Leche flan is a delicious and creamy Filipino dessert that is traditionally cooked by steaming. However, if you don’t have a steamer or prefer a different method, you can also cook leche flan in the oven. This method is just as delicious and results in a smooth and velvety texture.
To cook leche flan in the oven, you’ll need a few simple ingredients such as eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. The process involves making a caramel sauce, mixing the custard, and baking it in a water bath in the oven.
The first step is to make the caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan until it turns a rich amber color. This caramel will coat the bottom of the baking dish and create a delicious caramelized layer on top of the flan. Be careful when handling the hot caramel as it can cause burns.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to mix gently to avoid creating air bubbles in the custard. Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish and cover it tightly with foil to prevent water from getting into the flan during baking.
Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan or baking dish and add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This water bath method helps ensure even and gentle cooking of the custard. Bake the flan in a preheated oven at a low temperature for about an hour, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Once the flan is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This will allow the custard to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
Leche flan is a popular dessert in the Philippines and is often served during special occasions or gatherings. It’s a sweet and indulgent treat that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether cooked by steaming or in the oven, leche flan is a classic Filipino dessert that is worth trying.
Leche Flan Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide to Baking in the Oven
Leche flan is a classic Filipino dessert that is beloved for its creamy, caramelized custard topped with sweet caramel sauce. While it is traditionally steamed, baking leche flan in the oven is another method that yields fantastic results. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious leche flan using your oven.
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar |
10 egg yolks |
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk |
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a large baking dish or pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven. This will help create a gentle, even heat for baking the custard.
- In a small saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar turns into a golden caramel color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Pour the caramelized sugar into a round 8-inch baking dish or individual custard cups, tilting the dish to evenly coat the bottom. Set aside to cool and harden.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bubbles.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish or custard cups, on top of the hardened caramel.
- Cover the baking dish or custard cups tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking.
- Place the baking dish or custard cups in the oven on the rack above the pan of water. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the baking dish or custard cups from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Once completely cooled, refrigerate the leche flan for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish or custard cups to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate on top, then invert the dish to release the flan onto the plate. The caramel sauce will flow over the custard, creating a beautiful glaze.
Enjoy your homemade leche flan straight from the oven or chilled from the refrigerator. It is a delightful dessert that will surely impress your friends and family!
Gather the Ingredients for Leche Flan Recipe
Before you start making leche flan in the oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Flan Mixture:
- 10 egg yolks
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure you gather all the ingredients before you start cooking as it will make the process smoother. Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you can proceed to the next steps of making leche flan in the oven.
Prepare the Caramel for Leche Flan
To make a delicious and smooth caramel for your leche flan, follow these steps:
- Place a clean, dry, and heat-resistant mold or llanera on the stove.
- Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to the mold.
- Turn the heat on low and start melting the sugar, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
- Continue heating and stirring until the sugar has melted completely and turned into a golden brown caramel.
- Be careful not to burn the caramel. If you see any clumps or crystals forming, remove them with the spoon.
- Once the caramel is ready, quickly swirl the llanera around to coat the bottom and sides evenly with the caramel.
- Set the llanera aside and allow the caramel to cool and harden.
Now that the caramel is ready, you can proceed to make the custard mixture for your leche flan.
Make the Leche Flan Mixture
Ingredients:
- 10 egg yolks
- 1 can (370 mL) condensed milk
- 1 can (370 mL) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar (for caramel)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Set aside the mixture.
Note: For a smoother consistency, you can strain the mixture through a sieve before pouring it into the mold.
Pour the Mixture into the Mold
Once you have prepared the leche flan mixture and caramelized the sugar in a saucepan, it is time to pour the mixture into a mold. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Mold
Choose a heatproof mold or dish that can withstand the high temperature of the oven. You can use a round or rectangular baking dish, a metal or ceramic mold, or individual ramekins. Grease the mold lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the leche flan from sticking.
Step 2: Strain the Mixture
To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, strain the leche flan mixture before pouring it into the mold. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any lumps or air bubbles. This will result in a silky-smooth flan.
Step 3: Pour the Mixture
Gently pour the strained leche flan mixture into the prepared mold. Fill it up to about 3/4 of the mold’s height to allow room for the flan to rise slightly during baking. Be careful not to overfill the mold as it may spill over during baking.
Step 4: Place in a Bain Marie
Next, create a water bath or “bain marie” for the leche flan. Place the mold inside a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer dish, being careful not to get any water into the flan mixture. The water should reach about halfway up the sides of the mold.
Note: Using a water bath helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the flan from cracking or overcooking.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully transfer the bain marie with the mold into the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until the leche flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the flan – if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once the leche flan is cooked, remove the mold from the bain marie and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
Tips: |
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– For a more flavorful flan, you can infuse the milk with vanilla or other flavorings before adding it to the egg mixture. |
– If you prefer a denser flan, you can increase the number of egg yolks in the recipe. |
– To achieve a smooth caramelized top, make sure to keep an eye on the sugar while it’s caramelizing and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns amber in color. |
Bake the Leche Flan in the Oven
Once you have prepared the Leche Flan mixture and filled the llanera with caramel, it is time to bake it in the oven. Follow the steps below to achieve a perfectly cooked Leche Flan:
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
2 | Place the llanera with the Leche Flan mixture into a larger baking dish. |
3 | Pour hot water into the larger baking dish, filling it up to halfway. This will create a water bath which will help the Leche Flan cook evenly. |
4 | Carefully transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven. |
5 | Bake the Leche Flan for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until set. To check if it is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the flan. If it comes out clean, the flan is cooked. |
6 | Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the llanera from the water bath. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. |
7 | Once the Leche Flan has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the flan set properly and develop its smooth texture. |
8 | To serve, run a knife along the edges of the llanera to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate on top of the llanera and quickly invert it to release the flan. The caramel sauce will flow over the flan, creating a delicious topping. |
Follow these instructions carefully to bake a delicious and creamy Leche Flan in the oven. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is leche flan?
Leche flan is a popular Filipino dessert that is similar to caramel custard. It is made with eggs, condensed milk, and caramelized sugar, giving it a creamy and rich texture.
Can leche flan be cooked in the oven?
Yes, leche flan can be cooked in the oven. The traditional way of cooking leche flan is by using a steamer, but it can also be baked in the oven for convenience.
What ingredients do I need to cook leche flan in the oven?
To cook leche flan in the oven, you will need eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
How long does it take to cook leche flan in the oven?
The cooking time for leche flan in the oven varies, but it usually takes around 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in a water bath or bain-marie. The custard should be set and jiggly when done.
Can I use a different type of milk for leche flan?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of milk for leche flan. Some variations use coconut milk or a combination of milk and cream. However, the traditional recipe calls for condensed milk and evaporated milk.
What is leche flan?
Leche flan is a popular Filipino dessert that is similar to crème caramel or creme brulee. It is a silky smooth custard made with eggs, condensed milk, and caramel syrup.
Can I cook leche flan in the oven?
Yes, leche flan can be cooked in the oven. It is traditionally steamed, but baking it in the oven is an alternative method that yields similar results. It may take a bit longer to cook in the oven compared to steaming.