Mango Pudding Flan: A Tropical Delight Recipe

Imagine a dessert that marries the creamy, comforting texture of a classic flan with the vibrant, tropical sweetness of mango. That’s exactly what you get with Mango Pudding Flan, also known as Flan de Mango! This delightful treat is surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal baking time, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect dessert for a warm summer evening, a festive gathering, or simply when you crave a taste of the tropics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this exquisite dessert, ensuring that you achieve flan perfection every single time. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Mango Pudding Flan

• Tropical Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy custard and sweet mango creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, this flan is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and smooth texture make it a visually stunning dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration, mango pudding flan is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the flan a day in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:

For the Caramel:

• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweetness and the base for the caramelized layer.
• 2 tablespoons Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates a smooth caramel.

For the Flan:

• 1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and sweetness of the flan.
• 1 (12 ounce) can Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and helps create the custard base.
• 4 Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the flan’s structure.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• 1 cup Mango Puree: Use fresh or frozen mango, blended until smooth. This is the star of the show, providing the tropical flavor.

Equipment Needed

• 6-inch Round Cake Pan or Flan Mold: This will be used to bake the flan.
• Saucepan: For making the caramel.
• Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the mango.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the flan ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend the flan ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Dish: Larger than the cake pan, to create a water bath.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the flan and prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect mango pudding flan.

Step 1: Make the Caramel

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water.
2. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the mixture, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns into a golden brown caramel. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the caramel, as it will become bitter. A slight swirling of the pan is acceptable to ensure even cooking.
3. Pour into the Pan: Carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of your cake pan or flan mold. Tilt the pan to ensure the caramel evenly coats the bottom.
4. Let it Harden: Allow the caramel to cool and harden while you prepare the flan mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Flan Mixture

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and mango puree.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Pour Over the Caramel: Gently pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan.

Step 3: Bake the Flan

1. Prepare the Water Bath: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish.
2. Add Hot Water: Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This is called a water bath, and it helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking.
3. Cover with Foil: Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil to prevent the top of the flan from browning too quickly.
4. Bake: Bake the flan for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out with only a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool: Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes. Then, remove it from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Chill and Unmold

1. Chill: Cover the flan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flan to set completely and develop its flavors.
2. Unmold: To unmold the flan, run a thin knife around the edge of the cake pan to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the pan, then carefully invert the plate and pan together. Gently shake the pan to release the flan. The caramel will drizzle over the flan, creating a beautiful presentation.
3. Serve: Slice and serve the mango pudding flan. Enjoy the creamy texture and tropical flavor!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your mango pudding flan turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Ripe Mangoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet mangoes. If fresh mangoes are not available, you can use frozen mango chunks, thawed and blended until smooth.
• Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel while it’s cooking. Overcooked caramel will taste bitter. Aim for a rich golden brown color.
• Strain the Mixture: For an extra smooth flan, strain the flan mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the cake pan. This will remove any lumps or impurities.
• Control the Water Bath Temperature: Using hot water for the water bath helps to maintain a consistent temperature and promotes even cooking.
• Let it Cool Completely: Allow the flan to cool completely before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps the flan from becoming soggy.
• Unmolding Tips: If the flan is sticking to the pan, try dipping the bottom of the pan in warm water for a few seconds to loosen the caramel.

Variations and Additions

Want to add a personal touch to your mango pudding flan? Here are some variations and additions to try:

• Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the flan mixture for a tropical twist.
• Lime Zest: Add the zest of one lime to the flan mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Cardamom: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the flan mixture for a warm, aromatic spice.
• Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the flan before serving for a decadent treat.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the flan for added texture and flavor.
• Other Fruit Purees: Experiment with other fruit purees, such as passion fruit, pineapple, or guava, for different flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions

Mango pudding flan is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh mango slices, berries, or other tropical fruits.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the flan for added texture and flavor.
• Mango Sauce: Drizzle with a homemade mango sauce for an extra burst of mango flavor.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

Make-Ahead Tips

Mango pudding flan is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions, chill the flan overnight, and unmold it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it perfect for entertaining.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover mango pudding flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flan may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 300-350 per serving
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 10-12g
• Cholesterol: 150-180mg
• Sodium: 80-100mg
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Sugar: 30-35g
• Protein: 6-8g

Conclusion

Mango Pudding Flan is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, tropical flavor, and elegant presentation, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Enjoy!