What is flan and how is Chocolate Flan different?

Flan is a baked custard dessert made with eggs, milk, and sugar, traditionally topped with caramel. Chocolate Flan adds cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving it a richer flavor similar to chocolate cheesecake while keeping the smooth texture found in classic Mexican desserts.

Is this considered the best chocolate flan recipe for beginners?

Yes, this is one of the best chocolate flan recipes because it uses simple chocolate flan ingredients and a straightforward water-bath method. Even if you’re new to flan recipes, this simple chocolate flan recipe is easy to follow and very forgiving.

Can I turn this flan recipe into a chocolate flan cake or tart?

Absolutely. This flan recipe can be adapted into a chocolate flan cake by adding a cake layer or into a chocolate flan tart by baking it in a crust. Both variations are popular among modern chocolate flan recipes.

How long does Chocolate Flan last and where should it be stored?

Chocolate Flan should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to 4 days. Its flavor and texture often improve after chilling, similar to high-quality chocolate flan near me desserts.

Chocolate Flan Recipe – Silky, Easy, and Delicious 2026

Name: Chocolate Flan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup water; 4 large eggs; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 oz melted dark chocolate; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Description

Chocolate flan is a rich, silky custard dessert made with chocolate and topped with a glossy caramel sauce. A chocolate twist on the classic flan recipe, this indulgent dessert is popular in Mexican desserts and loved for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture—somewhere between traditional flan and chocolate cheesecake.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch flan / round pan):

For the Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water

For the Chocolate Flan Custard:

4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
½ cup whole milk
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 oz melted dark chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
Cook without stirring until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
Carefully pour caramel into a 9-inch round pan or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Flan Mixture

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a blender or mixing bowl, combine eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, cocoa powder (or melted chocolate), vanilla, and salt.
Blend or whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble

Gently pour the chocolate flan mixture over the hardened caramel in the pan.
Place the pan inside a larger baking dish. Add hot water to the outer dish until it reaches halfway up the sides (water bath).

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Unmold & Serve

Run a knife around the edges.
Invert onto a serving plate and let the caramel sauce flow over the flan.

Notes

Smooth Texture Tip: Strain the custard before baking for an ultra-silky finish.
Chocolate Flavor Boost: Use melted dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a richer taste.
Serving Idea: Garnish with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Custard
Method: Baked / Water Bath
Cuisine: Mexican / Latin American