Caramel Coconut Flan

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
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Caramel Coconut Flan combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional flan with a tropical twist. Infused with coconut, this dessert is both indulgent and refreshing — perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients for Caramel Coconut Flan

Sugar is the base for the caramel, providing that deep, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard. Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness, while evaporated milk contributes to a silky texture without adding extra sugar. Coconut milk infuses the flan with a subtle tropical taste. Eggs are key for setting the custard, giving it structure and smoothness. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, and shredded coconut offers texture and a hint of chewiness. Finally, a pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the caramel.
  • Don't stir the caramel once the sugar has dissolved; this prevents crystallization.
  • Refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor.
  • If you're having trouble releasing the flan, dip the bottom of the pan in warm water for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

This Caramel Coconut Flan pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a more tropical vibe, serve it with a side of sliced mango or pineapple. It’s a delightful end to a spicy or savory meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this flan ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it's best to make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Can I use unsweetened coconut milk?
Yes, unsweetened coconut milk will work just fine and will keep the flan from becoming overly sweet.
What if I don't have a roasting pan?
You can use any large, deep pan that fits your cake pan with room to spare for water.

Caramel Coconut Flan Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan. Next, grab a saucepan and combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then set the spoon aside and let it cook undisturbed. You'll want to watch closely as it transforms to a deep amber color, being careful not to let it burn.

Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it into the cake pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and salt until everything is nice and smooth.

Pour this creamy mixture over the caramel in your cake pan. Place the cake pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This water bath helps the flan cook gently and evenly.

Slide everything into the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You'll know it's done when the flan is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

When you're ready to serve, gently run a knife around the edges of the flan, then place a serving plate on top and flip it over to invert the flan. The caramel should flow beautifully over the top, making for a stunning presentation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The perfect blend of creamy custard and sweet caramel.
  • The coconut adds a delightful tropical flair.
  • Simple ingredients with a luxurious result.
  • A show-stopping dessert that’s easier to make than it looks.

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup water
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
1 cup coconut milk
5 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then stop stirring and let it cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color.
Step 3: Carefully pour the caramel into the cake pan, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and salt until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the cake pan.
Step 6: Place the cake pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 9: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan, invert onto a serving plate, and gently lift the pan away.

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