• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Unlikely Baker

Easy and Delicious Recipes for the Home Baker!

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Hello
    • Terms of Use
  • Recipes
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

by Jolina 72 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Here’s an authentic leche flan recipe (or Filipino-style crème caramel) that will give you rich, silky, creamy leche flan every time.

(Looking for other scrumptious Filipino desserts? Try Brazo de Mercedes Cupcakes or Ube Filipino Purple Yam Cake.)

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

In the Philippines, there are two types of leche flans (or crème caramels) – one that’s light and airy, the other smooth, dense and creamy. This leche flan recipe is the latter – made of only egg yolks and baked in a water bath, the flan is rich, silky, an absolute dream.

Leche flan – beloved Filipino dessert

Leche flan or crème caramel is a custard dessert with a layer of clear caramel sauce on top. Leche flan can be steamed or baked; this is the baked version.

I think all Filipino families have their own version of leche flan. My maternal grandma always made the airy kind while my paternal grandma made the rich kind. Both are great, it’s all a matter of preference.

And I just happen to prefer the rich kind (sorry, Lola Naning). The kind that’s so creamy you can slurp it. The kind that doesn’t have any air bubbles in it. The kind that jiggles just right but maintains its shape. That kind.

Filipinos associate leche flan with 1) Christmas and 2) any special occasion. It’s really not the kind of dessert you make out of the blue because you feel like it. Using 10 egg yolks and milk, it’s borderline impractical to make on a whim.

Related: Leftover Egg White Recipes – 15 Ways to Use Leftover Egg Whites!

How do you make leche flan smooth, creamy and bubble-free?

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

So how do you achieve that rich, luxurious leche flan texture? Here are some tips for creamy leche flan success:

  • Do not vigorously whisk or stir your ingredients. Gentle does it. You don’t want to form any extra air bubbles.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth as you gently and carefully transfer the mixture into your baking dish. Some air bubbles will float up to the top. Gently scoop them out with a spoon.
  • Bake your leche flan in a water bath. Put your baking pan in a roasting pan filled with hot water that comes up to your baking pan halfway.

Related: Dreamy Creamy Meyer Lemon Pie

How do you know when leche flan is done baking?

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

Now that you’ve done that, how do you know when it’s done baking?

Every oven is different (an oven thermometer is an awesome, inexpensive thing to have) so check your flan a few minutes before it’s supposed to be done baking.

You’ll know it’s done when the top has turned a light amber, the sides are starting to firm up but the middle still looks jiggly (but not soupy). It’s quite similar to how you check for cheesecake doneness.

If you think your leche flan is getting too brown but still needs to bake a little, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Related: The Best Lemon Cheesecake. Ever.

How do you caramelize sugar for leche flan?

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

Caramelizing sugar is the one single step I always have a problem with. It’s not hard to burn the sugar!

So what I’ve learned is to watch it but leave it alone. This means don’t walk away but also resist the urge to stir. In fact, don’t.

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 colour, you’re done.

I’ve also had more success caramelizing sugar directly on my baking pan instead of a sauce pan. I know baking pans are not built for stovetops but I make an exception in this case.

  • Place sugar in baking pan
  • Shake so sugar is evenly distributed
  • Place baking pan on stove
  • Watch then swirl (remember to use a pot holder!)
  • Done

Related: Quick and Easy Salted Caramel Sauce

The best leche flan recipe

Having made this leche flan many times over the years, I can honestly say it’s the best leche flan recipe for the richest, creamiest, leche flan your guests will go crazy for.

A little mixing, less than an hour in the oven, a few hours in the fridge and you’ll be rewarded with leche flan that’s so good it will make you feel like Christmas any time of the year. Hope you try it!

Related: Filipino Egg Pie Recipe

More Filipino Christmas recipes

If you’re planning a Filipino-style Christmas party, you’d want these in your menu:

Pancit Canton Recipe (Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles)
Pancit Canton Recipe (Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles)

Apple Buko Salad
Easy Refreshing Apple Buko Salad

The rest of the Filipino desserts are here.

Related: How to Take Delicious Food Photos

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

Creamy Leche Flan Recipe (Filipino-Style Crème Caramel)

Author: Jolina
Here’s an authentic leche flan recipe (or Filipino-style crème caramel) that will give you rich, silky, creamy leche flan every time.
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Chilling Time 3 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 45 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 24 servings
Calories 26 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Flan:

  • 10 pcs egg yolks from large eggs room temperature
  • 1 10-oz can condensed milk
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice see notes
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Make the caramel first by dissolving 1/2 cup granulated sugar over low/medium heat. Leave alone, swirling occasionally to ensure the sugar does not harden and/or burn (see post for tips). Once it turns a light golden colour, remove from heat and spread evenly on your baking pan (see notes). Set aside and work on the flan.
  • Whisk the 10 egg yolks before adding the can of condensed milk. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice and mix well. Add a pinch of salt and give the mixture a final stir.
  • Transfer your mixture into your baking pan (on top of the caramel) by straining it through a fine mesh sieve or a cheese cloth. Gently and carefully pour it so as not to create any air bubbles.
  • Place your baking dish in a roasting pan and put the roasting pan in your preheated oven. Then 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; see post). 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 sharp knife around the edges of your pan to loosen the flan before inverting into a platter to serve (see notes).

Video

Notes

  1. Leche flan is traditionally made with dayap, a local key lime variety. If you can get hold of that, use it. Otherwise, lime juice works just fine.
  2. It is also traditionally baked in a llanera which is an aluminum mold/baking pan but thinner. I use an 8x8 baking pan. If you want thicker leche flan, use a smaller pan but make sure to adjust the baking time.
  3. I sometimes have issues getting the flan out of the baking pan. So if I’m not serving it to company I don’t bother inverting it into a serving platter; we just scoop it out and eat it rustic style. It tastes just as great. But if you do have company and your edges are all uneven as a result of your attempts to take it out of the dish don’t worry – just slice the edges off or slice them into bite-size pieces. Nobody will ever know. The serving size of 24 is based on cutting the 8x8 inch flan into bite-sized squares. This dessert is very rich so a little goes a long way.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 5gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 12mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 3mg

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword Authentic, Christmas, Easter, New Years's Eve
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I'd love to see your creations!

Happy baking!

What do you think of this leche flan recipe? Tell me about it in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you.

And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook,  Pinterest,  Instagram,  Twitter and  Flipboard.

Or subscribe so you don’t miss a recipe. I promise I don’t spam (I hate spam too).

Do you want to improve your food photography, monetize your blog or start your very own food blog? Check out my Blogging Resources.


(This post was updated on 10 January 2019.)

Filed Under: Filipino Cuisine, Filipino Desserts, Recipes

Previous Post: « Unique Pumpkin and Squash Recipes
Next Post: Delightfully Rustic Apple Galette »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jordan Maurico says

    February 28, 2021 at 8:49 am

    5 stars
    this leche flan recipe is slightly different than the ones we bought from the Philippines. much tastier, the sweetness is just right and my kids loved it. kudos to you!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      March 1, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      Hi Jordan, thanks! Happy to hear you and your kids like it.

      Reply
  2. wes says

    December 22, 2020 at 10:41 am

    do you use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe? my partners mother is filipino and this is her favorite dessert. i wanted to make it for her for christmas but want to make sure it is perfect

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      December 23, 2020 at 8:49 am

      Hi Wes, yes I use sweetened condensed milk. Have fun making it! I’m sure you’ll rock it 🙂

      Reply
      • wes says

        December 23, 2020 at 12:21 pm

        thank you! i have another question, do you put any water in the pan with the sugar to dissolve it? or just caramelize the sugar alone? im worried about it burning

        Reply
        • Jolina says

          December 24, 2020 at 11:04 am

          I don’t put water with the sugar. And I completely understand your concerns; I have issues with this as well! See the post for some tips. Hope they help!

          Reply
  3. Vicky says

    September 23, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Hello , i want to try it but i need to know if
    i can use steamer instead.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 23, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Hi Vicky, steaming is the traditional way to make leche flan so yes, you can steam it. I just don’t have personal experience doing it because I always bake mine. Just make sure your flan is cooked all the way through before removing it, but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Benita says

    August 17, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    What is temperature though?

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      August 18, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Benita, preheat oven to 350F.

      Reply
  5. Rodney says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:55 am

    5 stars
    thanks for this wonderful recipe! i’ve tried your creamy leche flan recipe and my kids are delighted! truly an awesome recipe. thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      July 7, 2020 at 11:52 am

      Happy to hear that Rodney! Glad you and the kids liked it.

      Reply
  6. EKA says

    February 1, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    Hello! What I did is 1 can condensed milk(eagle brand is the best) plus 1 can of evap(carnation brand) and 9 large egg yolks plus 1 whole egg because I accidentally drop it, lol…and the rest I follow the recipe and procedure…OOHH! IT’S HEAVENLY DELICIOUSI will surely sell this on Christmas..My first time try is perfectly done…thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      February 1, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      Hi Eka! Glad you liked it! I use Eagle Brand too 🙂 It’s going to be a hit at Christmas for sure.

      Reply
    • vicky says

      September 21, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Can i steam instead of baking it.

      Reply
  7. JMG says

    May 12, 2019 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    Making this now. I followed exact measurements on recipe. I didn’t use whole can of condensed milk because it said 10oz. and the can is 14oz. Also 1 cup of evaporated milk- not the whole can. I like your tip on the bubbles! I’m making this as a gift so I hope they enjoy. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      May 30, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      Hi JMG! You’re welcome. Hope they like it too! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Steph says

    June 14, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    Hi, your leche flan really looks delicious, I am just curious what you do with the egg white? I don’t want to waste my egg white for nothing or throw it away to the bin.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 17, 2017 at 11:26 pm

      Hi Steph! I hate wasting ingredients too. You got lots of options. My go-to is usually Swiss Meringue Buttercream. I make a batch and freeze it (it freezes beautifully!) You can also make a pavlova or Sans Rival. They’re all in the blog if you’re looking for recipes 🙂 If you want something simple, an egg white omelette works too!

      Reply
  9. Ken says

    December 21, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    Sounds like a plan for a flan!

    I’ll give it a try because I always have extra yolks after making big puto paos. I can either bake or steam this leche flan.

    One thing, as I can remember “traditionally” back in the Philippines, leche flan’s are cooked by steaming and maybe a handful of families in posh area in Metro Manila owns an oven to bake or maybe in big dome ovens “hurnohan” from local bakeries.

    Anyway I’ll give it a go and see how it goes 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      December 21, 2016 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Ken! Yes, I know leche flan can be steamed as well. Not sure about the method though, I’ve never tried it that way…
      Are you giving it a go this Christmas? Such a traditional noche buena handa 🙂

      Reply
    • Terri says

      May 7, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this and it turned out perfect! So creamy, no bubbles or curdling. Thank you so much for sharing the tips and tricks.

      Reply
      • Jolina says

        May 11, 2020 at 3:18 pm

        Hi Terri! Glad you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
  10. Natanja says

    October 20, 2016 at 3:29 am

    Oh my gosh! I need this in my life! This is my defintion of the perfect dessert. I agree with you, I’d also prefer the ‘rich’ kind and this certainly looks rich.

    Welcome back by the way. Hope you had a wonderful time visiting home!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 20, 2016 at 5:50 pm

      Thanks Natanja! I had a lovely time thanks 🙂 I ate too much but hey, that’s what vacations are right? LOL! This is certainly rich, I sometimes feel guilty eating a second serving teehee.

      Reply
  11. Tiffany says

    October 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    5 stars
    Caramel is one of my favorites! This looks absolutely divine! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  12. Brandy says

    October 18, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    What an interesting recipe idea, I had never heard of Filipino creme before, going to give it a whirl!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      Awesome! Hope you like it Brandy!

      Reply
  13. Crystal says

    October 18, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    That does sound amazing! My husband loves all things caramel, so I know he will love this rich, creamy treat.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Leche flan is really considered a special treat. Hope you guys like it!

      Reply
  14. Chastity says

    October 18, 2016 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    This looks wonderful! I love anything with caramel.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you Chastity! This is literally dripping with caramel so I promise you’ll love it 🙂

      Reply
  15. Amanda Goodenough says

    October 18, 2016 at 7:54 am

    This looks SO delicious!! It is making my mouth water! I cant wait to try this out!

    Reply
  16. Joanna says

    October 18, 2016 at 7:37 am

    My mother used to make this for me when I was little, I think all the countries have a variation of this delicious cake. We use to call it “Burned sugar cream” and I still remember how delicious it tasted.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      That’s so interesting! I love exploring different cuisines. We’re more alike than different eh? 🙂 Hope you can try this version. Would love to see how it compares to your burned sugar cream!

      Reply
  17. Freya Farrington says

    October 18, 2016 at 5:54 am

    I would never have thought a dessert like this would be associated with Christmas, I’ve learnt something new today!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Haha yes it is! Christmas and New Year and practically all kinds of special occasions because it’s so decadent 🙂

      Reply
  18. Christine Em says

    October 18, 2016 at 4:22 am

    This looks delicious! Ill be giving this a try tomorrow. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Happy to hear that! Would love to hear how it goes. Thanks Christine!

      Reply
  19. Carrie says

    October 18, 2016 at 3:34 am

    I definitely need to learn how to make this. This is my husbands favorite dessert.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      Hi Carrie! This is really just stir, strain and bake 🙂 Hope you guys like it!

      Reply
  20. Elizabeth O. says

    October 18, 2016 at 3:12 am

    It sounds like my kind of dessert. I think I prefer the dense one instead of the light and airy one. It’s a lovely dessert perfect for the upcoming Holidays! I love it.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      You and me both 🙂 The airy one is lovely too I just like the texture of this one. Hope you get the chance to do some baking for the holidays! Thanks Elizabeth!

      Reply
  21. Aundrea says

    October 17, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    Looks really good! I’ll have to try this!

    Reply
  22. Chelley says

    October 17, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    This sounds SO good! I’ve never made a dessert like this, but it looks too good not to try!

    Reply
  23. Maria says

    October 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve tried it before, I had a friend who is filipino and ge has a restaurant here. Its really has a good taste and sweet.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm

      Nice! Maybe one day soon you can surprise him with your very own homemade leche flan haha 🙂

      Reply
  24. Lizelle says

    October 17, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a Filipino and I really love leche flan. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:01 pm

      Hi Lizelle! Nice! Have you ever made it?

      Reply
  25. Erica Schwarz says

    October 17, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Oh this does look perfect! Kinda like cheesecake – some are creamier and some are more firm. I like the kind you have to suck off the fork. I’ve never made flan but your directions are clear so this makes me what to try this at home.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:03 pm

      Hi Erica! You’re right, it is kind of a lighter cheesecake 🙂 And yes, slurping off the fork is awesome (though optional lol). Do let me know when you get the chance to make it. Would love to hear how it goes!

      Reply
  26. Liz Mays says

    October 17, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    I could really go for this dessert! I think it would be a really nice one to make for a fancy dinner!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:04 pm

      Absolutely! You can do single serve or a nice serving platter 🙂 Thanks Liz!

      Reply
  27. Megan Ogden says

    October 17, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    I have always wanted to give my best shot at making Flan! Yours turned out wonderful!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:05 pm

      Maybe one day I will have a section on my blog for baking fails lol! Thanks for your wonderful words Megan! I’m sure you’d do great next time you try to make one 🙂

      Reply
  28. Liz says

    October 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    I love flan, and your recipe looks oh-so-delicious! Can’t wait to try it 😀

    Reply
  29. Remi says

    October 17, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    You inspired me and now I need to try this out!! Autumn seems to be the perfect time to try something new!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:06 pm

      It kind of is, isn’t it. Hope you do get to try it! Would love to hear how it goes 🙂

      Reply
  30. Jewel says

    October 17, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    5 stars
    Wow does this look good! I love the tip about straining it and scooping the bubbles.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks Jewel! That’s kind of what I do for my cheesecakes too though it works so well for flan 🙂

      Reply
  31. Tammilee says

    October 17, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    This sounds amazing!! I love trying new desserts like this it sounds amazing!!

    Reply
  32. Roy Miller says

    October 17, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    I really like flan. We usually get it at mexican restaurants. This looks really good. I think we will try it. Thank you for posting the recipe.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:09 pm

      Hi Roy! You are very welcome. I haven’t tasted Mexican flan but I do hope you like this Filipino version 🙂 Would be interesting to see how they compare.

      Reply
  33. Sara says

    October 17, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    My granddaughter loves flan and I can’t wait to surprise here with this the next time she visits. Appreciate the added tips to the recipe. I’ve never made this before so those are really helpful!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:10 pm

      Lucky girl to have a grandma like you 🙂 Hope you guys like it. Thanks Sara!

      Reply
  34. Dawn says

    October 17, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    Glad to hear that you’re back at it! And following you on IG, looks like you had a wonderful food filled time 😉 I can only imagine how tired you must be from travelling. Now you need a vacation from your vacation, lol 😀
    This flan looks so creamy and dreamy and pretty much perfect! Would love to try this one. Pinning 🙂 Maybe to keep alert you need a nice big cup of coffee and big piece of this 😉 Have a wonderful week, Jolina!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:13 pm

      Oh my word my parents were hell-bent on feeding me every minute of every day. Somehow they’ve convinced themselves I don’t eat enough. Hello: I have a food blog LOL! And yeah, one week in I still can’t get proper sleep! Jet lag is a real bummer. Thanks Dawn! Hope you’re having a lovely week as well.

      Reply
  35. Ana De- Jesus says

    October 17, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    I love creme caramel, thanks for sharing this delicious recipe. Leche flan is great!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:14 pm

      It is a wonderful treat. So luxurious! I try not to make it so often so that it remains special haha. Silly me. Thanks Ana!

      Reply
  36. Tania Potter says

    October 17, 2016 at 11:53 am

    This is my favorite dessert and I have never thought to make it with left over egg yolk. What a clever idea!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      Hi Tania! This is absolutely a great recipe to use leftover egg yolk 🙂 Makes it so rich and decadent!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What to do with Extra Eggs - Boots & Hooves Homestead says:
    April 15, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    […] Creamy Leche Flan […]

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome to The Unlikely Baker!

Hi! I'm Jolina and I'm definitely a late bloomer, a thoroughly unexpected baker. READ MORE.

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Lemons!

Light and Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

More Lemon Recipes

Breakfast & Brunch

Matcha Overnight Oats with Chia and White Chocolate Chips
Greek Scrambled Eggs

More Breakfast Recipes

No Bake & Frozen Treats

Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream
Lemon Curd Ice Cream Recipe

More No-Bake Recipes

Copyright 2016-2019. The Unlikely Baker . Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

Nutrition values provided on this site are estimates only. See Terms of Use for more information.