Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the French Antilles coconut flan flan coco! This dessert is like a warm hug from the tropics, creamy and indulgent, with that unmistakable coconut flavor that just transports you to a sunny beach. I first discovered this gem during a trip to the French Antilles, and I was instantly hooked. The way the caramel glistens on top and that silky texture just melts in your mouth—seriously, it’s pure bliss! Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long day, this flan is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you try making it, you’ll be dreaming about it for days! Let’s dive into the magic of this delightful recipe together.
Ingredients for French Antilles Coconut Flan
- 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (397g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar (for caramel)
How to Prepare French Antilles Coconut Flan
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a consistent temperature is key to getting that perfect flan texture. While it’s heating up, you can tackle the next steps!
Make the Caramel
Now, let’s get to the sweet part—making the caramel! In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in your 1/2 cup of sugar. Keep a close eye on it as it melts, stirring gently. You want it to turn a lovely golden brown, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn—if it starts to smell bitter, you’ve gone too far! Once it’s just right, quickly and carefully pour the caramel into your flan mold, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Ooh, it’s already looking gorgeous!
Prepare the Flan Mixture
In a large bowl, it’s time to whisk together the magic! Combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I like to use a whisk for this, but a fork works in a pinch. Just mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You’ll want to make sure there are no lumps in there—trust me, the texture will thank you!
Combine and Bake
Now for the fun part! Carefully pour your creamy flan mixture over the caramel in the mold. Then, grab a larger baking dish and place the flan mold inside it. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This water bath helps to cook the flan evenly and keeps it from cracking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly—like a gentle wave. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let your flan cool for a bit at room temperature. Then, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you can wait! When you’re ready to serve, take it out and gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert it onto a plate and watch that glorious caramel drizzle down the sides. Ahh, it’s a sight to behold! Serve it chilled for that refreshing tropical vibe and savor every bite of this luscious coconut flan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers!
- Decadent coconut flavor that’s a true taste of the tropics.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Impressive presentation with that beautiful caramel topping.
- Can be made ahead of time, making it stress-free for entertaining.
- Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth—pure bliss!
- Versatile enough to enjoy on any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
- Each slice is a delightful treat that brings smiles all around!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your French Antilles coconut flan flan coco turns out fabulous! I’ve got a few tips that’ll elevate your flan game and help you avoid any mishaps.
- Use Fresh Coconut: If you can get your hands on fresh coconut, do it! It adds a depth of flavor that’s just out of this world. Plus, the texture is even more incredible.
- Check Your Water Bath: Make sure the larger baking dish has enough hot water before you pop it in the oven. The water should come about halfway up the sides of the flan mold. This keeps the temperature steady and prevents cracks!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. The flan is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It’ll firm up nicely as it cools.
- Patience is Key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooling process! Letting it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) results in a firmer, more flavorful flan.
- Perfect Inversion: When it’s time to serve, run a knife around the edges gently to loosen it. Inverting it onto a plate can be a little nerve-wracking, but just take your time—it’s worth the suspense!
- Experiment with Toppings: While the caramel is divine, feel free to get creative with toppings! Fresh fruit, toasted coconut flakes, or even a dollop of whipped cream can add a lovely touch.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a coconut flan that’ll have everyone raving about your culinary skills. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for each delightful slice of your French Antilles coconut flan flan coco. This way, you can enjoy it without any guilt—well, maybe just a little!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This flan is a delicious treat that balances rich flavors with a relatively modest calorie count, making it a lovely end to any meal. Just remember, as with all desserts, moderation is key—though with a dessert this good, it might be hard to stop at just one slice!
FAQ About French Antilles Coconut Flan
Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! While I adore the rich creaminess that coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk bring, you can mix things up a bit. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use whole milk or even almond milk. Just keep in mind that using different milk will change the flavor and texture a bit. Coconut milk gives that signature tropical taste, while other milks might make it less rich. So, if you want that authentic flan coco experience, stick with coconut milk if you can!
How do I know when the flan is done?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it bakes. The flan is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle to it—kind of like a gentle wave! You can also gently poke it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. Don’t worry if the center seems a little soft; it will firm up beautifully as it cools!
Can I make this flan ahead of time?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! This French Antilles coconut flan flan coco is actually perfect for making ahead of time. I often whip it up the day before I plan to serve it. Just remember to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight for the best flavor. It holds up beautifully, and the flavors really meld together as it sits. Just cover it well to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll have a stunning dessert waiting for you—how convenient is that?
Equipment Needed
Before we get started on making your French Antilles coconut flan flan coco, let’s gather all the tools you’ll need. Having everything at your fingertips makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend:
- Flan Mold: A round flan mold or a deep pie dish works perfectly for this recipe. It needs to be able to hold all that luscious flan mixture!
- Medium Saucepan: You’ll use this for melting the sugar to create your caramel. A heavy-bottomed pan is best to prevent burning.
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for whisking together your coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s big enough to hold everything without spilling!
- Whisk or Fork: To mix your flan ingredients together smoothly. A whisk is my go-to for making sure there are no lumps, but a fork will do in a pinch.
- Baking Dish: You need a larger baking dish to create the water bath for the flan mold. It should be deep enough to hold water without overflowing.
- Oven Mitts: Trust me, you’ll want these! They’re crucial for safely handling hot pans and the flan mold once it’s out of the oven.
- Knife: A simple butter knife or paring knife will help loosen the flan from the edges before inverting it onto your serving plate.
- Plate for Serving: Choose a nice, flat plate for inverting your flan onto. You want to show off that gorgeous caramel drizzle!
With these tools in hand, you’re all set to create a stunning coconut flan that’ll wow your friends and family. Let’s get cooking!
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French Antilles Coconut Flan: 7 Steps to Blissful Indulgence
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious coconut flan from the French Antilles.
Ingredients
- 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (397g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat to create caramel. Once melted and golden, pour it into a flan mold.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the caramel in the mold.
- Place the mold in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- To serve, invert the flan onto a plate to let the caramel drizzle over it.
Notes
- Make sure the water bath has enough water during baking.
- You can use fresh coconut for a richer flavor.
- Serve chilled for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French Antilles
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: french antilles, coconut, flan, flan coco
