Cream Cheese Leche Flan

Hey, sweet treat lovers! If you think you know flan, wait until you try this Cream Cheese Leche Flan—it’s like the classic custard got an ultra-creamy upgrade that’s pure indulgence. Imagine that silky, golden caramel topping giving way to a rich, velvety custard with a slight tang from cream cheese. It’s smooth, dreamy, and just the right amount of sweet, making it perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a dessert hug. Trust me, once you try this one, regular flan will never quite measure up!

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Leche Flan

This isn’t just your everyday flan—it’s a dessert experience that hits all the right notes:

Versatile: Perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or a cozy night in. Serve it chilled for that refreshing finish.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients but delivers a wow-worthy flavor that feels fancy.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and chill. Great for beginners!

Customizable: Add a splash of vanilla or a twist of citrus zest for your own signature touch.

Crowd-Pleasing: Silky, smooth, and sweet enough to satisfy even the pickiest dessert lovers.

Ingredients in Cream Cheese Leche Flan

Here’s the magic behind that creamy texture and luscious flavor:

Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this flan ultra-rich and silky.

Eggs: The base for the custard, giving it that smooth, delicate structure.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess in one go.

Evaporated Milk: Lightens the custard while keeping it rich.

Sugar: For that golden caramel topping that’s sticky, sweet, and irresistible.

Vanilla Extract: A splash for warm, comforting flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions for Cream Cheese Leche Flan

Ready to dive into this luscious dessert? Here’s how you do it:

Prepare the Caramel

In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep golden caramel. Pour the caramel quickly into your flan mold or ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Let it set.

Blend the Custard

In a blender or large bowl, combine cream cheese, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Blend or whisk until completely smooth and creamy.

Pour and Cover

Pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in the mold. Cover tightly with foil to prevent water from dripping in during steaming.

Steam or Bake

Steam the flan over simmering water for about 30-40 minutes until set, or bake in a water bath in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about the same time. The flan should be firm but still jiggle slightly in the center.

Cool and Chill

Let the flan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely and develop flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

To serve, run a knife around the edges, invert onto a plate, and watch that beautiful caramel sauce flow over the creamy custard. Pure heaven!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: About 5 hours

How to Serve Cream Cheese Leche Flan

This flan is perfect on its own, but you can also try:

• Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A light dollop on top adds extra creaminess.
• Coffee or Tea: Perfect companions to balance the sweetness.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.

Presentation tip: Serve chilled with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a mint leaf for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For that rich, smooth texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Flan continues to set as it cools, so a slight jiggle means it’s done.
• Caramel Caution: Watch sugar closely to avoid burning the caramel.
• Prep Ahead: Make it a day before—flan tastes even better after chilling overnight.
• Storage Tips: Keep refrigerated and cover to avoid absorbing fridge odors.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular cream cheese or whipped cream cheese?
A1: Regular cream cheese works best for the creamy texture. Avoid whipped as it contains air.

Q2: Can I bake instead of steam?
A2: Yes! Baking in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) is a great alternative.

Q3: How do I prevent the flan from curdling?
A3: Mix ingredients gently and avoid over-blending or overcooking.

Q4: Can I add citrus zest?
A4: Absolutely! Lemon or orange zest adds a lovely brightness.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
A5: You’d need to use dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes, but texture may differ.

Q6: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A6: Up to 3-4 days when covered well.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, just use a larger mold and increase cooking time slightly.

Q8: What’s the best way to unmold the flan?
A8: Run a thin knife around the edges and dip the mold briefly in warm water before inverting.

Q9: Can I make individual servings?
A9: Yes, use ramekins for personal-sized flans.

Q10: Can I add other flavors like coffee or chocolate?
A10: Yes! A splash of espresso or cocoa powder can give it a unique twist.

Conclusion

There you have it—a luscious Cream Cheese Leche Flan that’s smooth, creamy, and just begging to be devoured. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this flan hits all the right notes with that perfect balance of sweetness and richness. So go ahead, make this showstopper dessert, and get ready to savor every silky bite. You’re going to love it!

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