Cream Cheese Flan

Introduction

Cream Cheese Flan, also known as Quesillo or Flan de Queso, is a velvety smooth and decadent dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the classic simplicity of traditional flan. This luxurious dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a creamy, custardy body and a delicate caramel topping that adds a touch of sophistication to every bite. The slight tang of cream cheese beautifully complements the sweetness of the caramel, making it a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.

This flan is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The journey begins with the anticipation of the first spoonful, the slight crack of the caramel, and the sensation of the cool, smooth custard melting in your mouth. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to elevate your everyday dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Cream Cheese Flan is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are consistently impressive.

In my family, Cream Cheese Flan has always been a symbol of celebration and togetherness. I remember my grandmother making it for every birthday and holiday, and the aroma of caramelizing sugar would fill the entire house, creating a sense of warmth and excitement. Now, I continue the tradition, adding my own touch while preserving the essence of this cherished recipe. The joy of sharing this dessert with loved ones, seeing their eyes light up with each bite, is a reward in itself. If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance, simplicity, and a touch of nostalgia, Cream Cheese Flan is the perfect choice.

Perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations
• Birthday parties
• Elegant dinner parties
• Family gatherings
• A special treat for yourself

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Flan

Here’s why Cream Cheese Flan will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Luxurious Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth and creamy texture that is unmatched by traditional flan recipes.
• Balanced Flavor: The slight tang of the cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, this flan is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Cream Cheese Flan is a universally loved dessert that is sure to impress guests of all ages.
• Versatile: It can be customized with various flavor additions, such as vanilla, citrus zest, or a hint of spice, to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cream Cheese Flan:

• For the Caramel:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
• For the Flan:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient, cream cheese adds richness and a velvety texture to the flan, making it exceptionally creamy.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and contributes to the creamy consistency of the flan.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle milky flavor, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the flan.
• Granulated Sugar: Used to create the caramel topping, providing a sweet and slightly bitter contrast to the creamy flan.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the flan, adding a warm and aromatic note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cream Cheese Flan:

Prepare the Caramel:

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
2. Cook the Caramel: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns into a deep amber caramel color. This process usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly.
3. Pour into Mold: Immediately pour the caramel into a 9-inch round flan mold or baking dish, tilting the mold to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Set aside to cool and harden.

Make the Flan Mixture:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into Mold: Gently pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the mold.

Bake the Flan:

1. Prepare Water Bath: Place the flan mold inside a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This is a water bath (bain-marie) that helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking.
2. Bake: Carefully transfer the baking pan with the flan mold to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
3. Cool: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the flan cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the flan mold from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Chill and Serve:

1. Chill: Cover the flan mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flan to set completely.
2. Invert and Serve: To unmold the flan, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the mold and carefully invert the flan onto the plate. The caramel will drizzle down the sides.
3. Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, caramel-y goodness!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Flan

Cream Cheese Flan can be served in various ways to enhance its presentation and flavor:

• Classic Presentation: Serve the flan chilled, right after unmolding it onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to cascade down the sides.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish the flan with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and a touch of acidity.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair the flan with a cup of strong coffee or a fragrant tea to complement its sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the flan for a decadent twist.

Additional Tips for Cream Cheese Flan

Follow these tips for the best Cream Cheese Flan:

• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before blending it with the other ingredients. This will help create a smooth and lump-free flan mixture.
• Even Caramel Coating: When pouring the caramel into the mold, work quickly to coat the bottom and sides evenly before it hardens.
• Low and Slow Baking: Baking the flan in a water bath at a low temperature is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry or rubbery flan.
• Check for Doneness: The flan is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Patience is Key: Allow the flan to cool completely before refrigerating, and chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop its flavor.

Recipe Variations for Cream Cheese Flan

Here are 10 variations to customize your Cream Cheese Flan:

1. Vanilla Bean Flan: Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract for a richer, more intense vanilla flavor. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the flan mixture.
2. Citrus Zest Flan: Add the zest of an orange, lemon, or lime to the flan mixture for a bright and refreshing twist.
3. Chocolate Flan: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the flan mixture for a chocolatey delight. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished flan.
4. Coconut Flan: Replace the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut over the flan before baking.
5. Coffee Flan: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder to the flan mixture for a coffee-flavored flan.
6. Dulce de Leche Flan: Swirl dulce de leche into the flan mixture before baking for an extra layer of caramel-y goodness.
7. Spiced Flan: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the flan mixture for a warm and aromatic flavor.
8. Almond Flan: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the flan mixture for a nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds over the flan before baking.
9. Strawberry Flan: Blend fresh strawberries into the flan mixture for a fruity and vibrant flan.
10. Maple Flan: Replace some of the granulated sugar in the caramel with maple syrup for a unique and delicious caramel flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Cream Cheese Flan

• Freezing: While Cream Cheese Flan is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the flan tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place the flan in the refrigerator overnight.
• Storage: Store leftover flan in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3-4 days. The caramel may soften slightly over time, but the flan will still be delicious.

Special Equipment for Cream Cheese Flan

Here are some items that make preparing Cream Cheese Flan easier:

1. Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for making the caramel, a heavy-bottomed saucepan ensures even heat distribution and prevents the sugar from burning.
2. 9-Inch Round Flan Mold or Baking Dish: The ideal vessel for baking the flan, this mold should have a smooth interior to allow for easy unmolding.
3. Blender: Used to create a smooth and creamy flan mixture, a blender ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Large Baking Pan: Used to create the water bath (bain-marie) for baking the flan evenly.
5. Whisk: Useful for stirring the caramel mixture and ensuring that the sugar dissolves evenly.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements of ingredients for the caramel and flan mixture.
7. Plastic Wrap: Used to cover the flan during chilling and storage, preventing it from drying out.
8. Thin Knife: Used to loosen the flan from the mold before inverting it onto a serving plate.
9. Serving Plate: For presenting the finished flan in an elegant and attractive manner.
10. Oven Thermometer: Helps ensure accurate oven temperature for even baking of the flan.

FAQ Section for Cream Cheese Flan

1. Can I use a different type of milk?
   Yes, you can substitute whole milk for the evaporated milk, but the flan may not be as creamy. Avoid using low-fat milk, as it will affect the texture.
2. Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
   It’s best to make the caramel right before pouring it into the mold, as it can harden quickly. If you do make it ahead of time, you can gently reheat it over low heat until it melts again.
3. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
   Cook the caramel over medium heat and watch it carefully. Once the sugar dissolves, avoid stirring it and let it cook undisturbed until it turns a deep amber color. If you see smoke, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
4. What if my flan cracks while baking?
   Cracking can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if the flan is not baked in a water bath. Make sure to bake the flan at a low temperature in a water bath to prevent cracking.
5. How can I tell if the flan is done?
   The flan is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. It will continue to set as it cools.

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Conclusion for Cream Cheese Flan

Cream Cheese Flan is a decadent and elegant dessert that is sure to impress. Its creamy texture, balanced flavor, and simple preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this flan is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and leave you with a dessert that is both comforting and unforgettable. Cream Cheese Flan is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Enjoy every creamy, caramel-y bite! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own!