Vietnamese flan cake (banh flan): A creamy dessert to savor

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Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Vietnamese flan cake for a unique culinary experience (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese flan cake, a popular Vietnamese dessert, is commonly found in street vendors or dessert shops. This delightful treat can seamlessly enhance your Vietnam travel experience. Whether you have embarked on the journey to Vietnam or not, we encourage you to savor the essence of these unique Vietnamese cakes, allowing the taste of Vietnam to grace your own kitchen with authentic flavors.

1. What is Vietnamese flan cake?

Vietnamese flan cake, known as “banh flan” in Vietnamese, is a widely cherished dessert that has captured the hearts of people across different age groups. Its widespread popularity is evident in its presence throughout Vietnam, whether sold by street vendors during evening strolls or featured on the menus of dessert shops.

This delectable dessert offers a delightful flavor profile that contributes to its widespread appeal. The creamy texture of the flan, complemented by a perfectly caramelized sugar coating, creates a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. The sweetness of the caramel enhances the overall experience, making Vietnamese flan cake a treat that leaves a lasting impression on those who indulge in its luscious goodness.

The velvety consistency and rich flavor of Vietnamese flan cake make it irresistible (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover the flavor of Vietnamese honeycomb cake also!

2. How to make Vietnamese flan cake? – Top 5 favorite recipes

2.1. Traditional Vietnamese flan cake

You can create a delightful traditional flan cake with this easy Vietnamese flan cake recipe. This classic treat is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• Chicken eggs: 3 – 6
• Unsweetened fresh milk: 200ml
• Sweetened condensed milk: 60g
• Sugar: 50g
• Lime juice: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

• In a pot, combine sugar with about 70ml of water. Heat on low until the sugar melts, evaporates, and turns golden. Add pre-squeezed lime juice and swirl the pot to create a thin caramel layer at the bottom of the cake mold.
• Separate the egg yolks. Lightly beat and mix them with both condensed and fresh milk. Warm the mixture on low heat, then pour it into the eggs while stirring gently for a smooth blend.
• Strain the mixture to remove residue and air bubbles. Pour it into the caramel-coated mold.
• Steam the cake over simmering water until done. Let it cool, refrigerate, and enjoy this delectable traditional flan cake.

Elevate your dessert-making skills with our step-by-step Vietnamese flan recipe (Source: Collected)

2.2. Vietnamese flan cake with coconut

This dessert features a blend of egg yolks, butter, unsweetened fresh milk, and grated coconut, complemented by the enticing sweetness of brown sugar.

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• 30g of unsalted butter
• 120g of brown sugar
• 200g of grated coconut
• 300ml of unsweetened fresh milk

Instructions:

• Blend brown sugar and 25g of butter in a blender until the mixture is smooth. Add 6 egg yolks, 300ml of unsweetened fresh milk, and 200g of grated coconut, then blend until well combined.
• Use the remaining 5g of butter to coat the entire mold to prevent sticking. Pour the blended mixture into the mold. Prepare a steamer and place the mold in the steamer when the water starts to steam. Remember to place a thin cloth on the surface to prevent the water from dripping onto the cake.
• Steam for about 30 minutes until the cake is cooked. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; if the toothpick comes out dry, the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool, then refrigerate.
• When serving, gently run a knife around the edges of the mold, and the cake should easily come out. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of grated coconut.
• If you don’t have butter, you can substitute it with whipping cream for a delightful twist.

Try this Vietnamese flan recipe for a delicious taste of Vietnam’s iconic dessert (Source: Collected)

2.3. Vietnamese flan cake with orange flavor

Topped with golden caramel, this orange-infused flan cake is a culinary masterpiece, promising a delightful twist to your dessert experience. If you are eager to recreate this flavor-packed delight, explore our Vietnamese flan recipe and embark on a journey of culinary excellence.

Ingredients:

• 150ml of orange juice
• 2 eggs
• 50g of white sugar
• 30g of condensed milk
• 1 vanilla pod

Instructions:

• Squeeze the orange juice and beat the eggs in a bowl, adding vanilla to mix until the eggs are well blended.
• Gently heat the orange juice, add condensed milk, and stir until well combined. Gradually pour this mixture into the egg bowl and mix thoroughly. Filter the egg and orange juice mixture through a sieve.
• Place sugar in a saucepan, add enough water to moisten the sugar, and simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and golden caramel is formed. Scoop the caramel into the mold, spreading it evenly on the bottom.
• Pour the egg and orange juice mixture into the mold almost to the top, cover the mouth with aluminum foil, and steam for about 20 minutes until the cake is set. Once cooked, let it cool before refrigerating for 1-2 hours.

This Vietnamese flan recipe will introduce a delightful twist to your dessert repertoire (Source: Collected)

2.4. Vietnamese flan cake with mango

The richness of coconut, paired with the slightly tangy flavor of mango, creates an irresistible combination that elevates this dessert to new heights. This recipe introduces a simple yet effective modification that adds an exotic touch to the beloved Vietnamese flan cake. The result is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tropical notes.

Ingredients:

• 9 eggs
• 1 ripe mango
• 350ml of fresh milk
• 200ml of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of white sugar

Instructions:

• Caramelize the sugar by melting it in a pot until it turns golden brown, then pour it into the bottom of the mold.
• Peel and blend the mango, add a cup of water, strain the mixture, and collect the mango juice.
• Boil water in a pot.
• In a large bowl, mix the eggs and sugar until well combined.
• In a separate pot, combine the fresh milk, mango, and coconut milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the egg whites are no longer lumpy. Remove from heat.
• Pour the mixture into the caramelized mold placed in a wide and deep tray.
• Steam the cake for about 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

​​This Vietnamese flan cake gives an exotic twist (Source: Collected)

2.5. Vietnamese flan cake with strawberry

The delightful fusion of creamy flan and the vibrant flavor of strawberries is prominent in this strawberry flan cake. The addition of strawberry not only imparts a visually appealing pink hue but also introduces the nutritious goodness of vitamins A and C.

Ingredients:

• 10 eggs
• 30g of white sugar
• 2 packs of strawberry-flavored fresh milk
• 380g of condensed milk
• 30g of strawberries

Instructions:

• Caramelize sugar by melting it in a pot with a little water until it reaches a golden brown color.
• Quickly pour a thin layer of caramel into the flan mold, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
• In a bowl, put in condensed milk, pour in hot water, and stir to dissolve. Add fresh strawberry-flavored milk and mix thoroughly.
• Clean the strawberries, blend half of them into a smooth puree, and reserve the other half for decoration.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl, use a fork to beat until well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the milk, using a sieve to remove any remaining egg whites. Pour the mixture into the mold.
• Steam the cake for about 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• After the cake has cooled, flip it onto a plate, garnish with the blended strawberries, and cut the remaining strawberries into quarters for decoration. Feel free to unleash your creativity in the presentation.

Enjoy the lovely union of creamy flan and strawberries (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore how to make Vietnamese banana cake!

3. What is Vietnamese flan cake usually served with?

Vietnamese flan cake is commonly served with ice and jelly, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor. For a caffeine boost, enjoy it with a cup of well-brewed coffee. The dessert also pairs well with bubble tea. Whether you prefer icy accompaniments or warm beverages, Vietnamese flan cake offers a versatile experience.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese coffee cake: 7 variations and recipes for your homemade delight

On your culinary journey, you can indulge in an array of desserts in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc. Each city offers its unique sweet treats in addition to Vietnamese flan cake.

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Vietnamese flan cake offers a delightfully creamy indulgence that captivates the taste buds with its rich flavors. Whether enjoyed during a visit to Vietnam or prepared at home using traditional recipes, this delectable dessert promises a sweet experience.