Olivia Carter
Leche Flan is a popular Filipino dessert that is similar to crème caramel. It is made with eggs, milk, and sugar, and has a smooth, creamy texture. While it is traditionally steamed on the stovetop, you can also make leche flan in the oven for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Steaming leche flan in the oven allows for a more gentle and even heat distribution, resulting in a silky smooth custard with a perfectly caramelized sugar on top. This method also eliminates the need for a steamer, making it more convenient for those who don’t have one in their kitchen.
In this article, we will show you how to steam leche flan in the oven, providing step-by-step instructions to help you create this delicious dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Steam Leche Flan in the Oven
Steaming leche flan in the oven is a great way to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your leche flan mixture according to your favourite recipe.
- Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or a large baking dish.
- Cover the ramekins or baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent water from getting into the flan.
- Place the covered ramekins or baking dish in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking dish.
- Carefully place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake the leche flan for about 45-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly wobbly in the centre.
- Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the leche flan for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.
- When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekin or baking dish and carefully invert the leche flan onto a serving plate.
Now you have a beautifully steamed leche flan ready to be enjoyed!
Preparing the Ingredients for Leche Flan
Before you start making leche flan, it is essential to prepare all the required ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg yolks | 10 pieces |
| Condensed milk | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 ounces) |
| White sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you proceed with the next steps of making leche flan.
Making the Caramel Sauce
To make the caramel sauce for your leche flan, you will need sugar and water. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
Sugar: 1 cup
Water: 1/4 cup
Instructions:
-
In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Stir gently to combine.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the sugar dissolve, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Continue cooking until the sugar caramelizes and turns a deep amber color. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
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Once the caramel reaches the desired color, pour it into your llaneras or ramekins and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
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Allow the caramel to cool and harden before pouring the custard mixture on top.
Preparing the Leche Flan Mixture
Before steaming the Leche Flan in the oven, you need to prepare the Leche Flan mixture. The ingredients include egg yolks, condensed milk, fresh milk, and vanilla extract. Here’s a simple recipe to make the Leche Flan mixture:
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Egg yolks | 10 pieces |
| Condensed milk | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Fresh milk | 1 can (12 ounces) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
To prepare the Leche Flan mixture, combine the egg yolks, condensed milk, fresh milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined. Once the mixture is ready, you can pour it into individual llanera molds or a larger baking dish for steaming in the oven.
Steaming the Leche Flan in the Oven
Steaming leche flan in the oven is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a stovetop or steamer. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Pour about an inch of water into a large baking pan or dish and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
Step 3: Carefully place your leche flan molds or ramekins on the baking rack above the pan of water. Make sure the water level is just below the level of the flan molds.
Step 4: Cover the flan molds tightly with aluminum foil to prevent steam from entering. You can also use a larger baking dish as a cover for added insulation.
Step 5: Bake the flan for about 45-60 minutes or until it is set. To check for doneness, gently jiggle the flan; it should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Step 6: Once the flan is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
By steaming the leche flan in the oven, you can achieve a wonderfully silky and creamy texture without the need for a stovetop or traditional steamer.
Cooling and Serving the Leche Flan
Once the Leche Flan is done steaming, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
When you are ready to serve, carefully run a knife around the edge of the Leche Flan to loosen it from the mold. Place a serving plate over the mold, and quickly invert it to release the Leche Flan onto the plate. The caramel sauce will flow over the Leche Flan, creating a beautiful glaze.
Вопрос-ответ – Q&A (Questions and Answers)
Can I steam leche flan in the oven?
Yes, you can absolutely steam leche flan in the oven. To do this, prepare your leche flan mixture as usual and pour it into a heatproof dish. Then, cover the dish with foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water. Bake it in the oven at a low temperature, typically around 300°F (150°C), for about an hour or until the flan is set.
What are the advantages of steaming leche flan in the oven?
Steaming leche flan in the oven has a few advantages. First, it provides a gentle and even heat distribution, which helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from curdling. Additionally, using the oven for steaming allows you to free up space on your stovetop for other cooking tasks, making it a convenient method for preparing leche flan.
Can I use a water bath in the oven to steam leche flan?
Yes, using a water bath, also known as a bain-marie, is a popular method for steaming leche flan in the oven. It helps to create a moist and gentle cooking environment, which is ideal for custard-based desserts like leche flan. The water bath also helps prevent the flan from cracking or curdling during the cooking process, resulting in a silky smooth texture.
