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There is something irresistibly indulgent about the Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe that makes it a standout dessert in any gathering or quiet evening at home. This luscious, silky custard with the rich tang of cream cheese combined with the classic caramel sweetness creates a uniquely creamy texture and flavor that elevates the traditional leche flan to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Filipino desserts or curious to try something decadently smooth, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe lies in its use of a few simple, essential ingredients that together create a complex and velvety dessert. Each component plays a critical role—from the caramel’s deep amber flavor to the creamy texture imparted by the cream cheese and milks.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for caramel): This transforms into the rich caramel that forms the signature topping and a slight bitterness to balance the sweet custard.
- Large egg yolks (10): They are the backbone of the custard, giving it its luxurious texture and golden color.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a tangy creaminess making this flan uniquely smooth and decadent.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Provides sweetness and a creamy density that enriches the custard’s flavor.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz): Lightens the custard slightly while adding its own subtly caramelized milk flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Offers a warm aroma and depth to the flan’s overall flavor profile.
How to Make Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Caramel
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for the water bath baking. Next, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat in a saucepan, watching carefully as it transforms into a golden caramel. Pour this immediately into your llanera or heatproof mold, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. This step sets the base of the flan and creates the beautiful caramel topping that is so essential to the Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks with the softened cream cheese. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is perfectly smooth with no lumps. This ensures the custard will have that signature creamy texture without any curdling or clumps—a key to a flawless flan.
Step 3: Mix in Milks and Vanilla
Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract to your egg and cream cheese mixture. Stir or whisk until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. The result will be a rich custard base that promises lusciousness in every bite of your Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
For the silkiest texture, pour the mixture through a fine sieve to catch any remaining lumps or air bubbles. This simple step can make all the difference in getting that melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes leche flan so beloved.
Step 5: Prepare the Water Bath and Bake
Pour the custard gently into your caramel-lined mold. Place this mold inside a larger baking pan, then carefully fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath. This gentle, indirect heat prevents the custard from cracking or curdling during baking. Bake the flan for 50-60 minutes, or until it’s set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully. This waiting time is essential to achieve the perfect texture and enhanced flavor for the Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe.
Step 7: Unmold and Serve
To serve, carefully run a knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the custard. Invert the mold onto a serving plate so the caramel flows over the top, creating that glossy, luscious finish. Now your dreamy Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe is ready to delight everyone at the table!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe
Garnishes
While the flan itself is stunningly beautiful, you can elevate presentation and add subtle texture with simple garnishes. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes offer a lovely contrast and brighten the plate without overpowering the delicate custard.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, which add a burst of freshness. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can also complement the silky texture and balance out the sweetness in the Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try serving the flan in individual ramekins so each guest can have their own perfectly caramel-coated custard. Alternatively, drizzle with additional caramel sauce or even a touch of chocolate syrup for a playful flavor fusion that makes this classic recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe should be stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Properly covered, it will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert option for parties or family dinners.
Freezing
Freezing flan is tricky due to its delicate custard texture, which can become watery or grainy after thawing. For the best experience, it’s recommended to avoid freezing this Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe. Instead, enjoy it fresh within a few days of baking for perfect results.
Reheating
This flan is best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator. If you prefer it slightly warmer, briefly let it sit at room temperature before serving, but avoid microwaving as it can alter the smooth texture and cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of cream cheese?
Regular cream won’t provide the same tangy richness and structure as cream cheese. The cream cheese is what sets this flan apart from classic recipes and gives it its signature smooth and slightly tangy flavor.
What if I don’t have a llanera mold?
Any heatproof round or oval mold will work well. Just ensure it’s oven-safe and fits inside your larger water bath pan for even cooking.
Why do I need to strain the custard mixture?
Straining removes lumps and patches of cream cheese or egg coagulation, ensuring the flan’s texture is silky smooth and perfect every time.
How long should I bake the flan?
Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, but 50-60 minutes usually yields a perfectly set custard with just a slight jiggle in the center.
Can I make this flan without the water bath?
The water bath is essential to gentle cooking and prevents the custard from cracking or uneven baking. Skipping this step often leads to a rubbery or cracked flan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that is indulgently creamy, satisfyingly sweet, and a bit unexpected, the Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes a beloved classic and adds a new twist of richness and texture that will impress family and friends alike. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cream Cheese Leche Flan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
This Cream Cheese Leche Flan is a luscious twist on the classic Filipino dessert, combining the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the traditional caramel custard. Baked in a water bath, this flan has a silky smooth texture and a golden caramel topping that makes it irresistibly indulgent and perfect for any special occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Flan Mixture
- 10 large egg yolks
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the flan evenly.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns a golden brown and caramelizes. Quickly pour the caramel into a llanera or any heatproof mold, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to let the caramel harden.
- Combine Egg Yolks and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, whisk the 10 large egg yolks together with the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dairy and Flavor: Incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract into the egg and cream cheese mixture. Stir or whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the custard mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps or curdled bits, ensuring a silky smooth flan.
- Pour into Mold: Carefully pour the strained mixture into the caramel-coated mold, preparing it for the water bath.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the mold into a larger baking pan. Add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the mold, which helps the flan cook gently and evenly.
- Bake: Bake the flan in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife gently around the edges of the mold to loosen the flan. Invert it onto a serving plate to reveal the smooth custard topped with rich caramel. Enjoy this delightful dessert!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth custard mixture.
- Be careful when making caramel; it can burn quickly if not watched closely.
- Straining the custard mixture helps achieve a silky texture without lumps.
- The water bath prevents the flan from cracking and ensures even baking.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a llanera, any heatproof mold or small baking dish can be used.
