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Quesillo


  • Author: Chef Zoe
  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Quesillo, Venezuela’s beloved flan, is a smooth and creamy caramel custard with a rich, golden caramel topping. This classic dessert is a staple at celebrations, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. With simple ingredients and a traditional water bath method, you can recreate this Venezuelan favorite at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 3 tbsp golden rum (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Instructions

 Prepare the Caramel:

  • In a nonstick pan, melt the granulated sugar over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color.
  • Quickly pour the caramel into a 7-inch round flan mold, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to harden.

 Make the Custard:

  • In a blender, combine eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and optional rum. Blend for 30–60 seconds until smooth.

 Assemble for Baking:

  • Pour the custard mixture over the caramel layer in the mold. Cover the mold tightly with foil.
  • Place the mold in a large baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the mold.

 Bake the Quesillo:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake for 60–90 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean with a slight jiggle.

 Cool and Set:

  • Remove the quesillo from the water bath and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4–8 hours, ideally overnight, to fully set.

 Unmold and Serve:

  • To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the flan.
  • Dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for 1–2 minutes to loosen the caramel.
  • Invert onto a serving plate and let the caramel drizzle over the flan.

Notes

  • For extra smoothness, strain the custard before pouring it into the mold.
  • If the caramel hardens too quickly before spreading evenly, gently reheat the mold to soften it.
  • Quesillo pairs well with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bain-Marie (Water Bath)
  • Cuisine: Venezuelan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of quesillo)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Venezuelan flan, caramel flan, quesillo recipe, Latin American dessert, custard flan