Bánh Flan Recipe

Bánh flan is a Vietnamese dessert with a creamy and aromatic version of crème caramel flan. The treat is popular everywhere in Vietnam and is often sold for very affordable prices. Locals have many ways of pairing to enjoy the flan.

Here, you’ll learn simple ways to create bánh flan by using simple-to-find tools and essential ingredients, along with helpful tips.

Get ready to savor the rich flavors and textures of this beloved Vietnamese dessert at your very own dinner table.

What Is Bánh Flan in Vietnamese Cuisine?

Bánh flan is the Vietnamese version of crème caramel flan that consists of a simple mixture of egg, milk, caramel sauce, and sweeteners. Typically, locals will steam to cook this sweet delight to a creamy consistency.

Thanks to the influence of French cuisine, crème caramel was quickly adopted into Vietnamese cuisine as bánh flan. Today, it’s a popular treat for youngsters, even featured as a topping in bubble tea or any sweet recipe.

Bánh flan is available everywhere for a low price because of the treat’s simple ingredients. In addition, people often enjoy it chill with many variations, including different types of fruits or even coffee.

Interestingly, there’s no fixed recipe for making bánh flan as people tend to make slight adjustments to better suit their taste buds. Now, head to your kitchen and prepare the necessary utensils to whip up a tasty sweet treat.

What Tools Are Used to Make Bánh Flan?

To prepare bánh flan, below are 6 equipment that you need to have on hand.

Optional tools like a spatula, a small knife, a whisk, or a fork can also help prepare bánh flan’s ingredients. You can easily find these utensils in your kitchen.

What Ingredients for Making Bánh Flan?

To make Vietnamese crème caramel, here are must-have ingredients.

In addition, bánh flan is great for pairing with various fruits. In this recipe, I prefer pairing it with apples, peaches, Barbados cherries, grapes, and strawberries.

How to Make Bánh Flan at Home?

To make bánh flan, you only need to form the egg mixture, make the caramel sauce, and prepare the milk before presenting the flan at the dinner table, featuring in 4 below steps.

Step 1: Prepare The Egg Mixture

Crack 5 eggs and extract only the yolk. Next, you want to use an extra 5 whole eggs to mix with 5 yolks earlier in a bowl.

Use a whisk or fork to mix the egg for 2 – 3 minutes until the white and yolk are completely mixed.

Step 2: Make The Caramel Sauce

Put 6.3 ounces of sugar into a hot pan at medium heat and wait until the color starts turning brown.

Then, pour in a mixture of ginger and lime juice to stir thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved into a brown concoction.

Make sure to incorporate the liquid mixture gradually to adjust the caramel thickness. Note that the caramel sauce shouldn’t be too watery so that it won’t freeze in the refrigerator.

Pour the caramel sauce into a tray and spread it evenly. Then, you can chill the sauce to freeze it.

Step 3: Prepare The Milk Mixture

Combine sweetened condensed milk with vanilla powder and sugar-free milk in a cooking pot. Stir the mixture gently at a temperature of around 680F – 860F (20 – 300C).

After the milk is cool, pour the egg mixture through a sieve into the milk blend.

Stir the blend gently until all elements are dissolved.

Continue to pour the mixture through the sieve again, but this time, you want to transfer the mixture into the caramel mold.

Cover the tray or mold tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from entering.

Place the tray into your cooking or steaming pot and steam for 40 minutes at the lowest boiling level.

You can steam the flan using a regular cooking pot by placing the tray into the pot with a low level of water surrounding the tray. Note that you don’t want the water to touch the tray, so I suggest getting a bowl or utensil to elevate the tray from the water.

While steaming, open the lid 2 or 3 times to clean off the condensed vapor from dripping down to the flan.

After steaming, check the flan for doneness and chill it before serving.

Step 4: Present The Banh Flan

Use a small knife to make an incision around the flan’s edge. Next, grab a big plate and place it over the tray. Flip the tray with the plate, and the flan will come out easily.

Serve Banh Flan with your fruit toppings and enjoy.

What Are Some Tips for Making Bánh Flan?

There are 5 essential tips to make this Vietnamese crème caramel that you don’t want to miss. Try them out, and you will get a creamy treat for your dinner.

How To Store Bánh Flan?

To store this creamy treat, I suggest chilling the creamy treat in the refrigerator, where you can have flan lasting up to 3 three days. However, bánh flan can last at room temperature, too, but not for more than two hours.

When spoiled, flan usually has a discouraging odor and a taste that can be sour. Also, the liquid on top of the flan has a thick consistency that gives off a sharp smell. At this point, you need to throw away the treat to avoid food poisoning.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Vietnamese Bánh Flan

Banh flan is easy to make using familiar ingredients all around you. After going through the steps and trying some of the cooking tips, making this dessert is as easy as pie for everyone. So, make sure to try this creamy Vietnamese Banh flan.

Don’t forget to share the recipe with others so they can try making a Vietnamese version of the familiar crème caramel flan. Leave a comment to share your experience while making this creamy and tasty dessert.