The original, classic flan is a vanilla egg custard, baked in a water bath and its own caramel sauce. It’s an easy recipe to prepare and is a favorite in Spain and abroad. So, it’s no surprise that it’s popular all over Latin America since Spanish women for centuries brought their own family’s version of flan when immigrating to America. Today, with many different kinds of foods and flavorings available in local markets, it’s easy to see how the variations on this classic got started.
Orange Flan – Flan de Naranja
Lisa Sierra (c) 2008 Licensed to About.com
This variation is lighter, but has an intense orange flavor that refreshes the palate as well as satisfying a sweet tooth. The sauce is made with sugar and orange juice, giving it a deep orange color and flavor.
Coffee Flan – Flan de Café
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
Espresso coffee gives this version of flan a wonderfully rich flavor, and makes it a perfect dessert to enjoy with a glass of after-dinner liqueur.
Strawberry Flan – Flan de Fresas
(c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com Inc.
Instead of vanilla, this flan is flavored with fresh strawberries and condensed milk. This flan is good when you want to a sweet, light and fresh dessert – whether it's for dinner or brunch.
Brandy with Dried Figs and Honey Flan
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
This flan is a rich amber color because it is made with honey instead of sugar. The topping, made with dried plums (prunes), honey and brandy gives this flan a unique look and taste. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped walnuts.
Classic Vanilla Flan
Lisa Sierra (c) 2008 Licensed to About.com
Still the most common and most popular, the original Flan is a vanilla egg custard, topped with caramel sauce.
