Flan de queso is a creamy custard-like dessert made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and eggs served in a pool of caramel-like sauce. Flan with cream cheese is equally tangy and sweet and is originally a Puerto Rican specialty. Don’t be intimidated, as it’s relatively easy to do! Just be sure to serve this flan de queso on a plate with edges facing upward so it can catch all of that delicious caramel sauce so you can enjoy every bite. Here’s how to make flan with cream cheese at home.
Ingredients for Flan de Queso
- Sugar: The sugar is cooked in a saucepan with water until it crystallizes and cream cheese is used as the base. It coats a pan to create a caramel-like top of the flan de queso.
- Cream cheese: This flan de queso recipe uses cream cheese as the base for this dessert.
- Eggs: Eggs are added to the cream cheese to create a custard-like texture for the flan.
- Sweetened condensed milk: A can of sweetened condensed milk is added to this flan with cream cheese to create that smooth and sweet texture. Don’t have a can handy? You could try this recipe with a sweetened condensed milk alternative.
- Evaporated milk: This recipe uses a can of evaporated milk to loosen the flan and make it light and airy.
- Vanilla extract: To enhance the flavor of this flan de queso, vanilla extract is added, pairing well with the tangy cheese and sweetened milk.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the sugar
In a heavy saucepan, cook the sugar and water over medium-low heat until the mixture is melted and golden, about 15 minutes. Brush down crystals on the side of the pan with additional water as necessary. Quickly pour it into an ungreased 2 quart round baking or souffle dish, tilting to coat the bottom. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Beat the filling
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until thoroughly combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well, then pour over the caramelized sugar in the pan.
Step 3: Bake until just set
Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into a larger pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake until the center is set (the mixture will jiggle), for about 50 to 60 minutes.
Step 4: Let it cool
Remove the dish from a larger pan to a wire rack, then cool it for 1 hour. Then pop it in the fridge and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Unmold and serve
To unmold the flan, run a knife around the edge and invert it onto a large-rimmed serving platter. Cut it into wedges or spoon it onto dessert plates, and spoon the sauce over the dessert before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add pumpkin: This flan with cream cheese can also work well in the fall with an added pumpkin puree! Beat in a cup of pumpkin purée with the cream cheese mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- Make it mini: If you want to wow your guests, make mini versions of this flan de queso! Follow the exact instructions, but divide the mixtures into six ramekins instead of one pan and bake as usual. The mini versions will likely cook faster, so keep an eye on them and take them out once they are set yet slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Top with fruit: This creamy, caramel-like dessert tastes divine with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
How to Store Flan de Queso
Flan must be kept cold and stored in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container.
How long does flan de queso last?
Homemade flan de queso will last three to four days in the refrigerator. If left longer, it will start to curdle and separate.
Flan de Queso Tips
Why does the flan crack?
If the flan is cracked, it means that it has been overcooked. You want to bake the flan until it is just set. It will likely still be jiggly, but don’t be alarmed; this is the texture you are going for. The flan will continue to set when it is removed from the oven and refrigerated.
How jiggly should flan be out of the oven?
The flan de queso should be set in the middle but still jiggly in the center. It will finish settling as it cools out of the oven.
Should I cover my flan in the oven?
The water bath helps with evenly cooking the flan, but covering the dish with foil will also help it to cook evenly. Check the flan after 30 or 40 minutes to see how it’s going. It might cook faster if you decide to cover it. But covering it is not necessary.
