Easy Cherry Flan Recipe: A Delicious & Creamy Dessert

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Flan:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• The same measure of whole milk (use the condensed milk can as a measure)
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Syrup:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly (about 15-20 minutes). Set aside.
2. Prepare the Flan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a blender, combine the condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Assemble: Spread the cherry syrup evenly over the bottom of a round mold (18-20 cm diameter). Pour the flan mixture over the syrup.
4. Bake in a Water Bath: Cover the mold with aluminum foil and place it inside a larger baking pan. Add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Chill: Remove from the oven, let it cool completely, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before unmolding.
6. Unmold and Serve: To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a serving plate. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious cherry flan.

Tips and Variations

• For a more intense flavor, add a splash of cherry liqueur to the syrup.
• Substitute fresh cherries with drained and chopped canned cherries.
• Add lemon zest to the flan batter for a citrusy note.
• Cherry flan can be garnished with whipped cream and fresh cherries before serving.
• For a lighter version, use skimmed condensed milk and milk.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect cherry flan lies in the cooking point and the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh, ripe cherries to ensure a vibrant flavor and a rich syrup. When preparing the water bath, make sure the water is hot but not boiling to prevent the flan from cooking too quickly and developing an undesirable texture. Oven times can vary depending on your equipment, so keep an eye on it and do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Refrigeration is essential for the flan to gain consistency and flavor, so don’t skip this step. Cherry flan is a classic dessert that pleases everyone, and with these tips, you’ll impress your guests!