Description
French Chocolate Flan is a rich yet light dessert combining smooth, high-quality dark chocolate with a silky custard base. This elegant French treat features a glossy surface and creamy texture, making it a perfect indulgence that is simple to prepare and suitable for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Molds: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease individual ramekins or a larger flan dish to ensure easy removal later. Prepare a water bath by placing the molds inside a deep baking pan.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the high-quality dark chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. This forms the luscious base of your French Chocolate Flan.
- Warm Milk and Cream: In a separate saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream together until just below boiling point. Remove from heat to avoid curdling and allow it to cool slightly before combining with the eggs.
- Whisk Eggs, Sugar, and Flavorings: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined but not frothy to avoid air bubbles in the custard.
- Combine Ingredients Carefully: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid cooking the eggs. Then, stir in the melted chocolate until the mixture is fully smooth and even.
- Pour into Molds and Bake in Water Bath: Distribute the custard into your prepared molds. Carefully pour hot water into the baking pan so it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dishes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the flans from the water bath and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flan to fully set into a silky texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for the best flavor and texture.
- The water bath (bain-marie) ensures gentle and even baking, preventing cracks.
- Avoid overwhisking the eggs and sugar to keep custard smooth without air bubbles.
- Chill the flan thoroughly to enhance texture and flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients to avoid curdling and lumps in the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 155mg