Flan
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
8 minsFree Time
to learn how to flip a flan
Ever thought flan was hard to make? The microwave makes it easy to impress with this recipe for iconic “creme caramel.” Sugar cooks into a rich, decadent sauce directly in the dish. After it hardens, add a vanilla custard base and steam it in the microwave, no water bath necessary. The caramel sauce is incredibly decadent — pour any leftovers on top of the flan, or serve it straight out of the dish. Make sure not to overcook the sugar or it can crack the dish.
WARNING! When working with hot sugar, please take care to work safely. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel when handling the dish. Watch the sugar closely as it cooks to ensure it does not overheat and burn, which could crack the dish. Do not set dishes on cool, wet surfaces as the dish may crack from the temperature variation. Do not dip your finger to taste hot caramel while still liquid.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
For the caramel
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the custard
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Preparation
- WARNING! When working with hot sugar, please take care to work safely. Do not set dishes on cool, wet surfaces. Do not dip your finger to taste hot caramel while still liquid.
- Add the water and sugar to a Shallow Dish and stir to combine. Cook in the microwave uncovered for minutes, or until it turns a deep amber color in the center. You will know the sugar is caramelized when an almost burnt aroma is noticeable. Add more time in 5-second intervals, if needed. Use Anyhand Mitts or a clean kitchen towel to transfer the dish to a cool, dry surface. Note: do not overcooked the sugar or it can result in the dish cracking.
- Gently tilt the dish, swirling the sauce to coat the bottom. Allow the caramel to cool and harden for about 20-30 minutes.
- While the sugar cooks, make the custard: In a separate dish, combine eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the egg custard mixture carefully over the hardened caramel.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave at Power Level 4tooltip for 4-5 minutes, or until the custard is firm and jiggles when gently moved. Some steam condensation on the lid is normal.
- Remove the lid and allow the custard to cool uncovered on the counter for 20-30 minutes or until completely cool. Cover with the lid and transfer to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, or until totally firm.
- Once chilled completely, remove the Anyday lid, place the serving plate on top of the Anyday dish and swiftly flip the dish and plate together to unmold the custard, making sure to transfer all of the caramel sauce. Serve.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Nervous about the flip? Don’t be! First of all, you’ve got this. Second, you can always serve the custard inside the dish. It’ll taste delicious either way.
- Serve with sweetened whipped cream and strawberries.
- Add a dollop of dulce de leche for an even sweeter but delicious treat!
Recipe notes
- WARNING! When working with hot sugar, please take care to work safely. Do not dip your finger to taste hot caramel while still liquid, or it will severely burn your skin. Do not overcook the sugar or it can crack the dish.
- We highly recommend straining the egg custard through a fine mesh sieve. Don’t have one? Take extra care to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Some steam condensation on the lid is normal.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Flan
How long does flan take to set in the fridge?
How long does flan take to set in the fridge?
Flan usually takes about 3-4 hours for flan to fully set in the fridge. Chilling the flan allows it to set properly, and helps to form a thicker caramel sauce on the bottom of the dish. Flan is also traditionally enjoyed cold so that the custard is set and easily sliced.
Do I have to cool the flan before refrigeration?
Yes, you must cool the flan down before refrigerating! Do not transfer flan directly into the fridge, it needs time to cool down slowly and set properly. Don’t use the lid while cooling on the counter, which will cause condensation will bead on the top of the lid and drip onto the flan. Some condensation is fine, but you don’t want to introduce too much moisture back into the dish.
What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract, paste, or beans are all great ways to flavor the plain custard. If you don’t have any of these ingredients, consider using citrus zest such as lemon, lime, and oranges, to flavor the custard. Rum, bourbon, and coffee liquors are also great options if vanilla is not available.
Do I need to make the caramel bottom?
While you don’t have to make the caramel, the sweet sauce definitely defines this custard as a dessert. You could also try maple syrup or a pre-made caramel!
Can I freeze flan?
Flan isn’t quite suited for the freezer; it will get grainy after it’s been thawed. We recommend enjoying flan up to 5 days after cooking (if you can make it that long!)
