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French Chocolate Flan

Irresistible French Chocolate Flan for Ultimate Indulgence

This French Chocolate Flan is a delightful dessert combining silky chocolate custard and a crisp tart base, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Custard
  • 3 large Egg Yolks Adds richness and sets the custard; texture is creamy.
  • 2 large Whole Eggs Provides structure to the custard.
  • 1 cup White Sugar Sweetens the custard; balances the dark chocolate's bitterness.
  • cup Cornstarch Thickens the custard for a smooth consistency.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
  • 2 ½ cups Whole Milk Main liquid for the custard, providing creaminess.
  • 1 ¾ cups Heavy Cream Contributes to the richness and velvety texture of the custard.
  • 7 oz Dark Chocolate Main flavor component; gives the flan its rich chocolate taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Jam Adds a glossy finish to the dessert.
For the Tart Crust
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Forms the base of the tart, providing structure.
  • cup Icing Sugar Adds sweetness and helps with the tart's texture.
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder Enhances the chocolate flavor in the tart crust.
  • 1 stick Butter Adds moisture and richness to the tart base.
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract Infuses flavor into the tart.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Baking dish or flan mold
  • tart pan
  • oven
  • refrigerator

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs, whisking until blended. Gradually mix in 1 cup of sugar, ⅓ cup of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of salt, ensuring there are no lumps. Slowly pour in 2 ½ cups of whole milk and 1 ¾ cups of heavy cream while whisking continuously. Melt 7 oz of dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth, then stir it into the mixture until well combined.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Carefully pour the prepared chocolate custard into a baking dish or flan mold, making sure it's evenly distributed. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. The custard should be slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a bit before transferring it to the refrigerator.
  3. While the custard is cooling, start making the tart crust. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of icing sugar, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix in 1 stick of melted butter and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until a dough forms. Press this dough into a tart pan, ensuring an even layer, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the tart crust from the refrigerator and bake it for 15-20 minutes, until it's firm to the touch and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once done, take it out of the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Once both the chocolate custard and tart crust have cooled, carefully pour the chilled custard into the cooled tart shell. Use a spatula to smooth the top as needed. Cover the assembled flan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for several hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. When ready to serve, gently remove the flan from the tart pan. Brush the top with a tablespoon of jam to give it a glossy finish. Slice into wedges and serve chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to whisk the custard mixture well to avoid any lumps and monitor baking time to prevent overbaking. Feel free to customize the recipe with fresh berries or other flavors.

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