The Surprisingly Extensive History of Flan

Flan is a popular dessert in Spain and Latin America, also known as crème caramel due to its indulgent custard base topped with delicious caramel. It’s one of those delicacies that are irresistible and once you try it, you can’t stop eating it.

History of Flan

The flan’s history is traced back to ancient Rome when egg surpluses were transformed into custards to produce both sweet and savory tastes. The Spaniards took it to America, where it became a delicacy. Due to the Mexicans’ heavy influence on the recipe, it evolved and became today’s sweet staple.

The dessert came with many savory variations including eel flavored with spices like pepper and the sole sweetener at the time, honey. Rome conquered Europe entirely, taking its customs, beliefs, and recipes. When the Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, flan survived and became the sweet delicacy that gripped the newly conquered lands.

The Spanish loved this dessert the most of all countries, and they added caramel sauce to it. As the Romans had done before them, the Spanish conquistadors introduced flan to the Americas. While there is no direct evidence that Hernán Cortés brought flan when he landed in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 1518, the Spanish culinary tradition of flan spread throughout Latin America in the centuries that followed.

Where Did Flan Originate?

The Roman Empire is the true origin of this dessert. The word flan is the French equivalent of the Latin word “fladon,” which comes from the Old High German word “flado,” meaning “flat cake.” Flan was once a savory dish, usually made from fish or meat. Today, the dessert has evolved into something sweet.

More Recent Flan History

In the new European culture, flan has become a formidable force. Caramelized sugar was added to the dish as a testament to refined Spanish ingenuity. The Moors assisted with some flavorings still used today, such as citrus fruits and almonds. On the other hand, flan has mostly remained the same egg, cream, and sugar mixture over the years.

Europeans brought flan with them, as they did with other treasures when they arrived in America. Flan was adopted as an international dessert of the “La Raza” movement by Latinos, Central Americans, and North Americans alike. Mexicans, particularly, made flan a part of their everyday food.

What Is Flan Made Of? Exploring the Ingredients

The standard flan recipe is a simple combination of staple ingredients: milk (or cream), sugar, eggs, and vanilla. These ingredients are carefully blended and then baked to create a velvety, creamy custard. The caramel sauce, made by melting sugar, gives it that sweet and glossy finish. Variations of flan may include other flavorings for a twist.

Flan Flavors

The variations of this classic dessert have evolved as a result of the many different food types and taste options available today in local markets.

Classic Vanilla Flan

Original vanilla flan is still incredibly popular and consists of vanilla egg custard topped with a caramel sauce.

Chocolate Flan

The dark chocolate offers a delightful twist on the original and does best when combined with fresh berries, caramel sauce, and extra chocolate, adding a luxurious flavor to the flan.

Coffee Flan

This variation of flan has a beautiful rich flavor from espresso coffee, and it’s the perfect dessert to pair with a glass of after-dinner liqueur. The coffee kick lingers in your mouth until you finish it all.

Orange Flan

This orange flan has a milder orange flavor that cleanses the palate while still satisfying a sweet tooth. The sauce is made from sugar and orange juice, giving it its deep orange hue and flavor.

Mango Flan

A mango fruit adds a tart and refreshing flavor to the flan. Because of the freshness of the fruit, this flan is ideal for everyone. With fresh mango chunks and fresh mango topping included in the flan recipe, this is the perfect cooling treat to beat the heat of summer.

Types of Flan

There are two main types of flan: either a baked custard dessert topped with caramel, such as the French crème caramel, or a tart-like sweet pastry with a fruit filling, such as a fruit flan.

Is Flan Gluten-Free?

A flan is generally gluten-free and a vegetarian option for lovers of European food, as it is typically made with cream or milk and sugar and egg yolks.

What Does Flan Taste Like?

The result of flan is a delightful and creamy dessert flavored with vanilla and caramel. The taste is unique, and you can’t find it in any other dessert. While eggs are an essential part of the dessert, some flan fans believe the flavor becomes eggy if there is too much egg.

How Long Does Flan Last?

Flan is served at room temperature or cold. It usually lasts for three to five days at room temperature and should not be refrigerated after that. Nevertheless, if stored in the refrigerator, it should last about three days.

How to Make Flan: Step-by-Step Recipe for Beginners

Novices, don’t fret! Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe to try at home and set you on track to being a whizz with flan:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown to make the caramel topping. 
3. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your flan mold or ramekins and set aside.
4. Combine and mix 1 can of condensed milk, 1 can of evaporated milk, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a blender or mixing bowl until smooth.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the flan molds after it’s cooled slightly.
6. Place the flan molds in a larger baking dish. Create a water bath by filling the dish with water similar to the oven’s temperature until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan molds.
7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until the flan is set. Prick with a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the flan is baked well.
8. Allow the flan to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
9. Serving time! Run a knife around the edges of the flan, flip it onto a plate, and drizzle the caramel sauce on top.
   

How to Make Caramel for Flan: Tips for the Perfect Topping

Getting that classic flan topping is vital to make this dessert as delicious as it’s known for. To ensure your caramel turns out perfectly, here are some tips:

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps the sugar melt evenly without burning.
• Heat Sugar Slowly: Patience is the trick to avoid burning or crystallizing.
• Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let it melt and caramelize before giving it a gentle stir.
• Watch the Color: Once it’s a deep amber, remove it from heat so it won’t burn.
• Pour Quickly: Prepped caramel hardens fast. Pour it once it’s cooled enough to not damage the molds.

We offer the most exquisite delicacies at Socarrat, which will leave you craving more. Experience the yumminess of traditional Spanish flan when you dine with us. Or you can take advantage of our Spanish food delivery service from any of our three locations to enjoy some flavorful flan at home!