Pumpkin Flan - knedir Recipes

The Pumpkin Flan is the perfect blend of creamy custard and warm holiday spices, elegantly infused with orange zest and crowned with a rich caramel glaze. It’s an autumn-inspired take on a classic Latin dessert, bringing festive flavor and a velvety finish to your table.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or craving something unique for a cozy fall evening, this flan makes an impressive and surprisingly easy make-ahead dessert. With each chilled bite offering the perfect contrast of cool, spiced pumpkin custard and deep caramel sauce, your guests are sure to savor every spoonful.

Full Recipe:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep golden caramel (about 10 minutes).
Immediately pour the hot caramel into a 9-inch round cake pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.
In a blender or large mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Blend or whisk until completely smooth.
Pour the mixture over the cooled caramel in the cake pan.
Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan (water bath).
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the pan from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert the flan onto a serving plate so the caramel sauce drizzles over the top.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Recipe Overview

Pumpkin flan is a delectable dessert that combines the smooth, creamy texture of a traditional flan with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. This treat takes a classic Latin American dessert to the next level by incorporating pumpkin puree, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of orange zest, and is finished off with a silky caramel sauce. The result is a dessert that’s both rich and light, with an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s perfect for the cooler months, especially around Thanksgiving or other festive gatherings. If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s easy to make but looks and tastes extraordinary, this pumpkin flan is the answer.

History and Origin

Flan is a dessert with deep roots in many cultures, tracing its origins back to ancient Rome, where it was made with eggs, milk, and honey. As the recipe spread across Europe, it evolved into the custard-like flan we recognize today, typically flavored with vanilla or caramel. The version of flan most familiar to Latin American cultures developed over centuries, blending indigenous ingredients with European influences.

In Mexico and many Latin American countries, flan became a popular and beloved dessert, often made with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and eggs. It’s a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations, especially during special occasions like Christmas and Día de los Muertos.

When you add pumpkin to the flan mix, you’re infusing this classic dessert with seasonal flair. The addition of pumpkin puree, which has been a popular ingredient in North America for centuries, takes this dessert from a simple custard to a holiday indulgence. It was likely during the 19th century in North America, with the rise of pumpkin pie as a Thanksgiving favorite, that pumpkin-flavored desserts like pumpkin flan began to gain popularity.

Variations and Adaptations

Pumpkin flan can be made in various ways depending on where you are and the ingredients you have on hand. While the pumpkin version is most commonly seen during fall, it can be enjoyed year-round by simply adjusting the spices and flavorings. For instance, in some regions, a dash of vanilla or even a little bit of dark rum might be added for a richer flavor profile.

In Mexico, flan is often served in individual ramekins or as a large flan baked in a round cake pan. The caramel sauce is a defining feature of any flan, and it can be customized from a lighter golden caramel to a deep amber hue, depending on the level of sugar caramelization preferred. Pumpkin flan can also be made with a touch of coffee or espresso, complementing the pumpkin’s natural sweetness with a rich depth.

In some variations, pumpkin flan might also include other seasonal spices, such as allspice or cloves, to enhance the autumn flavor. Some versions incorporate a crunchy, nutty topping like crushed pecans or walnuts for extra texture, offering a nice contrast to the creamy custard.

Nutritional Information

While flan is undeniably a decadent dessert, it does have some nutritional benefits—especially if you opt for lighter versions or tweak the recipe slightly. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional profile of a pumpkin flan:

Calories: One serving (about 1/8 of a flan) typically contains around 320–350 calories. This can vary based on portion size and the amount of sugar used.
Carbohydrates: A serving of pumpkin flan provides approximately 30-35 grams of carbohydrates, mostly coming from the sugar and the natural sugars in the pumpkin puree.
Proteins: Thanks to the eggs and the milk in the recipe, you’ll get about 6–7 grams of protein per serving.
Fats: There are around 15 grams of fat in a single serving, coming primarily from the milk and eggs. This gives the flan its rich, smooth texture, but it also contributes to the dessert’s higher calorie count.
Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A, contributing to healthy skin and eyesight. Flan also contains calcium from the milk, which is important for bone health. The addition of orange zest provides a touch of vitamin C, boosting the immune system.

While pumpkin flan may be indulgent, it offers some benefits from its nutrient-rich ingredients, including the pumpkin itself, which is loaded with antioxidants and fiber.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pumpkin flan is a beautiful, festive dessert that can be served in a variety of ways to make it even more special. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a hit with flan, and it complements the smoothness of the custard. You could even sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
Serve with Fruit: Pairing your pumpkin flan with fresh fruit, such as slices of pear or apple, brings a refreshing contrast to the rich custard. Alternatively, roasted fall fruits like figs or plums can add a caramelized sweetness that complements the dessert.
Top with Crushed Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances the soft texture of the flan.
Pair with Beverages: For a drink pairing, consider a warm spiced latte or a glass of dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. If you’re serving the flan at Thanksgiving, consider offering a rich apple cider or a hot cup of spiced chai to complement the flavors.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Caramelize the Sugar Carefully: When making the caramel, be patient and keep a close eye on the sugar to avoid burning it. It’s best to melt the sugar slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it turns a golden brown, quickly pour it into the pan to prevent it from getting too dark.
Strain the Flan Mixture: For an extra-smooth flan, it’s a good idea to strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the pan. This will help remove any egg bits or lumps, ensuring a silky texture.
Water Bath is Key: Baking the flan in a water bath (or bain-marie) is crucial for ensuring even cooking. This gentle method prevents the flan from cracking or overcooking, resulting in a perfectly set custard.
Chill Before Serving: Flan needs to be chilled for several hours before serving, preferably overnight. This not only helps the flavors develop but also makes it easier to invert onto a serving plate. The cold custard is far more stable and will hold its shape better than if served warm.

Potential Health Benefits

The main ingredients in pumpkin flan offer a few potential health benefits, though this is, of course, a dessert, so moderation is key. Pumpkin, for instance, is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system. It’s also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.

The addition of eggs provides protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function, while the milk offers calcium, which is necessary for strong bones. Of course, the sugar content in pumpkin flan means it should be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet, but when enjoyed in moderation, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Pumpkin flan is the perfect dessert to bring some warmth and cheer to your fall gatherings. With its silky texture, caramelized sweetness, and seasonal spices, it offers a comforting and satisfying end to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a dinner party, or simply enjoying it with family, this pumpkin flan will surely impress your guests. So, grab a can of pumpkin puree and get baking—you’re in for a treat!