Flan Coco, or French Antilles Coconut Flan, is a delightful dessert that combines the smooth texture of traditional flan with the tropical flavors of coconut. Made with both coconut milk and shredded coconut, this creamy dessert has a delicate flavor that’s enhanced by the caramelized sugar on top. It’s a popular dish from the French Antilles, offering a wonderful twist on classic flan, and perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 can (300 ml) coconut milk

• 1 can (400 ml) sweetened condensed milk

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)

• 1 cup water (for caramelizing sugar)

Directions

1. Make the caramel: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat until it begins to caramelize and turns golden brown. Carefully add 1 cup of water to the hot caramel and stir until smooth. Pour the caramel into a loaf pan, swirling to coat the bottom.

2. Prepare the flan mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut until smooth.

3. Assemble the flan: Pour the flan mixture into the loaf pan over the set caramel. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.

4. Bake: Place the loaf pan into a larger pan filled with hot water (about 1-inch high) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the flan is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.

5. Cool and serve: Let the flan cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours. To serve, carefully invert the flan onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 slice

• Calories: 220 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 45mg

• Sugar: 24g

A Brief Introduction to the French Antilles

The French Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean, are known for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant cuisine. Influenced by a mix of French, African, and Caribbean traditions, the food of the French Antilles is bold, flavorful, and often incorporates tropical ingredients like coconut, plantains, and exotic fruits. Flan Coco is one such dish that perfectly encapsulates the island’s love for coconut and rich, creamy desserts.

The dessert itself is a variation of the classic French flan, which is often referred to as crème caramel. The addition of coconut milk and shredded coconut gives this version a distinctly tropical flavor, making it a unique treat that stands apart from its more traditional counterparts. This twist on the classic flan has become a favorite in the French Antilles, where it is often enjoyed during celebrations, holidays, or simply as a delicious dessert to end a meal.

The Charm of Coconut in Flan Coco

Coconut is the star of this dessert, and for good reason. Known for its rich and slightly sweet flavor, coconut adds a depth of taste that enhances the smooth texture of the flan. In Flan Coco, both coconut milk and shredded coconut are used, allowing the dessert to take full advantage of the coconut’s versatility. The coconut milk contributes a creamy, silky texture, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle bite and extra tropical flair.

Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many Caribbean and Southeast Asian dishes, prized for its rich, smooth consistency. It’s made from the grated flesh of the coconut, which is then mixed with water to extract the milk. The result is a mildly sweet liquid that adds a luxurious richness to desserts like Flan Coco. The shredded coconut, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of texture and a more pronounced coconut flavor, balancing the flan’s smoothness and creating an even more enjoyable eating experience.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Caramelized

A hallmark of Flan Coco is its perfectly caramelized sugar topping. The process of caramelizing sugar involves slowly melting it in a pan until it turns a golden brown color and develops a rich, slightly smoky flavor. This caramel is then poured into the bottom of the pan before the flan mixture is added. When the flan is baked, the caramel slowly seeps up into the custard, creating a beautiful layer of caramelized sweetness that complements the coconut flavor perfectly.

Caramelizing sugar is a delicate process that requires patience and attention. If the sugar is heated too quickly, it can burn and become bitter. However, when done correctly, caramelized sugar adds a glossy, golden layer to the flan that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The slightly bitter-sweet flavor of the caramel provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy custard, making each bite of Flan Coco a balanced and harmonious experience.

How to Prepare Flan Coco: A Simple yet Elegant Process

Making Flan Coco may sound like a complicated process, but it’s actually quite simple, with just a few key steps to follow. The first step is to make the caramel, which involves melting sugar and then adding water to create a smooth, golden syrup. This caramel is poured into the bottom of a loaf pan, creating the perfect base for the flan.

Next, the flan mixture is prepared by whisking together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, creamy custard base with the tropical flavor of coconut infusing every bite. Once the flan mixture is ready, it’s poured over the caramel in the loaf pan and baked in a water bath, which ensures that the flan cooks evenly and remains smooth and silky.

The baking time is typically 50-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C), and the flan is ready when it is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, the flan must cool to room temperature before being refrigerated for at least 3 hours to allow it to fully set and develop its flavors.

Cooling and Serving: The Final Touch

Once the flan has cooled and set in the refrigerator, it’s time to serve. Flan Coco is best served chilled, as the cold temperature helps to enhance its creamy texture. To serve, the flan is carefully inverted onto a plate, revealing the beautiful caramel topping that has gently drizzled over the custard.

The flan can be garnished with a light dusting of shredded coconut or a few fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and extra flavor. The result is a dessert that not only looks stunning but tastes just as incredible. The silky smooth custard, paired with the sweet and slightly bitter caramel, makes for a truly satisfying dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.

Why Flan Coco is Perfect for Special Occasions

Flan Coco is a perfect dessert for special occasions or a celebratory meal. Its rich flavor, elegant presentation, and tropical flair make it a standout dish that will impress guests and leave everyone wanting more. Whether served at a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or a casual gathering with friends and family, Flan Coco offers a taste of the French Antilles that is sure to delight and surprise.

The versatility of Flan Coco also makes it suitable for various occasions. It can be served as a light dessert after a heavy meal, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Its creamy texture and tropical flavor make it a refreshing end to any meal, and the caramel topping adds just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy dessert cravings without being overly rich.

Nutritional Information of Flan Coco

While Flan Coco is undoubtedly a delicious indulgence, it also offers a reasonable balance of nutrients, making it a somewhat guilt-free treat. Each slice contains approximately 220 calories, with 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fat. The coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk provide a creamy texture and a source of fat, while the eggs contribute protein. The dessert also contains 24 grams of sugar, which is primarily derived from the sweetened condensed milk and the caramel topping.

Flan Coco also offers a small amount of calcium, iron, and vitamin A, contributing to its overall nutritional profile. While it is a dessert best enjoyed in moderation, it’s a lovely choice for those seeking a sweet treat that combines tropical flavors with the indulgence of a traditional French flan.

Conclusion

Flan Coco is a decadent and flavorful dessert that perfectly combines the creamy richness of traditional flan with the tropical taste of coconut. With its smooth custard, caramelized sugar topping, and hint of shredded coconut, this dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the French Antilles. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a sweet treat, Flan Coco is sure to be a hit at any gathering, making it a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent, tropical desserts.