If you’ve ever craved a luscious, creamy dessert but without the hassle of making a huge batch, you’re going to love this Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe. It’s a charming little treat crafted perfectly for one person, combining the silky smoothness of traditional flan with a touch of caramel sweetness that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re indulging after a cozy dinner or just want a quick, comforting dessert to brighten your day, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and utterly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe is a breeze because it relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making this small dessert feel like a real treat.
- 2 tbsp sugar: This forms the base for the caramel, bringing that classic golden sweetness and slight bitterness.
- ½ tbsp water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly to create a smooth caramel without burning.
- 1 tsp lime/lemon juice: Adds acidity to prevent crystallization and balances the caramel flavor.
- 1 egg: Provides structure to the flan, making it firm but tender.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard.
- 0.7 cup full cream milk (170ml): The backbone of the custard that creates that velvety feel.
- 1½ tbsp sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the delicate caramel layer.
How to Make Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Start by combining the 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ tablespoon of water in a small pan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then add the teaspoon of lime or lemon juice. Let the mixture bubble and caramelize until it turns a deep amber color. Be patient and avoid stirring too much at this stage to prevent crystallization. Once ready, carefully pour the caramel into your milk carton or a small heatproof container, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
In another small pan, gently warm the 0.7 cup of full cream milk just until it’s hot but not boiling. Warming the milk helps it blend smoothly with the eggs and sugar, ensuring a silky custard texture.
Step 3: Mix Eggs and Sugar
Whisk together 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1½ tablespoons of sugar in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. This mixture is the base of your custard, so be sure it is well combined but don’t overbeat to avoid bubbles.
Step 4: Combine Milk and Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual mixing tempers the eggs and prevents them from cooking prematurely, resulting in a silky custard with no lumps.
Step 5: Pour Custard Over Caramel
Carefully pour the custard mixture over the set caramel layer in your milk carton. Filling it gently avoids disturbing the caramel base.
Step 6: Cook the Flan
Place your milk carton in a steamer or in a bain-marie setup in the oven. Steam or bake at low heat (about 160°C / 320°F) for around 25 minutes until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Remove and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
How to Serve Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe
Garnishes
Once chilled, the flan can be inverted onto a plate for the caramel to glisten atop. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or thin slices of citrus for a beautiful, fresh contrast to the rich dessert. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or crushed nuts adds a delightful crunch and an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe pairs beautifully with light fruit salads or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of black coffee or herbal tea also complements the creamy sweetness perfectly, balancing the palate after each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the flan straight from the milk carton for a charming, rustic touch to your dessert experience. Alternatively, present it in a small glass ramekin to showcase the beautiful layers of caramel and custard. For special occasions, add edible flowers on top to elevate the visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this is a single-serving recipe, leftovers are unlikely, but if you do have any, cover the flan tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It should remain fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delicate flavor.
Freezing
Freezing milk-based custards like this flan is generally not recommended as the texture may suffer. The milk and eggs can separate, resulting in grainy custard upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe fresh.
Reheating
Flan is best served chilled, so if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit outside the fridge for about 15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as reheating can cause the delicate custard to curdle and lose its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of full cream milk?
While full cream milk gives the flan its rich, creamy texture, you can use regular milk if needed. The flan will be slightly lighter but still delicious. Just avoid using skim milk as it may affect the custard’s smoothness.
Is the milk carton necessary for this recipe?
The milk carton is a clever, convenient container for single-serving flans, especially when steaming. You can use a small heatproof ramekin or jar instead if preferred, as long as it holds the custard securely during cooking.
Why do I need lemon or lime juice in the caramel?
Lemon or lime juice helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing when it melts into caramel. It ensures the caramel stays smooth and glossy without becoming grainy or clumpy.
Can I make this flan without steaming?
Yes, you can bake the flan in a water bath (bain-marie) in your oven at about 160°C (320°F) for 25 minutes. This gentle heat method cooks the custard evenly and helps achieve that signature silky texture.
How do I know when the flan is done?
The flan is ready when the custard is mostly set but still slightly wobbly in the center when gently shaken. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overcooking to keep it smooth and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe is truly a little gem for dessert lovers who appreciate the joy of a smooth, creamy custard without the fuss of large portions. It’s simple to make, wonderfully comforting, and perfect whenever you want a personal touch of sweetness in your day. I invite you to try it out, and I promise it will become a favorite way to treat yourself!
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Milk Carton Flan (Flan for One) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This single-serving Milk Carton Flan is a creamy, caramel-topped custard dessert perfect for an individual treat. Made with simple ingredients and cooked gently in a water bath within a milk carton mold, this flan offers a silky texture and rich flavor, ideal for those craving a delicate, homemade dessert without the fuss.
Ingredients
Caramel
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp water
- 1 tsp lime or lemon juice
Custard
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 0.7 cup full cream milk (170 ml)
- 1½ tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ tablespoon water, and 1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Immediately pour the caramel into the base of the milk carton mold, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the custard mixture: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1½ tablespoons sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. Slowly stir in 0.7 cup full cream milk until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Strain and pour custard: To ensure a silky texture, strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps or chalaza. Pour the strained custard gently over the set caramel in the milk carton mold, leaving a small space at the top.
- Prepare water bath: Place the milk carton mold in a deep baking dish or roasting pan. Pour hot water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the carton, creating a bain-marie for gentle and even cooking.
- Bake the flan: Carefully place the water bath with the flan mold into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but slightly jiggles in the center when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve: Remove the flan from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. To serve, run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto a serving plate to release the flan with its caramel topping.
Notes
- Using fresh eggs ensures the best texture and flavor.
- If a milk carton mold is unavailable, use a similar small heat-resistant container that fits into a water bath.
- Be cautious when making caramel to prevent it from burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns amber.
- The water bath is essential for even cooking and prevents the custard from curdling.
- Chilling the flan well before serving improves the texture and flavor.
