Cómo preparar un flan de vainilla is a question that often arises among those who are passionate about baking and enjoy the rich, creamy texture of this classic dessert. Flan, also known as creme caramel, is a delightful treat that originates from Spain and has since become a staple in many countries around the world. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious flan de vainilla, ensuring that you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The first step in preparing a flan de vainilla is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need the following:
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– Unsalted butter, for greasing the ramekins
Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create your own homemade flan de vainilla:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease the ramekins with butter. This will help the flan release easily once it’s done.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to cook the mixture until it turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as this will affect the taste of the flan.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the caramel into the greased ramekins, tilting them to coat the bottom evenly. Set the ramekins aside to cool while you prepare the flan mixture.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warm. Once warm, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk and cream, and add the vanilla pod to the mixture. Allow the milk and cream to infuse for about 5 minutes, then remove the vanilla pod.
6. Gradually pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once fully combined, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
7. Pour the flan mixture into the caramel-lined ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
8. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water, ensuring that the water comes about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This method, known as a water bath, helps the flan cook evenly and prevents it from cracking.
9. Bake the flan de vainilla in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
10. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
11. Before serving, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen the flan. Invert the ramekin onto a plate, and the flan should slide out easily.
Enjoy your homemade flan de vainilla with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. ¡Disfruta!
