If you are craving a dessert that’s as stunning to serve as it is delicious to eat, this Homemade Flan Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the smooth, creamy flan layered perfectly atop a moist, fluffy yellow cake, all wrapped in luscious caramel. It’s a classic Mexican treat that brings together the best of both worlds: the custardy richness of flan and the comforting texture of cake. Once you try this flan cake, you’ll be eager to make it again and again for every special occasion or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Flan Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance between creamy flan and tender cake, while the caramel adds that irresistible golden sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: For caramelizing to create that signature glossy, golden base that sets the tone for the entire dessert.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds rich sweetness and creaminess that’s essential for the flan texture.
- Evaporated milk: Works with the condensed milk to lighten the custard while keeping it wonderfully smooth.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the flan set perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, comforting flavor.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake layer, ensuring a fluffy, tender crumb.
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box: Typically eggs, oil, and water to bring the cake batter together.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential to ensure the flan cake releases cleanly from the Bundt pan.
How to Make Homemade Flan Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Start by heating the granulated sugar over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir gently as it melts and transforms into a beautiful golden caramel. Be patient—this is the moment when magic happens! Once it reaches that perfect amber color, pour it immediately into your greased Bundt pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. Let it cool slightly so it sets just right, which will create the stunning caramel layer your flan cake is known for.
Step 2: Blend the Flan Mixture
Next, it’s time to make the custard that will become the creamy flan layer. Combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until everything is wonderfully smooth. This step ensures your flan texture will be silky and uniform, which is the hallmark of great flan.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
While the flan mixture rests, prepare the yellow cake batter in a separate bowl according to the instructions on the box. Using the specified eggs, oil, and water, whip the batter until it’s just combined. This simple cake batter will become the fluffy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy flan.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour the yellow cake batter gently over the cooled caramel in your Bundt pan. Now comes the really cool part: slowly pour the flan mixture over the cake batter. Don’t worry that it seems like the custard sinks to the bottom during baking—this is exactly what should happen! Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep moisture locked in during baking.
Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath
Place the covered Bundt pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about an inch of hot water. This water bath helps the flan cook evenly and stay moist. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Once done, carefully remove the flan cake from the water bath and let it cool completely before chilling.
Step 6: Chill and Unmold
After the flan cake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for the layers to set firmly and for slicing neatly. To serve, run a knife around the edges and gently invert onto a serving plate. The caramel will cascade over the cake, creating a picture-perfect presentation.
How to Serve Homemade Flan Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Homemade Flan Cake Recipe is a showstopper all on its own, but you can elevate it even more with thoughtful garnishes. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce adds more shine and sweetness, while a dollop of fresh whipped cream brings a light contrast. For a touch of color and a subtle fruity tartness, sprinkle fresh berries or mint leaves on top.
Side Dishes
Flan cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a rich hot chocolate, making it a perfect dessert for cozy afternoons or elegant dinners. If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering a side of fresh fruit salad or almond biscotti for some textural crunch alongside the creamy flan layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends with your presentation skills? Serve individual slices with a thin layer of dulce de leche drizzled around the plate, or adorn each slice with edible flowers for a festive finish. Alternatively, try making mini versions of this flan cake in ramekins for personalized servings that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve made this Homemade Flan Cake Recipe, leftovers are best kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cool temperature keeps the flan firm and the cake moist, preserving that perfect texture you worked hard to achieve.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your flan cake later, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Flan cake is most delicious chilled, but if you prefer it a little warmer, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating as this can cause the flan to become watery and the cake to dry out.
FAQs
What makes this a flan cake?
This dessert is a delightful fusion where a creamy caramel flan is baked on top of a moist cake layer. During baking, the layers switch places, creating a beautifully layered, custard-and-cake treat known as flan cake.
Can I use another cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional and complements the flan’s flavor well, you can experiment with white or even chocolate cake mixes for a fun twist.
Why do I need to use a water bath?
The water bath provides gentle, even heat during baking, which prevents the flan from cracking and keeps its smooth, creamy texture intact throughout.
How long should I chill the flan cake?
For best results, refrigerate the flan cake for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is ideal to let the layers fully set and flavors meld perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure no cross-contamination. The flan mixture itself is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Flan Cake Recipe enough if you want a dessert that wows every time you serve it. It’s got a little bit of everything: silky caramel, creamy flan, and tender cake — each bite feels like a celebration. Gather your ingredients, take your time with each step, and enjoy sharing this special treat with family and friends. Once you try it, I’m sure this will become your go-to dessert for all your happiest moments.
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Homemade Flan Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus at least 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Flan Cake, also known as Chocoflan or Mexican caramel flan cake, is a delightful layered dessert featuring a golden caramel base topped with creamy flan and a moist yellow cake layer. It combines the smooth richness of flan with the light, fluffy texture of cake in a single, stunning dessert that is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Flan Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cake Batter
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Others
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring gently until it becomes a golden brown liquid. Immediately pour this caramel into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan and swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Blend the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then set it aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a separate bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, typically involving mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the prepared cake batter over the cooled caramel layer in the Bundt pan. Then, slowly pour the blended flan mixture over the cake batter. The flan mixture will sink to the bottom during baking.
- Create a Water Bath and Bake: Cover the Bundt pan tightly with foil to prevent condensation. Place the pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the larger pan with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath. Carefully transfer the setup to the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the Bundt pan from the oven and water bath, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the flan cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the chilled cake to loosen it, then carefully invert the pan onto a large plate to release the flan cake. Slice and enjoy! Optionally, drizzle with extra caramel sauce or top with whipped cream.
Notes
- Although you pour the cake batter on top, the flan and cake layers switch places during baking due to their densities.
- Chilling the cake thoroughly before serving helps achieve clean, neat slices.
- For added indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce or serve with whipped cream.
