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