I have an absolute soft spot for coconut flan! This dreamy dessert always transports me back to summer gatherings at my grandmother’s house, where the air was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of tropical treats. I can still picture her gently flipping the flan onto a plate and watching the caramel cascade down with that satisfying plop – pure magic! The blend of creamy coconut and the rich caramel creates a delightful contrast that keeps you going back for more.
What I love most about coconut flan is how it embodies the essence of happiness in every bite. You don’t just taste the ingredients; you taste the love that goes into it! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or simply a sweet treat on a Tuesday, this flan will surely impress your family and friends.
What’s in Coconut Flan?
Coconut Milk: The star of the show! Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture that makes the flan incredibly smooth and gives it that wonderful tropical flavor. Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This sweet, thick milk is a game-changer, adding extra sweetness and making the flan deliciously rich. It’s usually found in the baking aisle, and I always go for a brand that says “sweetened” to keep it consistent.
Eggs: These are essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. They act as a binding agent, helping everything come together beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Used for making the caramel, granulated sugar will give you that golden-brown topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy flan.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the flan, bringing a warm, aromatic note that complements the coconut.
Pinch of Salt: Just a little bit goes a long way in enhancing the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
Is Coconut Flan Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health aspects of our decadent friend. While coconut flan may not be a health food, it does pack some fun nutritional benefits.
Coconut Milk: This is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide quick energy and support metabolic health. Just be mindful that it’s also higher in calories.
Eggs: They’re a fantastic source of protein and contain essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B vitamins to boot!
However, keep in mind that the combination of sweetened condensed milk and sugar adds a significant amount of calories. So, it’s best indulged occasionally rather than a daily dessert — but hey, life is about balance!
Ingredients
– 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of granulated sugar (for caramel)
– A pinch of salt
This recipe serves about 8 people, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Make Coconut Flan?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Make the Caramel:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar. Stir often until it turns golden brown. This can happen quickly, so stay close! Once it reaches that lovely caramel color, carefully pour it into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish. Swirl it around to coat the bottom. Let it harden while you prepare the flan mixture.
3. **Blend the Flan Ingredients:** In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
4. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Carefully pour the flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.
5. **Prepare the Water Bath:** Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan. Fill the outer pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This water bath helps cook the flan evenly.
6. **Bake:** Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the flan is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
7. **Cool & Refrigerate:** Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
8. **Serve:** To serve, gently run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it, then invert onto a plate. Watch as the caramel flows down the sides. Slice and enjoy!
Sweet Serving Suggestions
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can top your coconut flan with shredded coconut, fresh fruit like mango or pineapple, or even a dollop of whipped cream. It takes this tropical delight over the top!
On hot days, I love serving it with a refreshing coconut sorbet or alongside a strong espresso to balance the sweetness.
I sincerely hope you give this coconut flan a try! It’s a crowd-pleaser and holds a special place in my heart. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why I adore it so much. Feel free to share your flan-making adventures; I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!