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Leche Flan

A national dessert of the Philippines, leche flan is a beloved Filipino dessert known for its silky, creamy texture and rich, caramel flavor. Similar to the French classic flan or crème caramel, this dish is made from a mixture of egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, which creates a dense, custard-like consistency. The mixture is poured over a layer of caramelized sugar in a mold, then steamed or baked until set. Once cooled and inverted, the flan reveals a beautiful amber caramel topping that glistens and adds a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the custard. Popular at celebrations and gatherings, leche flan is often enjoyed on its own or as a decadent topping for other desserts such as halo halo. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a favorite treat that reflects the Filipino flair for creating indulgent, comforting sweets with a touch of elegance. Introduced by Spanish conquistadores, leche flan is a rich, velvety, and satisfying dessert that also is easy to make.  

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
10 minutes
+ 2 hours 5 minutes resting
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 55 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar

Directions

  1. Whisk egg yolks until foamy.
  2. Mix in sweetened condensed milk, milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Caramelize sugar in an 8-inch (20-cm) round cake pan set over low heat.
  4. Tilt pan to coat its sides with caramelized sugar.
  5. Remove pan from heat, wait 5 minutes, and then pour in egg custard.
  6. Cover pan tightly with foil and steam for 30–35 minutes.
  7. Let leche flan cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for 2 hours.