Coconut Caramel Flan

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This Coconut Caramel Flan is the perfect blend of creamy coconut custard and rich caramel sauce, creating a dessert that melts in your mouth with each bite. The flan’s silky texture pairs beautifully with the deep, golden caramel, offering a taste experience that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re a fan of classic flan or looking to try a dairy-free and gluten-free version, this dish will not disappoint.

What’s more, this flan is incredibly easy to make with just four simple ingredients. It’s a fantastic dessert choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Make it the day before your gathering, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. When it’s time to serve, the stunning presentation of the caramel-topped flan will wow your guests, making it a show-stopping finale to any meal.

Full Recipe:

2 tbsp caramel sauce

1 can coconut condensed milk, at room temperature (490 g)
Soy milk, at room temperature (the same measure as the condensed milk can)
6 eggs, at room temperature

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Pour the caramel sauce into a steam pudding pan (one that has a lid and a hole in the middle) and spread the caramel sauce around the pan with the help of a silicone basting brush or a small spatula.

Add the coconut condensed milk, soy milk, and eggs into a blender and blend until smooth.
Place the steam pudding pan in the center of a baking dish (with high sides to make a water bath). Pour the flan mixture into the steam pudding pan and cover it with the lid.
Add boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the steam pudding pan.

Carefully place the baking dish inside the oven (use oven gloves to avoid burns) and bake for 60 minutes.
After 60 minutes, carefully remove the pudding pan from the oven (without opening the lid) to a wire rack. Let it cool down for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight.
To unmold, invert the pan onto a large serving plate. Keep it in the fridge until serving. You can add more caramel sauce on top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Coconut Caramel Flan: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dessert

Coconut Caramel Flan offers a delightful twist on the traditional flan by incorporating the rich, tropical flavor of coconut. The combination of coconut condensed milk and soy milk creates a creamy custard that is not only dairy-free but also gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. This flan is incredibly soft and silky, thanks to the delicate balance of ingredients and the gentle baking process in a water bath. The addition of caramel sauce provides a layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the custard’s creamy texture, resulting in a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing.

Why You Will Love This Coconut Caramel Flan

Simple Ingredients: With just four main ingredients – coconut condensed milk, soy milk, eggs, and caramel sauce – this flan is straightforward to prepare. You can easily find these ingredients in most grocery stores, and the recipe requires minimal preparation.

Dietary-Friendly: This dessert is not only delicious but also suitable for those with dietary restrictions. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free using coconut condensed milk and soy milk, making it a great option for individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivities.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this Coconut Caramel Flan is a versatile dessert that can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a simple indulgence.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Use a Steam Pudding Pan: For the best results, use a steam pudding pan with a lid and a hole in the middle. This ensures even cooking and helps the flan maintain its shape while baking.

Don’t Skip the Water Bath: The water bath (bain-marie) is crucial for achieving the flan’s silky texture. It prevents the custard from curdling and helps it bake evenly, resulting in a smooth and creamy dessert.
Bake and Refrigerate: After baking, allow the flan to cool for 1 hour before refrigerating it overnight. This resting period is essential for the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. When ready to serve, invert the flan onto a plate for a beautiful caramel glaze finish.

Variations and Substitutions

Regular Flan: If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can substitute the coconut condensed milk with regular condensed milk and the soy milk with whole milk. The flan won’t have the coconut flavor but will still be delicious and creamy.

Caramel Sauce: You can use either homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe. If you have a little extra time, making your own caramel sauce can add a personalized touch to the dessert.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage: Store any leftover flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure it’s kept chilled to maintain its texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Coconut Caramel Flan as is or with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top. You can also garnish with fresh fruit, such as berries or mango slices, for a pop of color and freshness. This flan pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an elegant dessert experience.

Health Benefits of Coconut Caramel Flan

Coconut Goodness: Coconut condensed milk provides a rich source of healthy fats, which can help promote satiety and provide a creamy texture without the need for dairy.
Protein-Rich: The eggs in the recipe add a boost of protein, making this dessert not just a treat for your taste buds but also a more filling option compared to other desserts.

Flavor Profile and Texture

This Coconut Caramel Flan offers a delicate balance of flavors and textures. The flan itself is creamy and smooth, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that comes from the careful baking process. The coconut condensed milk adds a mild sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor, which is beautifully complemented by the rich, golden caramel sauce. The caramel provides a slightly bittersweet contrast to the custard, creating a sophisticated and indulgent taste experience.

When made correctly, the flan should have a silky texture without any cracks, thanks to the gentle cooking in the water bath. The caramel sauce should be a luscious, glossy layer that coats the custard when inverted, offering a visually appealing and mouthwatering dessert.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Classic Presentation: Serve the Coconut Caramel Flan simply inverted on a plate, allowing the caramel to flow over the custard. The glossy finish of the caramel adds an elegant touch, making it perfect for dinner parties or special gatherings.
With Fresh Fruit: Add a fresh and vibrant touch by garnishing the flan with tropical fruits such as mango slices, passion fruit, or a handful of berries. The acidity and freshness of the fruit will balance the richness of the flan.

With Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side. The light and airy texture of the whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the creamy flan.
Pair with a Beverage: This dessert pairs exceptionally well with a cup of espresso or a robust coffee, as the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the flan. For a refreshing option, serve it with a glass of chilled dessert wine like a Moscato or a sparkling white wine.

Additional Cooking Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and coconut condensed milk ensures that the ingredients blend smoothly, resulting in a silky flan. Cold ingredients may not combine as well and could affect the texture.

Testing for Doneness: To check if the flan is done, gently shake the steam pudding pan. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be too liquidy. If it appears too loose, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly.
Unmolding with Ease: To unmold the flan without breaking it, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan before inverting it onto a serving plate. This helps release the custard and ensures a smooth, intact flan.

Variations to Explore

Coffee Coconut Flan: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the flan mixture before blending. This will give your flan a delicious coffee-coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.

Chocolate Coconut Flan: For a decadent chocolate version, melt 100g of dairy-free dark chocolate and blend it with the other ingredients. This adds a rich chocolate layer to the flan, creating a unique and indulgent dessert.
Vanilla Bean Coconut Flan: Add the seeds from one vanilla bean or a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the flan mixture for a classic vanilla-coconut flavor that enhances the custard’s richness.

The Healthier Side of Coconut Caramel Flan

Lower in Dairy: By using coconut condensed milk and soy milk, this recipe is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. Coconut milk also contains healthy fats, which are known for their benefits in promoting heart health and providing sustained energy.
Natural Sweetness: The coconut condensed milk provides natural sweetness, so there’s no need for additional sugar in the custard mixture. This makes the dessert slightly lower in sugar than traditional flans that require added sugar in the custard itself.

The Perfect Occasion for Coconut Caramel Flan

This Coconut Caramel Flan is a versatile dessert that suits various occasions. Its elegant presentation makes it an ideal choice for dinner parties, family gatherings, and special celebrations. However, its simplicity and ease of preparation also make it a fantastic everyday treat when you’re in the mood for something sweet and creamy.

Conclusion

Coconut Caramel Flan is a delicious twist on a classic dessert, blending the creamy richness of coconut with the indulgent sweetness of caramel. It’s easy to make, with just four ingredients, and is both dairy-free and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, this flan offers a luxurious taste experience with its silky texture and tropical flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a sweet craving, this dessert is a must-try for any flan lover.