Cream Cheese Flan: A Decadent and Easy Dessert Recipe

Flan, in its simplest form, is a creamy custard dessert with a layer of golden caramel. It’s a classic treat enjoyed worldwide, celebrated for its smooth texture and rich flavor. While traditional flan is delightful, adding cream cheese takes it to another level of indulgence. This Cream Cheese Flan, also known as Flan de Queso, offers a richer, creamier, and even more decadent experience. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel and the custard, creating a truly unforgettable dessert.

This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can easily impress your friends and family with this elegant and delicious dessert.

## Why Cream Cheese Flan? (Flan de Queso)

* **Extra Creamy:** The addition of cream cheese results in an incredibly smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
* **Rich Flavor:** Cream cheese adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the caramel and custard, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal baking experience.
* **Impressive Dessert:** Cream Cheese Flan is an elegant and sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this recipe with various flavorings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients. Quality ingredients will yield the best results.

### For the Caramel:

* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) water

### For the Flan:

* 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 5 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

### Optional Garnishes:

* Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
* Whipped cream
* Caramel sauce
* Toasted coconut flakes

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pan or flan mold
* Large saucepan
* Mixing bowl
* Blender or food processor
* Whisk
* Oven
* Roasting pan (large enough to hold the cake pan)
* Aluminum foil (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making this delectable Cream Cheese Flan. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

### Step 1: Make the Caramel

This is a crucial step, as the caramel adds a beautiful color and distinctive flavor to the flan. Patience is key here; don’t rush the process.

1. **Combine Sugar and Water:** In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar.
2. **Cook over Medium Heat:** Place the saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir the mixture after it starts to simmer. Stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize. Let the sugar cook undisturbed until it turns into a golden amber color. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
3. **Watch Carefully:** Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks. It can burn quickly, so it’s important to remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired color.
4. **Pour into the Pan:** Once the caramel is ready, immediately pour it into the bottom of your cake pan or flan mold. Swirl the pan gently to coat the bottom evenly. Be careful, as the caramel will be extremely hot.
5. **Let it Cool and Harden:** Allow the caramel to cool and harden completely. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

### Step 2: Prepare the Flan Custard

This is where the magic happens! Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth and creamy custard.

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Water Bath:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare a water bath by placing a roasting pan on the oven rack. You’ll fill this with hot water later.
2. **Combine Ingredients in Blender:** In a blender or food processor, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. **Pour Custard into Pan:** Carefully pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan or flan mold.

### Step 3: Bake the Flan

The water bath is essential for baking flan. It ensures even cooking and prevents the custard from cracking.

1. **Cover with Foil (Optional):** If you want to prevent the top of the flan from browning too much, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. This is optional, but it can help to maintain a more even color.
2. **Place in Water Bath:** Carefully place the cake pan or flan mold inside the roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This creates a water bath that helps to cook the flan gently and evenly.
3. **Bake in the Oven:** Carefully transfer the roasting pan with the flan and water bath to the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.
4. **Check for Doneness:** To check if the flan is done, gently shake the pan. The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight wobble. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a little bit of custard clinging to it.

### Step 4: Cool and Chill

This is the hardest part – waiting! But chilling the flan allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

1. **Remove from Water Bath:** Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven. Use oven mitts to protect your hands, as the water and pan will be very hot.
2. **Cool to Room Temperature:** Let the flan cool to room temperature on a wire rack. This will take about 1-2 hours.
3. **Refrigerate:** Once the flan has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flan to set completely and develop its full flavor.

### Step 5: Unmold and Serve

This is the moment of truth! Unmolding the flan reveals the beautiful caramel topping.

1. **Loosen the Edges:** Before unmolding, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the flan. This will help it release more easily.
2. **Invert onto a Plate:** Place a serving plate over the top of the cake pan. Holding the plate and pan tightly together, quickly invert them so that the plate is on the bottom and the pan is on top.
3. **Let the Caramel Drip:** Gently shake the pan to help the flan release. Lift the pan carefully to reveal the flan with its caramel topping. The caramel will drizzle down the sides of the flan, creating a beautiful presentation.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Cream Cheese Flan chilled. Garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or toasted coconut flakes, if desired. Enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them blend more smoothly and create a better texture.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the flan can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake it just until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
* **Be Patient with the Caramel:** Don’t rush the caramel-making process. Cook it over medium heat until it reaches a golden amber color.
* **Use a Water Bath:** The water bath is essential for preventing the flan from cracking and ensuring even cooking.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling the flan for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allows it to set completely and develop its full flavor.
* **For easy cleanup, spray the pan with non-stick spray before adding the caramel.** It helps the caramel not stick too much to the pan, making it easier to clean.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Cream Cheese Flan is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for customizing the recipe to suit your taste preferences:

* **Add Flavor Extracts:** Experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond, coconut, or rum, to add a unique twist to the flan.
* **Incorporate Citrus Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the custard mixture for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Chocolate Cream Cheese Flan:** Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a chocolatey version.
* **Coffee Cream Cheese Flan:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the custard mixture for a coffee-flavored flan.
* **Toppings Galore:** Get creative with your toppings! Try fresh fruit, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, or toasted nuts.
* **Individual Flan:** Bake the flan in individual ramekins for a single-serving dessert.
* **Dulce de Leche Flan:** Swirl a few tablespoons of dulce de leche into the custard mixture before baking.

## Serving Suggestions

Cream Cheese Flan is a delicious dessert on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Pair with Coffee or Tea:** The rich and creamy flan pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Serve with Fresh Fruit:** The acidity of fresh fruit, such as berries or citrus segments, balances the sweetness of the flan.
* **Drizzle with Caramel Sauce:** For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the flan with caramel sauce.
* **Top with Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to the flan.
* **Accompany with Ice Cream:** Serve the flan with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cream Cheese Flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing is NOT recommended:** Freezing can alter the texture of the flan, making it watery and grainy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 150-180mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 25-30g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.*

## Cream Cheese Flan Recipe Card

### Ingredients:

* **Caramel:**
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) water
* **Flan:**
* 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
* 5 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

### Instructions:

1. **Caramel:** Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until golden amber. Pour into a cake pan. Cool completely.
2. **Flan:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Blend evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour custard over the hardened caramel.
4. Place the cake pan in a roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan, halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
7. Loosen edges with a knife. Invert onto a serving plate. Serve chilled and enjoy.

## Conclusion

Cream Cheese Flan is a truly special dessert that’s sure to impress. Its creamy texture, rich flavor, and elegant presentation make it perfect for any occasion. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the decadent delight of Cream Cheese Flan!

Enjoy your Cream Cheese Flan!