Delicious Apple Flan

Name: Delicious Apple Flan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup granulated sugar (divided); 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt

Lisa

Writer & Blogger

Desserts
April 14, 2025

Delicious Apple Flan: A Heavenly Caramel-Apple Dessert 🍎🍮🔥

1. Introduction

This Delicious Apple Flan recipe combines the sweet tang of apples with rich caramel and creamy custard for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. Perfect for any occasion from dinner parties to brunch gatherings, this apple flan recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and techniques you probably already have in your kitchen.

What makes this apple flan recipe special is the perfect balance between the soft caramel layer, tender apples, and velvety custard. The inspiration comes from classic French apple tart recipes, but simplified for home bakers. Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your baking skills or an experienced cook wanting to impress, you’ll find this recipe straightforward yet impressive enough to wow your guests.

2. Ingredients

For this apple flan recipe, you’ll need simple, quality ingredients that work together beautifully:

4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
1 cup granulated sugar (divided – half for caramel, half for custard)
4 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
2 cups whole milk (you can substitute half-and-half for richer texture)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or try vanilla bean for extra flavor)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (add more if you love warm spices)
Pinch of salt (to balance all the sweetness)

3. Equipment Needed

To make this Delicious Apple Flan, you’ll require basic kitchen tools that most home cooks already own:

9-inch round baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
Medium saucepan (for making the caramel)
Mixing bowls (various sizes for different steps)
Whisk (a balloon whisk works great for the custard)
Sharp knife and sturdy cutting board (for prepping apples)
Measuring cups and spoons (precision matters in baking)
Roasting pan (for the water bath during baking)

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by selecting firm, fresh apples – they should feel heavy for their size with smooth skin. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples about 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking in your apple flan recipe. If you’re making this ahead of time, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Freshly peeled and sliced apples prepared for making Delicious Apple Flan.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a clean, dry saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup sugar. Resist stirring – just swirl the pan occasionally as the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly! This caramel will form the delicious base of your Delicious Apple Flan. For more dessert recipes with caramel, check out our collection.

Homemade caramel sauce simmering for Delicious Apple Flan base.

Step 3: Layer the Apples

Working quickly but carefully (the caramel is extremely hot!), pour the caramel into your baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. The caramel will harden slightly – this is normal. Arrange the apple slices in beautiful concentric circles over the caramel, starting from the outside edge and working inward. This creates the stunning presentation that makes this apple flan recipe so special.

Caramel-coated baking dish layered with apple slices for Delicious Apple Flan.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and remaining sugar until well combined but not frothy. Gradually whisk in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for the smoothest custard in your apple flan recipe. Gently pour over the apples, being careful not to disturb your beautiful arrangement.

Custard mixture being prepared for pouring over apples in Delicious Apple Flan.

5. Baking Instructions

Place your baking dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with hot water until it comes halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This water bath (bain-marie) ensures your Delicious Apple Flan cooks gently and evenly without curdling. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-50 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center – it will firm up as it cools.

6. Cooling and Serving

Let the apple flan cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour) before carefully running a knife around the edges and inverting onto a serving plate with a rim to catch the caramel. The magic moment comes when you lift the dish to reveal the beautiful caramel glaze over the apples. Serve chilled or at room temperature – it’s delicious either way! For more serving ideas, browse our salad recipes that would pair beautifully with this dessert.

7. Storage Tips

Store leftover apple flan recipe portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent the custard from absorbing other flavors or forming a skin. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 1 month – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

8. Variations

Once you’ve mastered this basic Delicious Apple Flan, try these delicious twists to make it your own:

Add a tablespoon of dark rum or Calvados (apple brandy) to the custard for adult sophistication
Mix apple varieties (like tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji) for more complex flavor
Top with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving for crunch
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for warm spice notes
Layer in some thinly sliced pears along with the apples
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for extra decadence

9. Conclusion

This Delicious Apple Flan recipe delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will impress any dessert lover. The combination of sweet caramel, tender apples, and creamy custard makes this apple flan recipe a standout dessert for any occasion – from family dinners to holiday celebrations. With its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. For more about me and my cooking philosophy, visit my about page or if you’re interested in collaborations.

Delicious Apple Flan

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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Description

This Delicious Apple Flan recipe combines the sweet tang of apples with rich caramel and creamy custard for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. Perfect for any occasion, this apple flan delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and techniques.