to ensure the sugar does not harden and/or burn.
      ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup water
    • Once it turns a light golden color, remove from heat and spread evenly on your baking pan. Set aside to work on the custard.
      Caramel in a pan.
    • Whisk eggs in a bowl.
      5 pieces large eggs
      Beaten whole eggs in a bowl.
    • Add dulce de leche and stir until thoroughly combined.
      1 10-oz can dulce de leche
      Eggs and dulce de leche mixture.
    • Add evaporated milk, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
      1 12-oz can evaporated milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch salt
      Evaporated milk added to flan mixture.
    • Strain mixture into your baking pan (on top of the caramel). Gently and carefully pour it so as not to create any large air bubbles.
      Flan mixture strained into a pan.
    • Place your baking pan in a roasting pan and put the roasting pan in your preheated oven. 
    • Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the side of your baking pan. 
    • Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the flan is set (firm but still jiggly). If you see that the top is getting too brown, loosely cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.
    • Take the flan out of the oven and cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
    • Run a thin, sharp knife around the edges of your pan to loosen the flan before inverting into a platter to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    1. The total yield depends on how big or small you slice your flan. Note that this is very rich and a little goes a long way. The estimated nutritional information is based on 16 servings.
    2. See post for tips, FAQs and step-by-step photos.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.04gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 0.4mgIron: 0.01mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

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    Comments

    1. Leti

      April 28, 2024 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      First time making flan and it’s good! This was very rich and sweet perfect for a small bite after dinner.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        April 29, 2024 at 8:05 am

        Glad you liked it Leti! It is super decadent, a little goes a long way 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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