Flan is a beloved dessert in Mexican culture, and this simple yet creamy version will make your Mexican Independence Day celebration even sweeter. With a rich caramelized top and a silky custard, it’s the perfect dessert to serve at your fiesta. This flan recipe is easy to prepare and uses basic ingredients, making it a delightful treat for everyone to enjoy.
Perfect for gatherings, this flan will bring the flavors of Mexico to your table in a deliciously creamy form. Whether you’re enjoying the holiday with family or friends, this dessert is sure to impress and add an extra touch of sweetness to the festivities.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup water
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
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3 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to simmer without stirring for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.
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Pour the caramel into a round baking dish or individual ramekins, swirling it around to coat the bottom. Let it cool for a few minutes.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, whole milk, and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
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Carefully pour the flan mixture over the cooled caramel.
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Create a water bath by placing the baking dish or ramekins in a larger pan filled with hot water, making sure the water reaches halfway up the sides of the dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
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Allow the flan to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
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To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan, then invert it onto a plate to release the caramel.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Easy Mexican Independence Day Recipes & Ideas: A Celebration of Flavors
Mexican Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 16th, is a day of pride, tradition, and delicious food. It’s a time when families and communities come together to honor Mexico’s rich cultural history, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious spread of traditional Mexican dishes. One of the most beloved desserts to grace any Mexican table is the classic flan, a creamy, caramelized custard that has become a staple at celebrations and family gatherings. This dessert, while simple in its ingredients and preparation, offers a depth of flavor that is both indulgent and comforting.
In this article, we’ll explore not only how to make easy flan for your Mexican Independence Day festivities, but also how to elevate your menu with other vibrant, festive dishes. These recipes are simple to prepare and can help you create a memorable celebration for your guests, whether you’re hosting a large party or an intimate dinner with family.
Flan: A Sweet Tradition
Flan, known for its smooth, silky texture and rich caramel flavor, is a dessert that has stood the test of time. It is loved for its simplicity made with basic ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, flan is an uncomplicated dessert that doesn’t need to be extravagant to impress. The key to a great flan is the caramel, which forms a beautiful golden layer on top of the custard as it cools.
In Mexico, flan is often enjoyed during national celebrations, especially on Mexican Independence Day, making it an ideal dessert to serve at your party. Not only does it provide a sweet, luxurious treat at the end of a hearty meal, but it also carries with it a sense of nostalgia and tradition that will help make your gathering feel even more special.
One of the best parts of making flan is that it’s highly versatile. You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your guests’ tastes. For example, while traditional flan is flavored with vanilla, you could also infuse it with cinnamon, citrus zest, or even coffee for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, making it a perfect dessert to get creative with.
Easy Mexican Independence Day Recipes to Pair with Flan
While flan is undoubtedly the star of the dessert table, your Mexican Independence Day meal should offer a variety of dishes that reflect the vibrant flavors of Mexico. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or a small gathering, these easy-to-make Mexican recipes are sure to delight your guests and give them a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.
1. Tacos al Pastor
Tacos al Pastor are a classic Mexican street food, and they’re perfect for your Independence Day celebration. Made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie (or a grill), the meat is thinly sliced and served in soft corn tortillas. Topped with fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro, tacos al pastor are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.
This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also highly customizable. You can serve it with a variety of salsas, such as tangy green tomatillo salsa or spicy red salsa, allowing your guests to personalize their tacos to their taste.
2. Guacamole and Chips
No Mexican celebration is complete without guacamole. This creamy, avocado-based dip is the ultimate appetizer, and it pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips. Guacamole is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients ripe avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a touch of salt. For an extra kick, you can add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
Not only does guacamole taste amazing, but it’s also a healthy option to balance out the richness of other dishes. The fresh, zesty flavors will make it a hit at your Independence Day celebration.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Another fantastic side dish for your Mexican Independence Day celebration is elote, or Mexican street corn. This dish is made by grilling or roasting corn on the cob, then slathering it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice. A sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a savory touch, while a dusting of chili powder gives the corn its signature kick.
Elote is a great side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. It’s bold, flavorful, and easy to make. You can even serve it in cups for guests to enjoy as a snack or appetizer, adding an interactive element to your party.
4. Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish often served during national holidays like Mexican Independence Day. It consists of poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo, a ground meat filling made with fruits, nuts, and spices, then smothered in a creamy walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds. The dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, with the green of the poblano, the white sauce, and the red seeds representing the colors of the Mexican flag.
Though it requires a bit more preparation, Chiles en Nogada is a show-stopping dish that will wow your guests and take your Mexican Independence Day menu to the next level.
5. Horchata
No meal is complete without a refreshing drink to accompany it. Horchata, a traditional Mexican beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar, is a cool, creamy drink that perfectly complements the bold flavors of your meal. It’s sweet, slightly spiced, and incredibly refreshing, making it the ideal drink for your summer celebration.
You can easily make horchata at home by blending soaked rice with cinnamon, sugar, and water, then straining the mixture to achieve a smooth, silky texture. For an adult twist, try adding a splash of rum or tequila for a festive touch.
Creating the Perfect Mexican Independence Day Feast
When planning your Mexican Independence Day feast, it’s important to focus on the flavors, colors, and traditions that make Mexican cuisine so special. By offering a mix of savory dishes, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages, you’ll ensure that your guests are satisfied and immersed in the festive spirit.
Start by preparing a few simple appetizers, like guacamole and chips, or Mexican street corn. Then, offer your guests a choice of tacos or other Mexican street foods, along with flavorful side dishes like beans, rice, and salsas. For dessert, serve a show-stopping flan that will leave everyone smiling.
Don’t forget to set the mood with vibrant table settings, colorful decorations, and festive music. Mexican Independence Day is all about celebrating Mexican culture, and food is at the heart of that celebration. The combination of rich, flavorful dishes and sweet, creamy desserts will transport your guests to Mexico, no matter where they’re celebrating.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Flavor and Tradition
Mexican Independence Day is an occasion to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture, and the food is an essential part of the festivities. From flan to tacos al pastor, elote, and chiles en nogada, the flavors of Mexico are bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. By serving a variety of easy-to-make, traditional dishes, you’ll create a feast that honors Mexico’s rich culinary traditions and ensures your celebration is one to remember.
The simple flan is the perfect way to end your Mexican Independence Day meal, offering a sweet, creamy dessert that captures the essence of Mexican hospitality. Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or a large crowd, these recipes will bring joy, flavor, and fun to your celebration. So get cooking, and let the festivities begin!