Flan is a delicious sweetened egg custard that is usually topped with a caramel sauce. A popular staple in Latin food, there are a few variations as far as flavor and shape. Below is a guide featuring the history of flan and how it is made.

Where Does Flan Come From?

Flan dates back to the Roman Empire after the Romans began domesticating chickens and developing recipes and techniques with eggs. Derived from the Latin “fladon,” which comes from the Old High German “flado,” flan means flat.

In the beginning, flan began as a savory dish, but it later turned into a sweet treat flavored with honey. As the Roman Empire spread throughout Europe, so did their recipes, including flan. Spain, in particular, developed a love for the dessert and is credited with adding the sweet caramel sauce topping. Spanish conquistadors are also responsible for sharing it with the people of newly discovered lands, particularly in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.  

It is from here that flan has remained a staple in Latin food, especially as it traveled into Latin American cultures. It was flavored with coffee, coconut, chocolate, and other delightful ingredients.

How Is It Made?

The basic ingredients of flan include sugar, water, cream cheese, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. The sugar and water are cooked over medium heat until melted and golden and then poured into an ungreased round baking dish. The cream cheese is softened and beaten until smooth, and then eggs are added until combined. The two milks and vanilla are added, and the whole smooth mixture is poured over the caramelized sugar.

Before baking for about an hour at 350 degrees, chefs set the baking dish into a larger baking pan with about an inch of boiling water. Once cooked, remove the dish from the water and pan, and let it cook for an hour before refrigerating overnight. When it is ready to serve, don’t forget to pour the caramel sauce over it.

When you are craving delicious Latin food, stop by Mamajuana Café Queens in Woodside, NY. With a menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner as well as catering for your next party or event, the location features private party rooms and local singers on Sunday evenings. The Spanish restaurant also offers fixed meal deal packages and special brunch pricing for the weekend. To learn more, call (718) 565-6454. Visit them online for their full menu.