This creamy caramel flan is the  dessert everyone is talking about right now. With its silky-smooth  custard, rich vanilla flavor, and glossy caramel topping, it looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make at home. If you love easy dessert recipes, homemade custard, and classic bakery-style treats, this flan is definitely one to save.
To make it, start by preparing the caramel. Add 1 cup of granulated  sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to a saucepan over medium heat. Let the sugar cook until it melts and gradually turns a deep golden amber color. Avoid stirring too much while the sugar is caramelizing, and keep a close eye on it because caramel can burn quickly.
Immediately pour the hot caramel into a round cake pan or flan mold. Carefully tilt the pan so the caramel spreads across the entire bottom. Set the pan aside while you prepare the creamy custard.
For the custard, combine 5 large eggs, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Blend everything for about 20 to 30 seconds, just until smooth and combined. For an extra-smooth homemade flan, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before adding it to the pan.
Slowly pour the custard over the cooled caramel. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place the flan pan inside a larger baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the flan pan. This water bath helps the custard cook gently and evenly, giving it that luxurious texture associated with restaurant-quality desserts.
