Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
French Antilles Coconut Flan (Flan Coco) Recipe

French Antilles Coconut Flan (Flan Coco) Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Caribbean coconut flan whispers sweet memories of French Antilles culinary traditions. Silky custard infused with rich coconut essence melts on your palate, transporting taste buds to sun-drenched tropical shores.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cup (300ml/10.15 fluid ounces) coconut milk (from a can)
  • 1 cup (95g) unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1 ½ cup + 1 tablespoon (400ml/14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla bean)

Caramel:

  • ½ cup (100g) sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft a golden caramel by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, gently swirling the pan to ensure even transformation without stirring. Watch attentively as the sugar transitions to a rich amber tone, then promptly remove from heat.
  2. Carefully coat the interior base of a loaf pan with the molten caramel, allowing it to cool and solidify into a glossy layer.
  3. Whisk together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
  4. Gently cascade the creamy coconut mixture over the hardened caramel layer, ensuring an even distribution within the loaf pan.
  5. Prepare a water bath by placing the loaf pan inside a larger baking dish, then fill the outer dish with water reaching approximately one-quarter up the sides of the loaf pan.
  6. Position the water bath in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C), allowing the flan to bake for 50-55 minutes until the surface turns a delicate golden hue and feels firm when touched.
  7. Extract the flan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack.
  8. Refrigerate the cooled dessert for a minimum of three hours to achieve optimal setting and flavor development.
  9. When ready to serve, submerge the loaf pan briefly in warm water to loosen the caramel seal.
  10. Trace a knife along the pan’s edges to separate the flan, then swiftly invert onto a serving plate in one confident motion.
  11. Garnish with an additional sprinkle of shredded coconut and present this French Antilles delicacy to eager guests.

Notes

  • Craft this delectable coconut flan using a water bath method to ensure even, gentle cooking and a silky smooth texture.
  • Select high-quality coconut milk for an authentic Caribbean flavor that elevates the dessert’s richness and creamy consistency.
  • Monitor caramel closely during preparation, as it can quickly transition from golden to burnt, potentially ruining the entire dessert.
  • Chill the flan for minimum 3 hours to allow proper setting and enhance the flavor melding of coconut and caramel notes.
  • Warm water technique helps release the flan seamlessly from the pan, preserving its delicate structure and beautiful caramel coating.
  • Serve chilled with an extra sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal that celebrates tropical dessert traditions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French Antilles

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 306
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 63mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 92mg