Are you looking for a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the smooth texture of flan? Look no further! Today, we are excited to share with you a mouthwatering cheese flan recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This delectable treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a dinner party, or simply a cozy evening at home. So, let’s dive into the world of cheese flan and learn how to make this exquisite dessert.
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand the key ingredients and the science behind cheese flan. Cheese flan, also known as queso flan, is a Latin American dessert that combines the flavors of cheese and caramel. The main ingredients include milk, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese. The secret to achieving the perfect cheese flan lies in the balance of these ingredients and the careful baking process.
Now, let’s get started with the cheese flan recipe. Gather the following ingredients:
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
– Caramel sauce, for topping
Follow these simple steps to create your own cheese flan masterpiece:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch round baking dish with butter and set it aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
6. Add the softened cream cheese to the egg and milk mixture, and beat until smooth.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
8. Pour the cheese mixture into the greased baking dish.
9. To make the caramel sauce, heat 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the caramel into the bottom of the greased baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the caramel evenly.
11. Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
12. Bake the cheese flan in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
13. Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
14. Once the cheese flan is chilled, run a knife around the edges of the dish to loosen it. Invert the flan onto a serving plate and pour the caramel sauce over the top.
15. Slice the cheese flan into wedges and serve chilled.
Enjoy your homemade cheese flan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This luscious dessert is sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s a perfect way to end a delicious meal. Happy baking!
