Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot flan recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal ingredients yet delivering maximum flavor. The combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy texture, while the caramel topping adds a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet after-dinner treat, and using the Instant Pot ensures that the flan cooks evenly and perfectly every time.

Ingredients

½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cold water
12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
4 ounces cream cheese (cut into 4 pieces)
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns into a golden-brown caramel. Pour the caramel into the bottom of a flan mold or an 8-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour the flan mixture into the prepared flan mold or baking pan. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place the trivet in the bottom, and set the pan on top.
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure.
Cool and Chill: Let the flan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Serve: When ready to serve, invert the flan onto a plate to reveal the caramelized topping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 8 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Flavored Flan: Add a hint of cinnamon or orange zest to the flan mixture for a unique flavor twist.
Caramel Sauce: For extra sweetness, drizzle a bit more homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Sugar-Free Version: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with sugar-free versions to make a lower-sugar flan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the flan in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge.
Reheating: If you’d like to serve the flan warm, place it in the microwave for a few seconds, though it’s typically best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan instead of a flan mold?

Yes, you can use any heatproof pan that fits into your Instant Pot. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil.

Can I skip the caramel step?

The caramel is an essential part of the flan, but if you’re looking for a quicker version, you could use store-bought caramel sauce.

How do I make the caramel without burning it?

Be patient and keep the heat at medium. Stir occasionally and remove the sugar from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.

Can I make this flan without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven using a water bath method, but the Instant Pot is much quicker and easier.

How do I know if the flan is done?

The flan should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the Instant Pot. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make this flan ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best to prepare this flan the night before and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to set.

Can I add other flavors to the flan?

Yes, you can try adding vanilla bean paste, rum, or coffee to the flan mixture for added flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this flan recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients.

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

You can make the caramel ahead of time, but it’s best to pour it into the pan right before you make the flan to keep it from hardening.

How do I serve the flan?

Serve the flan chilled, topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a delicious presentation.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Flan is a simple and delicious dessert that can be made with just six ingredients, yet delivers rich, creamy flavor with a sweet caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time and hands-off cooking. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this Instant Pot flan will be a showstopper at your next gathering!

Instant Pot Flan

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Instant Pot Flan is a rich and creamy dessert made with just six simple ingredients. With its smooth custard texture and caramel topping, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion. Using the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, delivering a perfectly baked flan every time with minimal effort.

Ingredients

½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons cold water

12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

4 ounces cream cheese (cut into 4 pieces)

5 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns into a golden-brown caramel. Pour the caramel into the bottom of a flan mold or an 8-inch baking pan.
Prepare the Flan Mixture: In a blender, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour the flan mixture into the prepared mold or baking pan. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place the trivet in the bottom, and set the pan on top.
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure.
Cool and Chill: Let the flan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Serve: When ready to serve, invert the flan onto a plate to reveal the caramelized topping.

Notes

Flavored Variations: Add a hint of cinnamon or orange zest to the flan mixture for a unique twist.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Sugar-Free Version: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with sugar-free versions for a lighter version of the flan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Pressure Cooking (Instant Pot)
Cuisine: Latin American