The Ultimate Simplicity: Crustless Flan Cake with Custard and Caramel

In the world of desserts, there’s something utterly magical about the humble flan.  Check the recipe video here. It’s a testament to how a few straightforward ingredients can create a dessert that transcends the sum of its parts. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that has captured my heart and taste buds: a Simple Flan Cake made with nothing but creamy custard and a divine layer of caramel. This recipe, dear readers, strips down the classic flan to its essence, eliminating the crust for a purely silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

The Beauty of Simplicity

In an era where dessert menus are often dominated by intricate confections, there’s a unique charm in returning to the basics. This Simple Flan Cake recipe embodies the philosophy that less truly can be more. With no crust to detract from its creamy texture, this flan is a celebration of smoothness, enriched by the deep flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a whisper of nutmeg.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

This recipe calls for the simplest of ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the final masterpiece:

• 1/2 cup of sugar (for the caramel), add about 1/4 of water optional  to help with the caramel
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 6 whole large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla
• 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg

Crafting Your Flan Cake

The Caramel

1. Begin with the caramel, as it lays the foundation of flavor and aesthetics for your flan. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden amber. Pour this liquid gold into the bottom of your baking dish, tilting to coat the surface evenly. Watch as it hardens; this will be the crown of your flan.

The Custard

2. In a blender or a whisk, combine the condensed and evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This mixture is the heart of your flan, where simplicity meets decadence.

The Magic

3. Gently pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel. The baking process is where the real magic happens, as the caramel and custard exchange roles in a delicate dance.

Baking in a Water Bath

4. To ensure even cooking and a velvety texture, place your flan dish in a larger baking pan filled with hot water, creating a water bath. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes or for convection oven, 325F for 40mins. The flan is ready when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

The Reveal

5. After cooling and chilling in the refrigerator, the final step is the most dramatic: inverting the flan onto a plate. What was once the bottom becomes the top, a glistening caramel layer that perfectly complements the creamy custard.

The Joy of Sharing

This Simple Flan Cake, with its custard and caramel only, is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly memorable. Serve this flan at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes a topic of conversation, a shared experience that transcends the moment.

Embracing the Art of Simple Baking

As a food blogger, I’ve explored countless recipes, from the intricate to the straightforward. Yet, it’s dishes like this Simple Flan Cake that remind me why I fell in love with baking. It encourages us to slow down, to savor the elegance in simplicity, and to appreciate the beauty in the basics. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things can indeed be the sweetest.

Bon Appétit!