The Philippines and Leche Flan

Velvety smooth, sweet and creamy-licious Filipino classic dessert LECHE FLAN or crème caramel. Easy, tried and tested recipe for any occasion.

As I was writing this, snow was falling hard outside and though I like looking at the glistening snowflakes they made me think of the warm tropical climate of my archipelago.

The shivers down my spine made me long for the sunny days in Manila. Since I needed to write a blog post about Leche Flan I thought I would tie it with some lovely photos of the Philippines.

Of course, when I think “warm” the first thing that comes to mind is the white sandy beaches of Boracay. It’s not really warm there – more like “hot!” 

But the beach which has been named one of the world’s best a few times is the main attraction. White and fine as talcum powder, the sand makes walking on the beach not only ideal but truly romantic.

Imagine the glorious sunsets and Boracay is well known for that too.

We love Boracay so much that we decided it would be our first stop on our honeymoon tour.

We went there for our honeymoon in 2003. It wasn’t just us though, we brought the entire English entourage including Mark’s mom and aunt. Fancy that?  It was fun though!

From right to left – Mark, Mark Ellis, Janet (Mark’s Aunt), John Rayner, Paul Priest, Margaret (Mark’s mom), Abby (me), and the manager of the resort where we stayed in Boracay.

We thought that seeing as they had flown that far to attend our wedding, we should take them to Boracay as well!

Another photo of Boracay taken by Mark. He is such a good photographer.

He just knows how to capture the right angle and shot.

The two photographs below were taken in Tagaytay where Mark and I got married.

It’s about an hour’s drive outside of Manila and is a favorite place to visit during summer for its cooler climate.

This is Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in the middle.

With our first and secondary sponsors during our wedding in Tagaytay overlooking Taal Lake. What a happy day!

Here are just some photos of the place where I spent my childhood.

Our town is called Gasan and it is in the province of Marinduque, one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.

This is Gasan shoreline, our house is located behind the palm trees in the foreground.

When I was growing up I remember my mom buying the first catch of the day from fishermen who just came back from their overnight fishing. Fish straight from the sea….you can’t get any fresher than that!

Sometimes in the afternoons either after class or during summertime my friends and I ride these little bancas (outriggers) around the shore until the sun sets.

Needless to say, there was lots of swimming though I must admit I never really learned how to swim properly and almost drowned twice.

One time, a friend and I got caught out of our depth. I was able to swim myself but my friend was pulling me under. I really thought that I was going to drown.

All I could do was pray – “O Lord, please save me”. Thankfully, my father arrived right on time and rescued us both. Amazing. It was in that same ocean where I almost drowned that I was baptized a few months later.

The island you can see in the photograph above is Gaspar Island one of the three islands that belong to my town. Every summer we go to this island for swimming, snorkeling, barbecues and to have some fun!

This is the sand bar that you land in as you approach Gaspar Island. The water is so clean and clear here as you can see. Our little island Marinduque is truly paradise in itself it will always be my home.

Now about the recipe, Filipinos have a sweet tooth and we always love to eat, too! And one of our favorite desserts is Leche Flan (Creme Caramel) – a classic Filipino dessert. Traditionally, Leche Flan is steamed but here I am baking it instead so it’s much easier.

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FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS and to PRINT, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR LECHE FLAN?

For the caramel topping

6 Tablespoons dark brown sugar

3 Tablespoons water

For the custard

7 egg yolks (8 if your yolks are quite small) – separate them well from the egg whites

1 cup whole milk (2 % milk is fine if that is preferred)

3/4 of a can of condensed milk

Zest of one lemon or 1/4 tsp lemon extract (2 teaspoons of lemon juice also work)

HOW DO YOU MAKE LECHE FLAN?

For the caramel topping

Don’t forget the llaneras or custard molds/ramekins. I use 2 llaneras (Pinoy oval-shaped tin molds) for this recipe. Have them at hand.

To make the caramel, place the sugar and water in a shallow pan on medium heat. Stir the mixture and cook until the sugar melts and begins to boil. When it starts to really thicken, immediately pour the sugar on the tins/mold.  Divide it evenly between the molds (if using more than 1). Spread it until it covers the bottom of the molds. The caramel should harden immediately. Set aside.

For the custard

Preheat the oven to 375 F/ 190 C.

Whisk together the egg yolks in a big bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.

Strain the egg mixture through a fine sieve into a large liquid measuring cup. Divide custard evenly among the prepared custard molds or ramekins. Place the molds in a baking dish big enough to hold all. Fill the pan with hot water (hot water from the tap is fine) up to half the height of the molds.

Bake for about 30-35 mins. (Adjust the time depending on the size of the molds being used). For my llaneras, 35 minutes is just right. The custard should have set nicely at this point. It will firm up more as you leave it overnight in the fridge.

Cool completely on a rack and then refrigerate. Overnight refrigeration is recommended.

To serve, run a thin knife around the mold and then invert it onto a plate. Enjoy such creamy deliciousness!

By the way, I used a heart cookie cutter to achieve the heart shape but you can of course use a heart-shaped mold if you have one.

Leche Flan

 Leche Flan

Manila Spoon
Velvety smooth, sweet and creamy-licious Filipino classic dessert LECHE FLAN or crème caramel. Easy, tried and tested recipe for any occasion.
5 from 23 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine Filipino, Southeast Asia
Servings 8

Ingredients
 

For the caramel topping

  • 6 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp water

For the custard

  • 7 egg yolks, 8 if your yolks are quite small – separate them well from the egg whites
  • 1 cup whole milk, 2 % milk is fine if that is preferred
  • 3/4 of a can of condensed milk
  • Zest of one lemon or 1/4 tsp lemon extract, (2 teaspoons of lemon juice also work)

Instructions
 

  • Don’t forget the llaneras or custard molds/ramekins. I use 2 llaneras (Pinoy oval-shaped tin molds) for this recipe. Have them at hand.

For the caramel topping

  • To make the caramel, place the sugar and water in a shallow pan in medium heat. Stir the mixture and cook until the sugar melts and begins to boil. When it starts to really thicken, immediately pour the sugar on the tins/mold.  Divide it evenly between the molds (if using more than 1). Spread it until it covers the bottom of the molds. The caramel should harden immediately. Set aside.

For the custard

  • Preheat the oven to 375 F/ 190 C.
  • Whisk together the egg yolks in a big bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
  • Strain the egg mixture through a fine sieve into a large liquid measuring cup. Divide custard evenly among the prepared custard molds or ramekins. Place the molds in a baking dish big enough to hold all. Fill the pan with hot water (hot water from the tap is fine) up to half the height of the molds.
  • Bake for about 30-35 mins. (Adjust the time depending on the size of molds being used). For my llaneras, 35 minutes is just right. The custard should have set nicely at this point. It will firm up more as you leave it overnight in the fridge.
  • Cool completely on a rack and then refrigerate. Overnight refrigeration is recommended.
  • To serve, run a thin knife around the mold and then invert onto a plate. Enjoy such creamy deliciousness!
  • By the way, I used a heart cookie cutter to achieve the heart shape but you can of course use a heart-shaped mold if you have one.
Keyword authentic filipino leche flan, easy filipino leche flan, egg yolks only leche flan, how to make leche flan
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Last updated on July 26th, 2023 at 10:24 pm

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34 Comments

  1. December 29, 2012 / 4:03 am

    oh abby that's so beeaaauttifull!! the wedding photos, the setting, the FLAN…

    just when i think i've had enough dessert… looks like i'll need to make this!

    • December 30, 2012 / 3:46 am

      Hi Jen! Thanks for stopping by and that Flan is highly recommended! 🙂

  2. January 2, 2013 / 3:55 am

    Beautiful photos! Especially of the beaches. And I love flan, that looks amazing.

    • January 2, 2013 / 2:28 pm

      Thanks, Shirley! Glad you like the post. Happy you stopped by. 🙂

  3. January 4, 2013 / 2:48 am

    I saw this recipe the other day and fell in love with it. I used to eat flan while living close to the Mexican border. I love it. I appreciate your letting me use the recipe and photo for my Date Night/Valentines post. Thanks so much. I will let you know when the post goes live!

    • January 5, 2013 / 12:40 am

      Oh, anytime Cynthia! It's my pleasure and glad to know we both have a passion for Leche Flan! 🙂

  4. January 31, 2013 / 3:35 am

    This is the best blog I read. It is interesting. Especially the making of Leche Flan, this is one of my favorite desserts. Thank you for this one.

    • February 2, 2013 / 1:34 am

      Hello Haidie! Always happy to see a kababayan read our little blog. Glad you enjoyed the post. Visit us often! Thanks!

    • April 10, 2013 / 3:21 am

      Thanks, Bini! This is such a more-ish dessert! Hope you get the chance to try it.

  5. June 15, 2013 / 11:40 am

    I noticed you baked it instead of steaming as we usually do here. Does it taste a bit different if you bake it? I usually love leche flans with a bit of burnt (from the sugar/caramel) taste –is why Im asking so I can try it in oven instead of steaming. 🙂

    • July 16, 2013 / 2:45 am

      No, I don't think it makes a difference in taste. Perhaps in texture but I can hardly notice any either. The baked one is also creamy and smooth. Thanks for stopping by April.

  6. June 18, 2013 / 12:12 pm

    A big "Thank You". You have brought me such joy over the last month. Last night I made this flan. It was enjoyed by both. My best friend was from the Mindoro Island. Our dream was to take our children to visit. Cancer prevented this. Her boys, my kids, and I miss her cooking terribly. I have made several dishes you have posted. This one was a real treat for her young boys. I have shared these pictures with all of the kids. We still plan on making the trip in honor of Lucy. We are thrilled viewing your pics. Thank you for sharing so much of your life and culture. It truly is a blessing to all of us.

    • July 16, 2013 / 2:47 am

      Oh Keri, I am terribly sorry to hear this. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your very sweet thoughts. I appreciate it truly. Glad you find the website to be helpful.

  7. September 23, 2013 / 8:56 am

    Looks yummyyy!
    Would it be ok to replace the lemon zest with vanilla extract?

    • September 23, 2013 / 8:50 pm

      You can try it, if you like it, Ruz. Thanks for stopping by. I add the lemon zest for some tang but am sure vanilla should be fine, too.

  8. May 15, 2015 / 1:58 am

    I love the personal touches in this post- You guys remind me so much of my own family!

    Now this recipe- Delicious- Perfect for an after dinner treat!

  9. May 15, 2015 / 2:48 am

    I've always wanted to visit the Philippines! This dessert looks amazing, love flan 🙂

  10. December 4, 2015 / 3:34 am

    Thank you for the beautiful photos, and the recipe. I have never made leche flan but now that you showed how to make it in the oven, I'm going to give it a try! One of my favorites that I've not had in years!

  11. Larraine Flores
    April 29, 2021 / 3:28 am

    First time to see heart-shaped leche flan, looks so delicious!

  12. Frank
    January 28, 2023 / 12:52 am

    Oh my goodness – this is a great idea for Valentine’s Day coming up. The heart-shaped flan is perfect.

  13. dina and bruce miller
    May 11, 2023 / 8:24 am

    5 stars
    This brought me back to a trip to Switzerland, when I had a creamy dessert. Thank you for sharing!

  14. Dannii
    May 11, 2023 / 8:28 am

    5 stars
    I made this for a dinner party and it was SO good. Really easy to make too.

  15. Shadi Hasanzadenemati
    May 11, 2023 / 8:31 am

    5 stars
    I’m always ready for a delicious dessert! Can’t wait to make it this weekend!

  16. Tara
    May 11, 2023 / 8:36 am

    5 stars
    Such gorgeous photos of the Philippines! We hope to visit with my mother in law someday. The Leche Flan looks fantastic too! Especially love the heart shape.

  17. Ned
    May 11, 2023 / 9:07 am

    5 stars
    This flan is to die for! Thank you for an awesome recipe!

  18. Cynthia
    May 11, 2023 / 11:34 am

    5 stars
    So creamy and decadent! Love the heart shape too! Perfect for mother’s day!

  19. Angela
    May 11, 2023 / 11:38 am

    5 stars
    Incredible! The perfect dessert. Thanks for the great recipe!

  20. Suja md
    May 11, 2023 / 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!

  21. Kushigalu
    May 11, 2023 / 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    These flans look gorgeous and delicious. Thanks for sharing.

  22. Karen Poley
    January 15, 2024 / 9:33 am

    5 stars
    Love seeing your posts and recipes. I have family in Cebu and your posts make me think of them all the time and the time we spent in Borcay and Manila.

    • abigail
      Author
      January 15, 2024 / 10:31 pm

      So many sweet memories, right? Thank you for your comment!

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