Decadence Rediscovered: Whip Up a Tempting Chocolate Flan with this Easy-To-Follow Recipe

Chocolate flan, this sweetness that melts hearts, brings together two gourmet passions: the fondness of the flan and the intensity of the chocolate. Making a chocolate flan is a great way to surprise loved ones with a dessert that is both simple and delicious. Follow me into the world of chocolate flan to discover how to concoct this irresistible pleasure.

The origin of flan and its adaptation to chocolate

The flan is a pastry specialty that spans the ages. Appearing in ancient Rome, this dessert was then composed of milk and eggs, thus resembling the flan we know today, but it has evolved over the centuries. Its adaptation to chocolate is a relatively recent invention that satisfies the chocolate cravings of gourmets.

The essential ingredients

To achieve a chocolate flan perfect, it is essential to choose quality ingredients. Here’s what you need :

• 100 g of good quality dark chocolate, for its intensely cocoa aromatic contribution.
• 500 ml of whole milk, to obtain a creamy texture.
• 100 ml of liquid cream, to add velvetiness to the flan.
• 4 fresh eggs, which are the basis of the structure of the flan.
• 80 g of caster sugar, for balanced sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, which will thicken the preparation.

Choice of chocolate

Take care to select a dark chocolate baking rich in cocoa, preferably with at least 60% cocoa. This will ensure a deep, authentic flavor to your dessert.

The step-by-step method

Preparing the base of the flan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C, so that it will be at temperature when your flan is ready to be put in the oven.

1. To melt chocolate : Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a bain-marie or in the microwave. If you opt to microwave, heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval to prevent it from burning.
2. Heat the milk and cream : Meanwhile, pour the milk and cream into a saucepan and gently bring to the boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Preparation of eggs and cornstarch

3. Beat the eggs with the sugar and cornstarch : In a salad bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture whitens and becomes foamy. Add the cornstarch and continue to beat to incorporate the three ingredients evenly.

Final assembly

4. To mix everything : Once the chocolate is melted and the milk and cream are hot, carefully pour the milk over the egg mixture, stirring constantly so as not to cook the eggs.
5. Add the melted chocolate : Then add the melted chocolate to the preparation and mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous consistency.

Cooking the flan

6. Pour the mixture into a mold : Lightly butter a flan mold or springform pan before pouring the mixture into it. This will help unmold the flan once cooked.
7. Bake the flan : Place your flan in the oven and cook for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. The flan should be firm on the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. A good indicator of doneness is the insertion of a knife which should come out clean but moist.
8. Let cool and refrigerate : Once cooked, remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then place the flan in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, which will allow it to be enjoyed very fresh and reveal all its creaminess.

Tips for an unfailing flan

A flan without lumps

For a lump-free flan, sift your cornstarch before adding it to the eggs and sugar. You can also strain the preparation after adding the chocolate to eliminate any remaining residue or lumps.

Perfect unmolding

Smooth unmolding is often the icing on the cake for this dessert. To achieve this, use a springform or removable bottom pan. You can also wax a traditional mold with cling film, leaving the edges overhanging to unmold the flan more easily after refrigeration.

Customizing the recipe

Don’t hesitate to personalize your chocolate flan according to your tastes. Orange zest, a hint of vanilla extract or a pinch of fleur de sel can enrich and vary the flavors of your creation.

The importance of a careful presentation

Once ready to eat, slice your flan delicately and present it on nicely decorated plates. A little sifted cocoa powder, a few chocolate shavings or a few fresh red fruits can transform your chocolate flan into a dessert worthy of the greatest tables.

Nutritional analysis and dietary variations

Of course, chocolate flan can be high in calories, which is why it is advisable to consume it in moderation. However, alternatives exist for those who are watching their sugar or fat intake. Opt for low-fat milk and chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar. Likewise, using sugar substitutes or alternative flours can also make it possible to make a flan more suited to your dietary needs.

Chocolate flan, more than a dessert

Let’s explore the possibilities offered by this versatile dessert. A chocolate flan can very well be introduced into a Sunday brunch, serve as the base for a birthday cake or even be packaged for a chic picnic. Its simplicity is the ally of creativity: by varying the accompaniments and presentations, we constantly renew the taste experience.

Your chocolate flan is now ready to delight your taste buds. Rich in texture, loaded with cocoa flavors, this dessert represents the quintessence of indulgence. Whether for a special occasion or for a moment of pure indulgence, chocolate flan is a recipe to keep on hand, a real passport to pleasure.