I have always had a sweet tooth and a deep love for coffee. So, when I discovered the delicious combination of these two flavors in a dessert called coffee flan, I simply couldn’t resist trying it out. And let me tell you, it was a revelation! The rich and creamy custard infused with the bold and robust flavor of coffee was like heaven in every bite. Today, I am going to share with you my secret recipe for making this delectable treat right at home.
Gather Your Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
To make coffee flan, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 6 eggs
– 1 can of condensed milk
– 1 can of evaporated milk
– 2 tablespoons of instant coffee
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start. Trust me; you won’t want to run to the store in the middle of making this mouthwatering dessert.
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Caramel
To begin, you need to make the caramel, which will add a rich and sweet flavor to your coffee flan. Place the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt slowly, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Be patient; it may take a few minutes for the sugar to fully dissolve and turn into a golden brown liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
While the caramel is cooking, it’s time to whip up the custard mixture. In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten. Add the condensed milk, evaporated milk, instant coffee, and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to combine all the ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
Assembling the Coffee Flan
Step 3: Pour the Caramel into the Flan Mold
Once the caramel has reached a golden brown color, carefully pour it into a flan mold or individual ramekins. Tilt the mold or ramekins to ensure the caramel coats the bottom evenly. Be careful as the caramel is extremely hot at this stage and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with your skin.
Step 4: Add the Custard Mixture
After the caramel has set, it’s time to pour the custard mixture into the mold or ramekins. Gently pour it over the caramel, ensuring that you distribute the mixture evenly. If using a flan mold, cover it tightly with aluminum foil. If using ramekins, cover each ramekin individually. This will prevent water from getting into the custard during the cooking process.
Baking the Coffee Flan
Step 5: Prepare a Water Bath
To bake the coffee flan, you will need to create a water bath. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place the flan mold or ramekins in a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Fill the baking dish or pan with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the flan mold or ramekins. This gentle and indirect heat will ensure that the custard cooks evenly and prevents it from curdling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully place the water bath with the flan mold or ramekins into the preheated oven. Allow the coffee flan to bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the flan as it bakes. Once done, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Serving and Enjoying Your Coffee Flan
Step 7: Unmold and Serve
Once the flan has cooled, it’s time to unmold and serve this delightful dessert. If you’re using a flan mold, carefully remove the aluminum foil and run a knife around the edges to loosen the flan. Place a serving platter over the mold, hold it firmly, and invert the mold to release the flan onto the platter. If you’re using ramekins, gently run a knife around the edges and invert each ramekin onto individual plates.
Step 8: Garnish and Get Ready to Indulge
To add some extra flair to your coffee flan, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Get creative and make it your own! Once garnished, your coffee flan is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it chilled and savor the velvety texture, the aromatic coffee flavor, and the sweet caramel infusion in every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
Making coffee flan is a delightful culinary adventure that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a newfound appreciation for the harmonious combination of coffee and dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and some love and care, you can recreate this decadent treat right in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of this delectable indulgence? Trust me; it will be a dessert experience to remember.