Eggnog Flan is a delightful twist on the traditional flan, combining the rich, creamy goodness of eggnog with the smooth, silky texture of custard. This festive dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and will leave your guests wanting more. With its nutmeg-spiced flavor and deliciously sweet caramel, it’s a must-try for any eggnog lover!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Flan

This eggnog flan will quickly become a favorite for several reasons. First, it’s a unique and festive dessert that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays. Second, the creamy texture makes it a comforting choice for winter gatherings. Third, it’s easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on spending time with family and friends. Additionally, the blend of eggnog and caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile, making it a standout among traditional holiday desserts. This holiday flan recipe is also vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice. Lastly, with its striking presentation, it’s sure to impress at any festive table.

Eggnog Flan: 7 Reasons to Love This Festive Delight - Eggnog Flan - main visual representation

Ingredients for Eggnog Flan

Gather these items:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups eggnog
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
5 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons rum (or 1 teaspoon rum extract)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (double it for more spice flavor)
cranberries, rosemary, star anise (optional for decorating)

How to Make Eggnog Flan Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Melt the sugar in a pan, stirring with a plastic spatula until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Pour immediately into a 9-inch round pan (with at least 2-inch high sides) and tilt until the bottom of the pan and some of the sides have been coated. Let it cool completely before adding the custard.
Step 3: Add the eggnog, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, rum, and nutmeg to a blender. Blend for 10 to 15 seconds to create a creamy eggnog custard.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the cooled pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in a larger pan. Pour water halfway up the sides of the flan pan.
Step 5: Carefully transfer to the oven, ensuring no water splashes into the flan. Bake for 85 minutes. The flan should be slightly jiggly in the center but set on the sides.
Step 6: Cool for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 7: When ready to serve, slide a knife around the outside edge of the pan to release the flan. Invert onto a plate, decorate if desired, then slice and serve!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Flan

Keep these in mind:

Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Consider adding additional nutmeg on top for more spice.
Use room temperature eggs for a smoother texture.
For an eggnog caramel flan, allow the caramel to melt longer before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Eggnog Flan

This creamy eggnog flan can be served in various delightful ways. Consider garnishing with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. You can also drizzle some additional caramel sauce on top or serve it alongside whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a unique twist, try pairing it with an eggnog pudding or spiced eggnog dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Eggnog Flan

To store your eggnog flan, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can serve it cold straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature before serving. For meal prep, it’s best to make the flan a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the caramel to soak into the custard for a richer taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Flan

What’s the secret to perfect Eggnog Flan?

The secret to a perfect eggnog flan is ensuring the custard is blended until smooth and baked in a water bath to maintain moisture. This results in a creamy texture and prevents cracks.

Can I make Eggnog Flan ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making eggnog flan ahead of time improves its flavor. Refrigerating it overnight allows the caramel to soak in, enhancing the taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Eggnog Flan?

Avoid common mistakes by ensuring your oven is fully preheated and using a thermometer to check the custard’s doneness. It should be slightly jiggly in the center, which will firm up as it cools.

Variations of Eggnog Flan You Can Try

There are numerous variations of eggnog flan to explore. For instance, you can create a traditional eggnog flan with added spices, or experiment with flavors like pumpkin spice for an autumn twist. You can also make an easy eggnog flan recipe by substituting the rum with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option. Lastly, consider trying an eggnog flan recipe with caramel for a rich and sweet experience that complements the flan beautifully.