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Traditional Caramel Custard – Flan A La Antigua

Traditional Caramel Custard - Flan a La Antigua recipe image
This Traditional Caramel Custard, known as Flan a la Antigua, is a timeless Mexican dessert that relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to create an incredibly smooth and creamy texture. Unlike modern versions that might use condensed milk, this old-fashioned recipe reduces fresh milk with cinnamon or vanilla to concentrate the flavor, resulting in a delicate custard that is rich without being heavy. The key to success lies in the careful preparation of the caramel and the gentle cooking of the custard in a water bath. It is the perfect way to end a festive meal, offering a sophisticated yet comforting treat. Serve it chilled to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Calories: 245
Dietary: Vegan
Description
This Traditional Caramel Custard, known as Flan a la Antigua, is a timeless Mexican dessert that relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to create an incredibly smooth and creamy texture. Unlike modern versions that might use condensed milk, this old-fashioned recipe reduces fresh milk with cinnamon or vanilla to concentrate the flavor, resulting in a delicate custard that is rich without being heavy. The key to success lies in the careful preparation of the caramel and the gentle cooking of the custard in a water bath. It is the perfect way to end a festive meal, offering a sophisticated yet comforting treat. Serve it chilled to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Ingredients
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Sea salt
  • Eggs
  • Egg yolks
  • Sugar
  • Lemon rind (optional)
  • Orange rind (optional)
  • Vanilla extract or cinnamon stick
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place a rack on the lowest level.
  2. 2
    To make the caramel, place the 3/4 cup of sugar in a small, heavy-bottomed frying pan or saucepan over low heat.
  3. 3
    Heat the sugar without stirring, shaking the pan gently occasionally, until it begins to melt and dissolve.
  4. 4
    Increase the heat slightly and let the sugar bubble and turn a deep amber color. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. 5
    Pour the hot caramel into the bottom of your flan mold. Quickly tilt and rotate the mold to coat the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides.
  6. 6
    If the caramel thickens before coating, gently warm the mold over low heat or in a pan of hot water to loosen it, then continue tilting to coat. Set aside to harden.
  7. 7
    In a saucepan, combine the milk, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and optional lemon/orange rind or vanilla/cinnamon.
  8. 8
    Bring the mixture slowly to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  9. 9
    Reduce the heat and simmer gently, skimming off any foam, until the milk has reduced by about 2/3 cup. This concentrates the flavor.
  10. 10
    Remove the milk from heat and discard the rind or spice stick. Allow the milk to cool until tepid.
  11. 11
    In a bowl, beat the whole eggs and egg yolks together until well combined.
  12. 12
    Slowly whisk the tepid milk into the egg mixture.
  13. 13
    Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the caramel-lined mold to ensure a smooth texture.
  14. 14
    Place the flan mold in a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold.
  15. 15
    Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for approximately 2 hours.
  16. 16
    Test for doneness by inserting a skewer or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean.
  17. 17
    Remove the flan from the oven but let it sit in the water bath for another 15 minutes to prevent cracking.
  18. 18
    Remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
  19. 19
    Refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before unmolding and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 245kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.5g17%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 210mg70%
Sodium 15mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 32.5g11%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 32.5g
Protein 7.5g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: flan, custard, mexican dessert, caramel, traditional, vanilla, milk reduction, water bath, creamy, homemade, baked custard, sweet, dinner party, holiday dessert, classic recipe, egg custard, sugar caramel
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/traditional-caramel-custard-flan-a-la-antigua/