If you’re not yet familiar with flan, it’s a dessert with smooth custard and caramel syrup, usually available on any occasion, including the holidays. While the classic flan has always been loved, you can still experiment with different variations, using various flavours that may be compatible with custard and caramel syrup.
If you haven’t tried flan yet, you can easily do so in Mexican or Spanish restaurants. However, you can also make one at home by following recipes. Once you’re familiar with the classic flan, that’s when you can try other flan variations that are perfect for dessert time.
In this article, we’ll provide a list of flan variations that you can also try making for the holidays.
1. Traditional, Classic Flan
As mentioned, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the traditional, classic flan before exploring other flavours. However, even the classic versions also differ from each other since there’s flan in Spain, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, and Puerto Rico.
For instance, when it comes to eggs, Mexico uses whole eggs, while the Philippines and Spain use egg yolk, Portugal uses only egg whites, and Puerto Rico or Cuba doesn’t use eggs at all.
2. Ube Flan
Ube, or Purple Yam, is a popular root crop in Southeast Asian countries. It has earthy sweetness and purple colour, which can help make the traditional flan look more festive. Usually, the ube extract is combined with the mixture of a classic flan before it’s steamed. So if you’re planning to create the traditional flan, and you happen to encounter a purple yam, you can just put some in half of the recipe, and give it a try.
3. Coffee Flan
Are you a coffee lover? Then, enjoy the coffee variation of the classic flan. First, pick the classic flan you prefer, and once the mixture is done, just add a shot of espresso or instant coffee to the mixture, transfer it into the moulds, and steam or bake it depending on the recipe.
4. Coconut Flan
If you want a flan variation that doesn’t significantly change the flavour of the classic variation, you can try switching milk with coconut cream or coconut milk. This variation provides a refreshing, tropical flavour, and you also get to reduce the dairy content of the flan.
And if you want to improve the subtle taste of the coconut cream, you can also add some pineapple slices or coconut flakes when serving the flan.
5. Pumpkin Flan
Instead of a pumpkin pie, you can switch it to pumpkin flan. Once you have the recipe for the classic flan, you’ll just need to add some pumpkin puree, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. This variation creates a cosy, spiced dessert that everyone will love, especially fans of traditional pumpkin pie. If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, this can also be a great substitute, especially if you don’t have enough time to make a pie.
6. Cheese Flan
If you want a combination of salty and sweet, you can try the cheese flan. It’s when the classic flan is mixed with cream cheese. This can make the texture of the flan denser, but also a lighter version of cheesecake.
This version is also served with caramel syrup, and you can also sprinkle some salt to enhance the flavour. It’s the best version if you can’t decide whether you want to serve cheesecake or flan.
7. Almond Chocolate Flan
Are you a chocolate lover? You can also turn the classic flan into a chocolate version. You can either add melted chocolate or high-quality cocoa powder to the mixture. It creates a luxurious, deep flavour, which is usually topped with berries or chocolate shavings.
If you have some younger guests, this can be the best flan option you can make for the holidays.
8. Pandan Flan
Pandan is a popular Asian aromatic that’s usually used in desserts. It’s done by infusing the pandan extract with the mixture. Although it may not significantly affect the taste of flan, its aroma can give a new experience, especially if you’re not familiar with pandan flavour.
9. Mango Flan
Another tropical twist to your flan is mango. You can add ripe mango puree to the custard mixture, put it into the mould, and steam until the flan is cooked. Aside from the flavour, the addition of mango to the classic flan can also help it to look more appetising.
When serving this version of flan, you can garnish it with mango slices and mint.
10. Duo or Layered Flan
If it’s hard to choose only one flan flavour, you can choose two flavours and layer them. However, when combining two flavours in flan layers, ensure that they’re still delicious when combined.
For instance, you can have coconut and pandan flan or ube and cheese. But you can also try making a huge batch of classic flan, and make small flans that have different flavours. This is a great option if you don’t want to do a layered flan.
Final Thoughts
Flan is a popular dessert in different countries. But aside from the classic version, there are also a lot of flan versions that you can create for special events, especially during the holidays. If you’ve tried any or all of the other flan flavours, let us know which is your favourite by commenting below!
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