I absolutely love baking and the joy that comes from making stuff from scratch. And when you have been baking for a while, you start picking up a few foolproof recipes that are guaranteed a hit all the time. For me, cream cheese flan or pudding has been that go-to dessert I can always count on disappearing quickly off the table!
The reason why cream cheese flan or flan de queso is the first thing people reach for is pretty simple- it’s sweet and slightly bitter at the same time. The delicate combination of these two flavors creates a balanced flavor that’s both rich and not overpowering. The creamy texture of the pudding paired with the bitter caramel top gives every bite just the right amount of sweetness that’s perfect for a treat after any meal.
Do you know why I never feel the need to prepare any other dessert when I make this one?
Because it’s a favorite for everyone! The kiddos are obsessed with the creamy cheesecake flavor, while the adults love the comforting texture of the custard pudding. It’s the ultimate dessert with the best of both worlds in every bite!
Presentation Ideas For Cream Cheese Flan Recipe
With a glossy caramel topping and a creamy interior that strikes the perfect contrast, the cream cheese pudding looks stunning on its own! Just flipping it onto a serving plate is enough to impress; however, you can take it up one extra notch with a few creative ideas:
Caramel Drizzle
Do you love the caramel part on the cream cheese pudding? Me too! Instead of just using it as a base for the pudding, why not go all the way and let the caramel take center stage?
Drizzle extra caramel over the top of your cream cheese flan and let it ooze down the sides like a waterfall- only it’s made of sweet caramel! You can even get creative and try different patterns like swirls, waves, or zig-zags to give the dessert an artistic vibe. Whatever way you use the caramel, make sure it sets perfectly on top by chilling it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Flower Decoration
Violets, marigolds, or pansies – which one would you like to see on top of your cream cheese pudding?
Don’t worry, I am not talking about using flowers you can’t eat! Edible flowers are one of the most fantastic ways to make your pudding look as good as it tastes.
Available in organic grocery stores or local farmer’s markets, these flowers are pesticide-free and labeled as edible. Simply pick a flower of your choice, place a few of them on top of the caramel, and let the flowers grace the cake with nature’s beauty. To keep the flowers in their best forms, add them just before serving so they don’t lose their color or wilt too early.
Fruit Toppings
Adding fruits to the top layer of the cream cheese pudding brings a refreshing vibe to the entire dessert. You can add any fresh fruits that are in season, including strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, mangoes, cherries, and kiwis. Depending on what fruits you are adding, you may need to adjust the sweetness level of the cream cheese flan.
To add fruits to your dessert, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a towel. Slice the fruits into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a decorative pattern on top of your pudding.
Whipped Cream
Confused about what toppings your guest might like? When in doubt, I always go for whipped cream as a topping!
Most people generally prefer whipped cream because of its light and airy texture. With a little amount of sweetness, whipped cream works as a balancing element between the tangy cream cheese layer and bitter caramel topping. You can use both homemade and store-bought whipped cream for this recipe.
However, freshly made whipped cream has a lighter texture and is tastier than store-bought.
Tips For Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Pudding
Feeling nervous about giving this recipe a go?
I get it- the whole water bath, caramel-making process, and all other steps might feel like a lot! Don’t stress; it’s easier than you think once you start making the flan. To help you nail this recipe on the first try, I have got some handy tips for you:
- While whisking the batter for the pudding, it’s essential to achieve a creamy, lump-free mixture to ensure your pudding turns out smooth. To help the ingredients blend easily, ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. Use a good-quality whisk to mix the batter perfectly, and don’t hesitate to grab a hand blender or mixer if you want an extra smooth consistency.
- Making the caramel topping is a bit tricky as caramel tends to burn too quickly. Keep your eyes on the cooking pot while the sugar is dissolving, and remove the pan from the heat as soon as the caramel turns amber in color. Pour it into the baking dish immediately and enjoy a smooth, glossy caramel base ready for your flan.
- Make sure the water is boiling hot for the water bath for your cream cheese flan. Using hot water ensures there’s a consistent temperature while baking the pudding and helps avoid any sudden drop in heat that may cause the pudding to stay undercooked.
- No peeking! As tempting as it might be to open the oven door and see if the pudding has been baked, it will release the heat and disrupt the water bath setting. Please be patient and only check the flan when the baking time is nearly up.
Equipments
Video
Notes
- After baking for 50 minutes, you need to check until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Don’t skip the water bath (bain-marie), which ensures even cooking and prevents this flan from cracking.
When you finally reveal the beautiful burnt caramel top and the contrasting pale, creamy pudding underneath, the flan looks almost too pretty to eat. I am saying almost because there’s no way I can stop grabbing a spoon and digging in right away!
The tanginess from the cream cheese compliments the bittersweet caramel so well that the dessert tastes like a slice of pure delight served on a plate. With the slow baking process used in this recipe, the cream cheese pudding develops a delicate, smooth texture that practically melts in your mouth with every delicious bite!
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Cheese In This Recipe?
You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as alternatives. However, keep in mind that the dessert will have a different flavor and texture in that case.
Can I Make This Recipe Without The Caramel Top?
Yes, absolutely. Although the classic choice is to use caramel as a topping, you can opt for fruits or whipped cream instead.
Why Is My Cream Cheese Pudding Falling Apart?
Your cream cheese pudding may not have been set properly and needs more time in the oven. Alternatively, you can try chilling it in the refrigerator for a few extra hours.
How Long Can I Store Cream Cheese Flan In The Refrigerator?
You can store the cream cheese caramel flan in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the flan is kept in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other food items.
Can I Use Different Molds To Make This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can make this creamy flan or flan de queso in any oven-safe dish or pot. You can also make it in a ramekin for single servings.
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