Sous Vide Flan: Luxurious Caramelized Indulgence

I’m Jasmine, the home cook behind SousVideRecipe.com, and I’m thrilled to share a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with the precision of sous vide cooking: the Sous Vide Flan. This silky, creamy treat has become a staple in my kitchen, much like the perfectly cooked steak and tender chicken you can also find on my site. The sous vide method has revolutionized my approach to cooking, allowing me to achieve consistent, restaurant-quality results at home.

Living in sunny Florida, I’ve always been drawn to fresh, vibrant flavors. However, discovering sous vide truly transformed my culinary endeavors. The first time I prepared flan using this method, I was amazed at how effortlessly it delivered a flawless texture. It was a revelation, much like the first time I tasted melt-in-your-mouth salmon from a warm water bath.

On this platform, I aim to provide real home cooks with approachable recipes, free from complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The sous vide flan is a testament to how sous vide can simplify cooking while enhancing flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned sous vide enthusiast or new to this method, this recipe is a must-try addition to your repertoire.

Cooking should be a joyful and forgiving experience, with each dish offering something unexpectedly delightful. The sous vide flan embodies this philosophy, making the process not only fun but also foolproof. Let’s dive into the fundamentals and preparation to create this dreamy dessert.

Sous Vide Flan

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Discover how to make the perfect Sous Vide Flan with our easy-to-follow recipe. Learn the secrets to a creamy and decadent dessert today!

• Author: Jasmine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/3 cup sugar (266 g)
• 8 4-ounce jars with lids and rings (8 x 113 g jars)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (396 g)
• 1 can evaporated milk (354 ml)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Place a sous vide device inside a large, heat-resistant container filled with water. Set the water temperature to 179°F (82°C) and allow it to heat up.
2. In a small saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown, which should take around 5 minutes. Carefully distribute the hot caramelized sugar into eight 4-ounce Mason jars, ensuring the bottom of each is covered.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. Pour this mixture into the jars and securely fasten the lids.
4. Submerge the jars in the warmed water and set a timer for 1 hour.
5. After the time has elapsed, remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool until they can be safely handled, approximately 20 minutes.
6. Carefully open the jars and loosen the edges of the flan using a small rubber spatula. Place a plate on top of each flan, flip the jar, and gently shake to release the dessert onto the plate.

Notes

• Evenly spread the caramelized sugar in each jar for consistent sweetness in the flan.
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother and creamier flan texture.
• Ensure the flan cools sufficiently before flipping to avoid breaking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Fat: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g

Sous Vide Flan: The Perfect Dessert

Fundamentals

The magic of sous vide lies in its precision. By cooking the flan in a controlled water bath, you ensure an even temperature distribution, resulting in a creamy texture throughout. This method prevents the common pitfalls of traditional flan-making, such as curdling or uneven cooking.

Sous vide flan relies on a few simple ingredients: sugar, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. These components come together to form a rich custard, perfectly complemented by a layer of caramelized sugar. The key is to caramelize the sugar until it reaches a golden hue, enhancing both flavor and appearance.

Preparation/setup

Begin by setting up your sous vide device. Place it inside a large, heat-resistant container filled with water, setting the temperature to 179°F (82°C). Allow the water to heat up to ensure a consistent cooking environment. While the water heats, prepare your ingredients.

In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown—this should take about five minutes. Carefully distribute the hot caramelized sugar into eight 4-ounce Mason jars, ensuring the bottom of each jar is covered. In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. Pour this mixture into the jars, securely fastening the lids.

Submerge the jars in the warmed water bath, setting a timer for one hour. This gentle cooking process will result in a smooth, velvety flan that’s impossible to achieve with traditional methods. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the jars and allow them to cool until they can be safely handled, approximately 20 minutes.

Mastering the Sous Vide Flan Technique

Technique

Sous vide cooking is all about precision and control. When making flan, maintaining a steady temperature ensures the eggs set perfectly without scrambling. This technique allows the custard to develop a silky, luxurious consistency that’s difficult to achieve with traditional oven methods.

Using Mason jars not only provides an airtight environment but also makes serving easier. The jars act as individual molds, making it simple to invert the flan onto a plate. This method eliminates the need for large baking dishes or water baths in the oven, streamlining the entire process.

Tips/tricks

To enhance your sous vide flan, consider experimenting with different flavors. A splash of citrus zest or a pinch of cinnamon can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Always ensure your jars are properly sealed to prevent water from entering, which could affect the texture of the flan.

Patience is key. Allow the flan to cool completely before attempting to unmold it. This step ensures the custard sets firmly, making it easier to release from the jar. If you encounter resistance, gently run a small rubber spatula around the edges to loosen the flan.

Perfecting Your Sous Vide Flan

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect sous vide flan requires attention to detail. The right balance of ingredients and precise temperature control will yield an impeccably smooth custard. The long, gentle cooking process allows flavors to meld, resulting in a dessert that’s rich and satisfying.

If you’re a fan of sous vide desserts, you might also enjoy trying other recipes like Sous Vide Crème Brûlée or Sous Vide Cheesecake. These recipes utilize the same principles to achieve perfect results every time.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your flan appears too runny, consider extending the cooking time slightly. Conversely, if it seems overcooked, check the temperature of your sous vide device, as it may be running hotter than indicated. For those looking to switch things up, try infusing the custard with different flavors or incorporating subtle spices for a new taste experience.

Embrace the versatility of sous vide cooking by exploring new variations. For instance, adding a touch of coffee or coconut milk can transform the traditional flan into something special. The sous vide method accommodates these changes seamlessly, maintaining the flan’s signature texture.

Serving and Storing Sous Vide Flan

Serving/presentation

Once your sous vide flan is ready, it’s time to present it with flair. Carefully open the jars, loosen the edges with a rubber spatula, and invert each flan onto a plate. The caramelized sugar topping will glisten, creating an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.

Consider garnishing with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. The contrast between the creamy custard and the caramelized top creates a delightful sensory experience. The sous vide flan is a perfect ending to any meal, offering a sweet, sophisticated finish.

Pairings/storage

To complement your sous vide flan, consider pairing it with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions highlight the flan’s richness and balance its sweetness. When storing leftovers, keep the flan in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorful.

For those interested in exploring more sous vide recipes, try making Sous Vide Lemon Curd or Overnight Sous Vide Bacon. These dishes showcase the versatility of sous vide cooking, demonstrating its potential to elevate everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Conclusion

The sous vide flan is a testament to the power and precision of sous vide cooking. By harnessing controlled temperatures and meticulous preparation, you can achieve a dessert that’s both luxurious and foolproof. This method eliminates the uncertainties of traditional flan-making, offering consistent, delectable results.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, the sous vide flan provides an opportunity to explore new culinary horizons. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress without the stress. Embrace the sous vide revolution, and discover how it can transform your cooking, one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

FAQs – Sous Vide Flan