By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 12, 2023 | Last Updated on December 12, 2023
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than our mini flan! This indulgent treat is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds with its creamy texture, nutty aromas, and sweet vanilla notes.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, our mini flans are the perfect choice. Made with just a handful of ingredients and easy to prepare, this is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So why wait? Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delectable mini flans. With step-by-step directions and helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up these delicious desserts in no time.
What are Mini Flans?
Mini flans are a smaller version of the traditional Spanish dessert, flan. Flan is a type of custard that typically consists of creamy milk, eggs, and sugar. The name “flan” comes from the French word for “custard” and it is often served as a sweet ending to a meal.
Our mini flans are individual-sized portions, making them perfect for serving at dinner parties or gatherings. They have all the same creamy and velvety texture as a traditional flan but in a smaller and more convenient size. These mini-flans are also great for portion control and make for an elegant presentation on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Flans?
There are countless reasons to love our mini flans, but here are a few that stand out:
- Easy and quick to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these mini flans can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Versatile: While this recipe calls for toasted coconut, you can easily substitute with different toppings or flavors to suit your preferences. From fresh fruits to chocolate shavings, the possibilities are endless.
- Elegant and delicious: Our mini flans not only taste amazing but also make for a beautiful presentation on any dessert table. Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy-to-make dessert.
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Ingredients
- Evaporated milk: This is an essential ingredient in traditional flan recipes and gives the dessert its creamy texture.
- Eggs: They act as a binding agent to hold all the ingredients together and give the flans their structure.
- Toasted Coconut: Adds a delicious nutty flavor and adds a bit of texture to the flans.
- Cream Cheese: This is used instead of heavy cream in this recipe to lower the overall fat content. It also adds a touch of tanginess to balance out the sweetness.
- Vanilla: A classic flavoring for flans that enhances the overall taste.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelizing the flans.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 oz of evaporated milk and 2 eggs until well combined.
- Add in 3/4 cup of sugar and continue to whisk until fully incorporated.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of toasted coconut and 4 oz of softened cream cheese.
- Finally, add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and whisk until the custard is smooth and creamy.
Step 2
Prepare the Ramekins
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease four ramekins with butter or cooking spray and place them in a baking dish.
Step 3
Add the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of sugar over medium heat until it turns into a golden-brown caramel.
- Pour the caramel evenly into each ramekin, tilting them to coat the bottom and sides.
Step 4
Pour in the Custard
- Carefully pour the custard mixture into each ramekin on top of the caramel.
- Place the baking dish with the ramekins in a larger, deep pan filled with hot water (about 1 inch).
Step 5
Bake and Chill
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the flans to cool before refrigerating them for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, run a knife around the edges of each ramekin and invert onto serving plates to remove the flans.
Step 6
Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra toasted coconut or fresh fruits for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious mini flans with your loved ones!
Tips
- To ensure the flans have a smooth texture, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- For best results, use full-fat evaporated milk and cream cheese.
- If you don’t have ramekins, you can also use small oven-proof bowls or muffin tins.
- When adding the hot water to the deep pan, be careful not to splash any water into the flans.
- For a stronger coconut flavor, you can also use coconut extract or cream of coconut in place of vanilla.
Nutrition Information
How to store Mini Flans?
These mini flans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out. When ready to serve, simply take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
If you have leftovers, you can also freeze these mini flans. Simply wrap them individually with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before warming them up in the oven or microwave.
What other substitute can I use in Mini Flans?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or simply want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutes you can use in this mini flan recipe:
- Milk: If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use regular full-fat milk instead.
- Cream Cheese: You can replace cream cheese with equal parts of heavy cream for a richer and creamier texture.
- Caramel: Instead of making your own caramel, you can also use store-bought caramel sauce.
- Toppings: While we used toasted coconut in this recipe, feel free to use any other toppings such as fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Mini Flans Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Whisker
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 6 oz evaporated milk: Adding a luscious and velvety texture the evaporated milk contributes to the overall richness of the custard.
- 2 eggs: Providing a smooth and silky consistency the eggs serve as a binding agent and contribute to the custard’s structure.
- 2 tablespoons toasted coconut approximately half of 1/3 cup: Infusing a delightful nutty aroma, the toasted coconut adds a layer of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the custard.
- 4 oz softened cream cheese: Incorporating a decadent and creamy element the softened cream cheese lends a rich and tangy undertone to the custard.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla: Introducing a sweet and aromatic essence the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a warm and comforting note.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetening the custard to perfection the sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the smooth and delightful consistency of the dessert.
Instructions
- Begin by whisking together 6 ounces of rich and creamy evaporated milk with 2 farm-fresh eggs in a mixing bowl. Continue to whisk until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth, velvety texture. Next, incorporate 3/4 cup of pure cane sugar into the mixture, ensuring it is fully integrated for optimal sweetness in every bite.
- Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of lightly toasted coconut and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to add a delightful nutty aroma and velvety richness to the custard. For a touch of warmth and comfort, add 1/2 teaspoon of aromatic vanilla and whisk until the custard is silky smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare four ramekins by greasing them with butter or cooking spray. Place the ramekins in a baking dish to keep them secure.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of pure cane sugar over medium heat until it transforms into a golden-brown caramel. Once ready, pour the caramel evenly into each ramekin, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides for a decadent and delicious finish.
- Carefully pour the custard mixture on top of the caramel in each ramekin. To ensure even cooking and a lusciously smooth texture, place the baking dish with the ramekins in a larger, deep pan filled with hot water that reaches about one inch in height.
- Bake the mini flans for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once ready, allow to cool before refrigerating for at least two hours to achieve the perfect chilled consistency.
Notes
- To ensure the flans have a smooth texture, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- For best results, use full-fat evaporated milk and cream cheese.
- If you don’t have ramekins, you can also use small oven-proof bowls or muffin tins.
- When adding the hot water to the deep pan, be careful not to splash any water into the flans.
- For a stronger coconut flavor, you can also use coconut extract or cream of coconut in place of vanilla.
FAQs
How do I know when the Flans are done?
To check if the flans are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center and it should come out clean. You can also gently shake the ramekins – the custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
Why did my caramel harden after refrigerating?
This is normal as the caramel will solidify when chilled. When ready to serve, simply place the ramekins in a warm water bath for a few minutes to loosen the caramel before inverting.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk and cream cheese substitutes in this recipe to make it dairy-free. Just make sure to check the ingredient labels for any potential allergens.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying out our delicious mini flan recipe! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this elegant and versatile dessert. Don’t be afraid to get creative with different toppings and flavor combinations to make it your own.
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family so they can also enjoy these mouthwatering mini flans.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
