Vanilla Flan in Shape of a Heart

sweetened condensed milk

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: regular milk + sugar

Coconut milk offers a dairy-free option with similar sweetness.

evaporated milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: regular milk

Almond milk is a lighter alternative with fewer calories.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Vanilla bean adds authentic flavor but can be more costly.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia is a natural sweetener with fewer calories.

Prepare a heart-shaped baking pan for the flan.

In a saucepan, add 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat; watch closely to prevent burning, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Once the caramel is ready, quickly pour it into the prepared baking pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly; let it set for 2 minutes.

In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and eggs; blend for approximately 1 minute until well combined.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare another baking pan with hot water for the water bath (bano de Maria).

After 2 minutes, pour the blended mixture over the set caramel in the baking pan.

Place the baking pan into the water bath and cover it; bake for 1 hour, checking for doneness by inserting a knife to see if it comes out clean (it may take up to 1.5 hours depending on the oven).

Once done, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the flan and invert it onto a serving plate; garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens