Easy & Delicious Double Caramel Flan Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Indulge in the ultimate caramel experience with this double caramel flan recipe. Perfect for solo enjoyment or sharing with friends, this rich and creamy dessert takes flan to new heights with its deep, dark caramel flavors.

This flan isn’t your average dessert. It’s a celebration of caramel in all its glory, featuring a luscious custard base complemented by a layer of dark, smoky caramel. The result? A dessert that’s never too sweet, with just the right balance of richness and complexity.

What Makes This Flan Special?

Our double-caramel flan stands out with its toasted dairy, adding nutty toffee notes that elevate the entire dish. While it’s sized perfectly for one indulgent serving, it’s versatile enough to be shared. The sturdy texture allows for easy slicing, making it ideal for gatherings. But let’s be honest – on those days when you need a little extra comfort, there’s no shame in keeping it all to yourself!

The Art of Caramel

The star of this show is undoubtedly the caramel. We take it to the edge, creating a deep, almost burnt sugar flavor that perfectly contrasts the delicate custard. Don’t be afraid to let the caramel darken – that’s where the magic happens! The result is a dessert with layers of flavor, from sweet to slightly bitter, creating a complex taste experience in every bite.

Mastering the Custard

Our custard base is a marvel of simplicity and technique. We use a blender to ensure a silky-smooth texture, free from any lumps or curdling. The custard is then baked to perfection in a water bath, resulting in a creamy, jiggly texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

For the Caramel:

• 3/4 cup (5 1/2 ounces; 150g) sugar

For the Custard:

• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces; 100g) sugar
• 2 cups (17 ounces; 470g) heavy cream
• 1 cup (9 ounces; 250g) milk
• 3 large eggs (about 5 3/4 ounces; 165g)
• 3 egg yolks (about 1 1/2 ounces; 40g)
• 1 teaspoon (4g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
• Maldon salt to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Water Bath

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and position the rack in the middle. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil for the water bath. This ensures even cooking and prevents the custard from curdling.

2. Create the Caramel Base

   In a 3-quart saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons water. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Remove the lid and continue cooking until the caramel reaches your desired shade of golden. Carefully pour the hot caramel into your chosen baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom and sides evenly.

3. Prepare the Custard Base

   Using the same unwashed pot, add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Cook until caramelized to your liking. Add cream and milk, then simmer while stirring to dissolve the caramel completely.

4. Blend the Custard

   Pour the caramel-cream mixture into a blender. With the blender on low, add eggs, yolks, salt, and vanilla. This method ensures a smooth, lump-free custard.

5. Assemble and Bake

   Pour the custard into your caramel-lined dish. Cover lightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place the dish in a larger pan with a foil ring or wire rack at the bottom. Once in the oven, carefully pour boiling water into the larger pan, filling it halfway up the sides of the custard dish.

6. Bake to Perfection

   Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the custard is just set with a slight jiggle in the center. The internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C). Allow to cool fully in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

7. Serve and Enjoy

   When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge to loosen the flan. Invert onto a rimmed plate to catch the caramel sauce. Sprinkle with Maldon salt to taste, and savor every bite of your decadent creation!

Pro Tips for Flan Perfection

• For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the dairy. Combine milk and cream with a teaspoon of baking soda and cook in a pressure cooker or sous vide before using in the recipe.
• Don’t rush the caramel process. The darker the caramel, the more complex your flan will taste.
• Using a blender to mix the custard ensures a silky-smooth texture every time.
• The water bath is crucial for even cooking. Don’t skip this step!
• Allow the flan to cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Facts

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This flan keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days when covered properly. In fact, many flan enthusiasts believe it tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld and intensify. If you’re planning for a special occasion, feel free to make this dessert in advance – it’ll be one less thing to worry about on the day of your event!

Customization Ideas

While this double-caramel flan is perfect as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Try adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard for an adult twist. Or infuse the cream with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or even lavender for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you’re treating yourself to a luxurious solo dessert or impressing guests at a dinner party, this double-caramel flan is sure to be a hit. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and impressive presentation make it a dessert worthy of any occasion. So go ahead, indulge in this caramel lover’s dream – you deserve it!