It was a warm summer evening when I found myself wandering through a bustling local market. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the vibrant stalls filled with fresh fruits and spices. My heart skipped a beat when I stumbled upon a basket of ripe, aromatic citrus fruits—blood oranges, lemons, and limes. Inspired by their vibrant colors and zesty fragrance, I decided to create a unique flan that would elevate the classic dessert to new heights. This Velvet Caramel Flan with a Zesty Citrus Twist was born, combining the silky smoothness of traditional flan with a refreshing citrus flavor that dances on the palate.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 blood orange
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh blood orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Instructions
Begin by preparing the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Allow it to melt slowly without stirring. As the sugar melts and begins to turn a rich amber color, gently swirl the pan to ensure even cooking. Once the sugar has completely melted and reached the desired color, quickly pour it into a round 9-inch cake pan, tilting the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are well beaten. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Next, incorporate the citrus zests and juices, mixing well to combine all the flavors. The zesty aroma will envelop you, promising a delightful experience ahead.
Pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the cake pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a water bath by placing a larger baking dish in the oven filled with hot water. This will ensure even cooking and a silky texture for your flan.
Carefully place the cake pan into the water bath and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it, then invert it onto a serving platter. The caramel will cascade over the top, creating a stunning presentation. Garnish with additional citrus slices or a sprinkle of zest for an extra pop of color. This Velvet Caramel Flan with a Zesty Citrus Twist is sure to impress your guests, leaving them enchanted and craving more!