Oh, Flan de Chocolate! This rich, silky dessert holds a special place in my heart (and stomach!). I remember the first time I tasted it at a family gathering – my aunt’s kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma. The moment I took my first bite, my taste buds rejoiced, and my chocolate-loving soul was forever changed. I’ve been perfecting my own version since then, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute showstopper!
What I love about this flan is its incredible balance of flavors. You get the indulgent notes of chocolate blended with the creamy essence of traditional flan, all drizzled with caramel sauce. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is unbelievably easy to make. Trust me, you’ll want to make this for every occasion—or just when you need a little chocolate pick-me-up!
What’s in Flan de Chocolate?
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the creamy base of our flan and adds a delightful sweetness. I love using the brand “Eagle Brand” as it gives the best texture.
Evaporated Milk: This adds a light creaminess without being too heavy. Some folks use “Carnation” brands here; it’s all about that velvety smooth finish.
Dark Chocolate: The star of our show! I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate (around 60-70% cacao). It’s rich yet sweet enough to create that perfect, indulgent flavor.
Eggs: These are crucial for texture and richness. They help achieve that custardy, silky consistency that makes flan so special.
Sugar: Used to make our caramel sauce. It transforms into that beautiful amber caramel that tops our flan.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds depth to the flavor profile of the flan. Use pure vanilla extract if possible for the best taste.
Is Flan de Chocolate Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health factors.
Milk Products: Both sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk provide calcium and protein, which is great for bone health.
Dark Chocolate: The good news is it contains antioxidants and can even contribute to heart health when consumed in moderation.
However, this flan is definitely a treat. It’s rich in sugar and calories, so I recommend enjoying it on special occasions rather than every day. Also, if you’re lactose intolerant or have an egg allergy, you might want to explore substitutions or skip this recipe.
Ingredients for Flan de Chocolate
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 4 oz dark chocolate, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Serves: 8
How to Make Flan de Chocolate?
1. **Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need a round flan mold or a cake pan. I usually like to use a water bath, so grab a larger baking dish for this.
2. **Make the Caramel:** In a saucepan over medium heat, add the 1 cup of sugar. Stir constantly until it melts and turns a golden amber color. Quickly pour the caramel into your flan mold, coating the bottom. Be careful; it’s super hot!
3. **Blend the Flan Mixture:** In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, melted dark chocolate, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
4. **Pour the Mixture Over Caramel:** Carefully pour the flan mixture over the caramel in your mold.
5. **Prepare the Water Bath:** Place your flan mold inside the larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This will help the flan cook evenly and prevent it from cracking.
6. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the flan is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
7. **Cool and Chill:** Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight.
8. **Unmold and Serve:** To serve, run a knife around the edge of the flan, then invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel will drizzle down, creating a gorgeous topping!
Sweet Additions and Serving Suggestions
I love to serve my Flan de Chocolate with freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for a little extra flair. You can also garnish with fresh berries or nuts for a lovely crunch. Want to take it to the next level? Serve alongside some warm chocolate sauce for heavenly chocolate overload!
So, give this Flan de Chocolate a whirl! I can’t wait for you to experience this dessert that brings smiles and sweet satisfaction to any table (and yours might just be the next!). Please share your thoughts and experiences – I love hearing how your flans turned out! Enjoy!