Why You’ll Love Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins Recipe
These flan muffins bring all the indulgence of traditional caramel flan into a convenient bite-sized dessert. You’ll love them because they are:
• Creamy and smooth with rich vanilla and caramel flavors
• Elegant yet surprisingly easy to make
• Perfectly portioned for serving at gatherings or as a special treat
• Versatile for flavor variations and pairings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns a golden-brown caramel. Stir gently to prevent burning, then pour evenly into the bottom of a greased muffin tin.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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Carefully pour the custard mixture over the caramel in each muffin cup.
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Place the muffin tin inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the muffin tin to form a water bath.
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Bake for about 45–50 minutes, until the custard is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
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Remove the tin from the oven and let it cool in the water bath. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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To serve, run a knife around the edges of each muffin and invert onto a plate so the caramel drizzles on top.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12 flan muffins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours (minimum)
Total time: about 3 hours
Variations
• Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk with almond or coconut milk.
• Flavored Extracts: Use almond or orange extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the custard before baking for extra richness.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds after baking.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for warm seasonal notes.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled and chilled flan muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave each for 15–20 seconds or serve chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
What’s the purpose of the water bath in this recipe?
The water bath helps cook the custard gently and evenly, ensuring a silky, smooth texture without curdling.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat or plant-based milk, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
How long should I chill the flan muffins before serving?
Chill them for at least 2 hours so the custard fully sets and unmolding is easier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Do I need to watch the caramel closely while cooking?
Yes, caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so watch it and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden.
What if my custard is still wobbly after baking?
If it’s too wobbly, bake for a few extra minutes; it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it?
Yes — store-bought caramel sauce can be used to simplify the process.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?
Grease the muffin tin well, or use silicone molds for easier unmolding.
Are these suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely. Their elegant presentation and rich flavor make them great for parties and holidays.
Can I add toppings to these flan muffins?
Yes, toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or extra caramel drizzle enhance their flavor.
Conclusion
Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins transform the beloved creamy flan into elegant, individually portioned treats that are sure to impress. With a rich caramel topping and smooth custard texture, these muffins are perfect for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. Try them for your next gathering and enjoy a dessert that tastefully blends tradition with creativity.
Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins
Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins are a delicious twist on classic flan, baked in muffin tins for perfect single servings. These creamy, caramel-topped treats feature a rich custard base that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 flan muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a muffin tin inside a larger baking pan to prepare for a water bath.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it becomes a golden caramel. Quickly pour a small amount of caramel into each muffin cup.
- In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the flan mixture evenly over the caramel in each muffin cup.
- Fill the outer baking pan with hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the muffin tin (creating a water bath).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the centers are just set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges and gently invert each muffin onto a plate to release the caramel topping.
Notes
- Make sure the caramel doesn’t burn; work quickly once it’s ready.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor.
- You can use silicone muffin cups for easier unmolding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flan muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
