Description
A luscious Heart-Shaped Chocolate Flan that combines creamy chocolate custard with a smooth caramel base. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, this Mexican-inspired dessert is baked in a water bath to achieve a silky texture and delicate flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the caramel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For the flan:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow it to cook until it turns a deep golden color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a greased heart-shaped cake or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare the flan mixture: In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and homogenous.
- Assemble the flan: Gently pour the flan mixture over the set caramel in the heart-shaped mold, taking care not to disturb the caramel layer.
- Set up the water bath and bake: Place the flan mold inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the mold. Carefully transfer the setup to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Remove the flan mold from the oven and the water bath. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flan to set fully.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it and invert the mold onto a serving plate. Slice and enjoy the rich, creamy chocolate flan.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and slightly cooled before blending to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Making the flan a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up perfectly.
- Use a heart-shaped mold to add a romantic touch, especially suited for Valentine’s Day or special celebrations.
- Be careful while handling the hot water bath to avoid spills or burns.
