First off, there’s something about a delicious homemade Mexican flan that feels like a warm hug from my abuela — even though my hands are the ones whisking the eggs now. I turned 31 this year, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how the desserts we grow up with shape the way we see sweetness, comfort, and identity. For me, that’s flan: silky, golden, unapologetically rich — and deeply Mexican.
Secondly, Flan’s story began long before it arrived in our kitchens. Its roots go all the way back to ancient Rome, where it was a savory custard. The Spanish adopted it, sweetened it, and later carried it across the ocean. But in México, it found a new soul. Here, flan became more than dessert — it became ours. We infused it with vanilla from Veracruz, milk from our ranches, and sugar that once flowed from the fields of Morelos. Over generations, Mexican cooks turned flan into something smoother, deeper, and more comforting than its European ancestors could have ever imagined.
Lastly, every time I make a delicious homemade Mexican flan, I feel like I’m joining a long line of women who stirred caramel in their kitchens — mothers, tias, and abuelas who passed down not just recipes, but patience. Making flan teaches you to slow down. You can’t rush caramel or custard; you have to watch, listen, and feel. It’s a small meditation wrapped in sweetness.
My favorite version is flan Mexicano…
the kind you find at abuela’s house or make for your niece’s high school graduation. The condensed milk gives it that creamy, velvety texture that practically melts on your tongue. When I flip the mold and the caramel cascades over the top, it feels like unveiling a small miracle — one born from our culture’s blend of resilience and creativity.
Flan isn’t just a dessert to me. It’s a quiet testament to Mexican ingenuity — how we’ve taken something foreign and made it familiar, intimate, and beautifully ours. So next time you take a spoonful of that golden custard, remember: you’re tasting centuries of history, migration, and love — all in one shimmering bite.
Provechito.
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 8 servings | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | Passive Time |
| 3 hours | 5-8 hours minimum |
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This ultra-creamy vanilla flan takes a classic Mexican favorite to new heights with the richness of heavy cream and a touch of cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth texture. Slow-baked in a gentle water bath and topped with golden caramel, it’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.
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- 2 cups sugar (for the caramel)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 ⅔ cups heavy cream (14 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ½ stick cream cheese (equivalent to 4 oz cream cheese spread)
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 cups of sugar over medium heat.
- Let it melt slowly, stirring occasionally once it begins to liquefy. Watch carefully — you want a deep amber color, not burnt.
- Once fully melted and smooth, immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of your flan mold (or a round 9-inch cake pan).
- Quickly tilt and swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden slightly. Tip: Be careful — melted sugar is extremely hot. Use oven mitts if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl combine: 5 eggs 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 ⅔ cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract ½ stick cream cheese (softened)
- whisk until smooth and fully combined. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated — no lumps.
- Pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in your mold.
- Place the mold inside a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan halfway with hot water — this creates a baño maría (water bath) that ensures even, gentle baking.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours, or until the center is just set (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean).
- Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time helps the caramel soak into the custard and deepens the flavor.
- To un-mold, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan.
- Place a serving plate on top and quickly flip it over.
- Let the caramel flow over the top — golden, glossy, and irresistible.
Thanks so much for reading! If you try this flan, we’d love to see your creations — follow us on TikTok @forksnflipflops for more recipes, tips, and sweet inspiration!
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