This Magnolia flan recipe is prepared using Magnolia condensed milk, which is creamy, silky, and extremely rich. This makes an excellent dessert for parties or holidays like Cinco de Mayo. Whether you are making it for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this flan recipe won’t disappoint you.
I got introduced to the flan during my childhood, and I instantly fell in love with it. Its creamy and rich texture attracts me a lot. But you won’t always get a good flan in restaurants. Some of them lack creaminess, while others are rubbery due to the use of gelatin. So, I decided to make my own recipe.
I have been making flan for many years now. I have tried multiple condensed milk brands, such as Eagle, Nestle, and many local brands. Once I was in Costco looking for the same, and I did not get any of them, and the only available brand was Magnolia. I decided to give it a try, after all, it is condensed milk of just a different brand, right?
But guess what? It is not just any other condensed milk. It is so creamy, rich, silky, and irresistible.
This eggless tres leches cake is also my favorite Mexican dessert.
What is Flan?
Flan is a creamy, custard-based dessert made out of eggs, milk, sugar, condensed milk, and vanilla. It is baked as a whole or individually served dessert by baking it in a water bath, and it is topped with caramel. It is loved by all ages. In some countries, it is also referred as ‘crème caramel’ or ‘caramel custard’.
Why will you love this Magnolia flan recipe?
- Amazing make-ahead dessert as it requires chilling.
- Perfect for parties.
- Extremely easy to make.
- Uses basic pantry staples (need just 5 ingredients).
How do you make a Magnolia flan recipe?
Let us understand the overview before deep diving into the step-by-step recipe.
| Sr. No. | Steps |
| 1. | Prepare caramel. |
| 2. | Make custard. |
| 3. | Bake in a water bath. |
| 4. | Chill and serve. |
Magnolia flan recipe ingredients
As we only need 5 ingredients, it is crucial to utilize high-quality products, one of which is Magnolia condensed milk, and the other is vanilla extract.
Egg – This is the backbone of any custard-based recipe. This not only allows the custard to thicken but also binds everything together.
Condensed milk – This is our primary and key ingredient, adding sweetness and richness to the flan.
Evaporated milk – This makes the flan lighter and creamier.
Vanilla extract – This is another important ingredient. I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract for that deep vanilla flavor.
Sugar – We will need sugar to make the caramel and to add to the custard.
Water – We will need water to make the caramel and to use in the water bath. PS – The above pic shows only the one that is used to make caramel.
Any substitutes?
Evaporated milk – Replace evaporated milk with regular milk or a combination of regular milk and heavy cream (in a 3:1 ratio).
Tools needed
- Saucepan – To make the caramel.
- Measuring spoons / measuring cups – To measure ingredients.
- Weighing scale – To precisely measure ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – To make the custard.
- Sieve – To strain the custard.
- Ramekin bowls – To bake individually served flans.
- Big pan – For water bath.
Magnolia flan (step-by-step) recipe
Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C and keep your ramekin bowls ready. You do not need any preparations in the bowl, but just keep them ready, as we can’t keep the caramel in the pan for long.
Caramel step-by-step recipe
- Add sugar and water to the saucepan.
- Keep it on low-to-medium heat until the sugar is melted. Reduce the heat and keep a close watch. Apply water from the sides using a pastry brush to avoid crystallization.
- As soon as it starts to change color to gold, or amber, remove from the gas.
- Immediately pour the caramel into the ramekin bowls. Move the caramel around quickly as it will set and become hard in just a few seconds. Keep aside.
Flan step-by-step recipe
5. Take a mixing bowl and add eggs to that. Start whisking using a whisk for about a minute.
6. Now, add the rest of the ingredients (sugar, vanilla, evaporated milk, and condensed milk). Mix everything until it is well combined.
7. Strain the mixture through a sieve. This will remove any additional air bubbles created during whisking.
8. Now, pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel. Divide it equally into 4 ramekins.
9. Place the ramekin bowls, into other pan.
10. Slowly pour hot water from the sides and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F or 180°C for 30 minutes.
11. Remove and keep it on a wooden board and allow it to cool down for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
12. Once it is cooled down to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
13. Once chilled, take one ramekin bowl and run a knife around the side of the bowl to release its edges.
14. Place the bowl upside down in a serving dish. (If it is chilled longer, place the ramekin in hot water for a few minutes to warm the caramel).
15. Carefully lift the ramekin bowl.
16. Serve and enjoy.
How to serve?
Magnolia flan needs to be served chilled. It tastes best when served plain. Feel free to pair with whipped cream or a combination of whipped cream and your choice of berries.
Watch me making it (video)
Storing and freezing instructions for the Magnolia flan recipe
To be really honest, everyone in my family just loves this flan so much that, I barely have any leftovers.
But i do understand that you may have some leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, ghen these tips will keep your flan fresh and creamy for days to come.
Storing instruction
If you’re planning to enjoy your flan within the next few days, refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. Here’s how to you do it.
Let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will save it from outside odors and help maintain that smooth texture.
This can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that, the texture might start to change, so try to enjoy it within this time frame for the best results.
When you’re ready to serve, just take it out, flip on the plate and eat.
Freezing instructions
You can feeze the flan, but there are a couple of things to consider. Freezing will change the texture slightly, so it’s not quite as smooth as the fresh version—but it’s still a great option for make-ahead prep or if you’re just trying to save some for later.
Here’s how you do it:
Make sure your flan is fully cooled before freezing. Once cooled, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and then wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container. This will protect it from freezer burn and keep it from getting freezer smells.
This should last for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight (so it doesn’t get too soft and watery).
With these easy storing and freezing tips, you can enjoy your homemade magnolia flan whenever you want—whether it’s fresh or from the freezer.
Variations
- Coconut flan – just replce evaporated milk with coconut milk.
- Chocolate flan – add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or 2 tsp of melted chocolate to the custard mixutre. And, add chocolate shavings on top.
- Coffee flan – add just a half teaspoon of coffee to the custard mixutre.
Secret tips to make the Magnolia flan recipe
- Use good quality ingredients – as mentioned above, this recipe is mage up of just 5 ingredients and it’s taste mainly depends on the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Make sure tonuse good quality ingredients.
- Keep a close watch on caramel – Caramel can go from amber to burnt in seconds. So, do not do anything while ypu are making Caramel and keep your utensils ready.
- Do not skip straining – For smooth and creamy texture , do not forget to strain the custard mixture.
- Water bath is essential – For even cooking, water bath ( also known as bain marie) is only the option. Do not avoid.
FAQs
Why is my flan dense? It is densed because it is overbaked or ratio of condensed milk to evaporated milk is incorrect. So, make sure it is baked just enough, jiggly in middle and use weighing scale to measure ingredients.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them.
Want to try some other pudding recipes?
Did you make it?
Did you make it yet? If not, do not wait and prepare this Magnolia flan recipe right away and ejoy creamy dessert.
Do not forget to comment below and tell me how did it turn out for you.
Tag @dessertkatta or #dessertkatta if you post it on Instagram.
Recipe card
Creamy Magnolia Flan Recipe
Description
Bring sugar, vanilla, egg, milk, and Magnolia condensed milk together and make this dreamy and creamy Magnolia flan recipe.
