Happy new year! Can I interest you in this creamy caramel flan?
While others are making big resolutions for 2017, I’ve been happily whiling away my hours in my fuzziest pair of snowflake pajamas and scarfing down the last of the shortbread cookies that I bought from Scotland. And making flan, apparently. I guess my resolution is to undo all of my hard fitness work from last year completely (for various reasons, I also haven’t been to the gym in a month). Hooray!
Just kidding. While I’m not a big fan of making lists based on Earth’s revolution around the sun, I do love the idea of new beginnings. So my five biggest goals this year are: to graduate with my PhD (!!!), travel like a crazy boss after I do, get a spanking awesome job that makes me happy (but hopefully also pays the bill), publish something, and give this blog an awesome facelift. Oh, and do something completely outside of my comfort zone that I have never, ever ever imagined doing before. So I guess that makes six!
Since every set of New Year’s resolutions deserves to be commemorated with amazing food–you know, to keep you fueled and focused!–I’m sharing my favorite caramel flan recipe of all time with you. It’s dense, creamy, and rich: think a cross between traditional flan and a really bomb cheesecake. Plus that glossy caramel coating on top is to die for (and super easy to make)!
All you’ll need for this recipe are six ingredients: sugar, cream cheese, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Beat them together (except the sugar, which you’ll be melting to create that caramel), and you’re just a few hours away from your resolution of ETERNAL FLAN-INSPIRED HAPPINESS! Muahahaha.
Because if that’s not on your to-do list this year, we really need to talk about your priorities.
Happy New Year!
Creamy Caramel Flan
This flan is like a mix between traditional flan and rich cheesecake! It's dense, creamy, and perfect for an indulgent dessert. It's also easy to throw together before a big party!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 fluid oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a 8 or 9-inch baking dish in the oven while it preheats.
- In a saucepan, heat sugar (over a medium flame) until it melts and turns golden, stirring constantly. Use oven mitts to remove your warmed pan from the oven, then pour the caramel into the bottom of the pan, tilting it so that you create an even coating of caramel on the bottom. (Tip: Don't worry if your caramel isn't completely even before it solidifies--it will liquidify and smooth out in the oven.)
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth. add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly with each addition. Mix in sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into caramel-coated pan.
- Fill a roasting pan halfway with boiling water. Place pan on the lower rack of your oven, then place your baking dish on the top rack. (This water bath will keep your flan from cracking.)
- Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until center is just set. Chill in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. To unmold, run a knife around edges of pan and invert on a large serving platter.
Oh my!! Those are absolute awesome resolutions and kickass accomplishments. I did the first two last year (Phd and Job!) so I’m routing for you! You will need all the flan and desserts for those 🙂 but I know you are amazing and will get them done. Happy New Year!
OMG I know, you had such a killer year last year–cannot wait to see all of your amazing accomplishments in 2017 as well! xo
sounds like some awesome goals! (: excited to see how your blog evolves, and i loved the posts and recipes you put up after your europe trip, so already salivating over your trip posts! and a flan/cheesecake mashup only sounds like it could be amazing (;
I cannot wait for more post-trip inspired recipes all year long, too! Happy new year, gal!
Do you know that as soon as I opened your email my mouth started watering. Beautiful images Ala, and the recipe looks do-able even though I’m not a great sweets gal.
Worthy goals my friend, high fives!
Ahh, thank you, Anna! Can’t wait to see what this new year has in store for both of us 🙂
Love this dish! And it’s been ages since I’ve made it. Gotta do it again, and soon. Fun post — thanks.
Most definitely–I hope you do, John!
I loooooove flan!Never made it with cream cheese before but I feel this can only improve things I hope you achieve all your goals this new year. They are all excellent 🙂
Ohh, the cream cheese makes this version KILLER. Thanks so much–a very happy new year to you, too!
Happy New Year, Ala! Your resolutions sound great and they’ll be very fulfilling. I like the idea of the last one, it’s always good to try something completely out of your comfort zone. This caramel flan looks amazing, a yummy recipe to start 2017 with! I’ve never tried making homemade flan before so I’ll definitely have to give it a try soon! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jess! Wishing you a super happy and fulfilling new year as well 🙂 Trying your hand at caramel flan would definitely be a good start!
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This flan looks so thick and creamy and decadent. I want some right now. I love how you have cut it for serving too. Go after those goals. I have lots of goals for this year too, well, mostly a couple BIG ones. Hopefully both of us will crush them xo
Thanks so much, Laura! I can’t wait to see you knocking out those goals this year as well 🙂
[…] creamy caramel flan! […]
With a big winter storm on the way, I’m looking forward to spending more time in the kitchen this weekend. This creamy, dreamy recipe would be a scrumptious way to chase those winter blues away!
Oh I know, I’m worried about this fabled storm! I hope you have a warm, cozy time of it in the coming weeks! xo
The texture looks incredible – so perfect! Happy new year Ala 🙂 x
Thank you, Aimee–it was so creamy and smooth! xo happy new year, Aimee!
I’m definitely cheering for you on getting your PhD and a job, and the rest of your goals. But if I may add 1 more thing to your top 5 list…we are due for another meetup and I need to try this flan! They look so jiggly-licious and I loveeee everything about custard so this is a must try recipe. Happy new year, lovely Ala!
Thank you, and YES please! I should back north again sometime soon, so let’s definitely do that <3 'till then, happy new year!
Happy New Year Ala, and I love your new year goals! I love making flan, and I love that you are starting out the new year with this perfect, perfect dessert! 🙂
Thank you, Kate–you’re so wonderful. Wishing you a wonderful 2017 ahead <3
I NEED TO MAKE THIS.
AGREED. 😀 happy Monday, Andrea!