If you are craving a rich, creamy dessert that is easy to make, then this 10 Minute Microwave Flan is perfect for you! This recipe combines flan’s smooth, velvety texture with the convenience of the microwave. Topped off with a homemade caramel sauce, this stunning treat is sure to impress!
Flan dessert is a creamy, silky egg custard that is made from eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla, and often paired with a caramel sauce! While many recognize this as Mexican flan, it is actually a very popular dessert in many Asian countries too!
Instead of baking a flan, whenever I am craving this sweet dessert, I cook it in the microwave! From start to finish, this microwave flan for one takes just 10 minutes and minimal effort. Microwave dessert recipes are the best!
I highly recommend pairing it with the homemade caramel sauce which is also easy to make and such a delicious addition to this easy microwave flan!
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Ingredients
This easy microwave flan recipe requires just 7 ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Eggs: One whole egg and one additional egg yolk create the creamy custard base for this microwave flan.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy base. For an even richer 10 minute microwave flan you can use half & half.
- Sugar: To sweeten things up!
- Vanilla Bean Paste: I like to use vanilla bean paste for maximum flavor, and those gorgeous flecks of vanilla throughout the microwave flan. However, you can use vanilla extract if you don't have paste!
- Salt: To balance out all the flavors.
- Caramel Sauce: For the caramel sauce, you will need just sugar and water!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Flan in the Microwave
- Whisk the Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt until thoroughly combined. Add milk and continue mixing. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps.
- Prep the Dish: Pour the egg mixture into a microwave safe dish. Use a spoon to remove any air bubbles. Cover with plastic wrap and prick holes in it using a toothpick.
- Make a Water Bath: For this next step, we are creating a water bath. Add the egg dish inside a baking dish and pour boiling water into the baking dish, up until it is past the line of the eggs.
- Microwave: Microwave at 50% (500W) powder lever for 5-7 minutes, starting at 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, check if the center has set. If not, continue working in 1 minutes intervals until the center is set when gently jiggling the dish. Time may vary with different microwaves. Immediately remove from the water bath to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a pan over medium-low heat, add sugar. Allow to caramelize and darken in color. Once the sugar has begun to caramelize, add ¼ cup water and mix rapidly to prevent the caramel from seizing. Add more water if needed.
- Pour on Flan & Enjoy: Reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened. Pour on top of the flan and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional: Serve this quick flan as is with the luscious caramel sauce draped over the top.
- Garnished with fruit: Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to serve on top of your microwave flan! The tangy fruit will perfectly contrast the rich flan.
- With whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top would be absolutely delicious!
- With a sprinkle of cinnamon: For a warm, cozy flavor add a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you love fall, cozy flavors, you can opt to try my microwave pumpkin flan instead!
Substitutions
- Milk: Substitute whole milk with cream, half-and-half, or plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) for a dairy-free option. Note, any dairy free or low fat milk won't be as creamy and rich, but will still be tasty!
- Sugar: Swap the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-sugar version.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can use vanilla extract instead.
- Caramel Sauce: For a simpler topping, use store-bought caramel sauce instead! Alternatively, you can make this sugar-free by using sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener to make the caramel sauce. Note, the sauce might not get a brown amber color though, due to the sugar alternative.
Top Tips
- Don't overcook the flan! Keep an eye on the flan around the 5 minute mark. You want it to be set all over, but still have a slight jiggle in the middle.
- If your flan cooked unevenly, it could be due to insufficient water in the water bath (the water should go over the line of the custard), lack of plastic wrap to create steam, or using water that wasn’t hot or boiling in the water bath.
- For a silky texture, ensure you prick holes in the plastic wrap for ventilation, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, and remove air bubbles before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without caramel sauce?
Definitely! Flan is traditionally served with caramel sauce, but it is totally optional here.
Can I make microwave flan ahead of time?
Yes! This microwave flan can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The caramel sauce can be made and poured on top just before serving.
More Recipes to Try
- Microwave Steamed Egg Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Brioche French Toast
- Chinese Steamed Water Eggs
- No Bake Mini Oreo Cheesecakes
10 Minute Microwave Flan
If you are craving a rich, creamy dessert that is easy to make, then this 10 Minute Microwave Flan is perfect for you! This recipe combines flan’s smooth, velvety texture with the convenience of the microwave. Topped of with a homemade caramel sauce, this stunning treat is sure to impress!
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 7 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- pinch of salt
Caramel Sauce
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ to ½ cup water
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt until thoroughly combined. Add milk and continue mixing. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps.
- Pour the egg mixture into a heat-safe dish. Use a spoon to remove any air bubbles. Cover with plastic wrap and prick holes in it using a toothpick.
- For this next step, we are creating a water bath. Add the egg dish inside a baking dish and pour boiling water into the baking dish, up until it is past the line of the eggs.
- Microwave at 50% (500W) powder lever for 5-7 minutes, starting at 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, check if the center has set. If not, continue working in 1 minutes intervals until the center is set when gently jiggling the dish. Time may vary with different microwaves. Immediately remove from the water bath to prevent overcooking.
- To make caramel sauce, in a pan over medium-low heat, add sugar. Allow to caramelize and darken in color. Once the sugar has begun to caramelize, add ¼ cup water and mix rapidly to prevent the caramel from seizing. Add more water if needed. Reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened. Pour on top of the flan and enjoy!
Notes
This microwave flan can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The caramel sauce can be made and poured on top just before serving.
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