Bakery Flan

Bakery Flan (The Real One) – Tall and Extra Creamy
This is the classic French-style bakery custard tart — thick, smooth, rich, and beautifully golden on top. Just like the ones sold in traditional bakeries across France, known as Flan pâtissier.
🛒 Ingredients (8-inch / 20 cm tall pan)
For the Crust (Traditional but Optional)
1 sheet shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée or pâte sucrée)
1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
For the Custard Filling
4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly butter an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan.
Roll out pastry and press into the pan, going all the way up the sides.
Trim excess dough.
Chill in refrigerator while making filling.
(For crustless version, simply grease the pan well.)
2️⃣ Heat the Milk & Cream
In a large saucepan:
Combine milk, heavy cream, and vanilla.
Heat over medium until just about to simmer.
Do NOT boil.
3️⃣ Make the Custard Base
In a separate bowl:
Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.
Add cornstarch and whisk until lump-free.
Slowly pour warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
4️⃣ Thicken the Custard
Return mixture to saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly.
It will thicken after about 4–6 minutes.
You want it VERY thick — like pudding.
Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
5️⃣ Fill & Bake
Pour thick custard into prepared crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake 45–55 minutes until:
The top is golden brown with darker spots.
The center still slightly jiggles.
If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil.
6️⃣ Cool & Chill (Important!)
Let cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate at least 4–6 hours (overnight is best).
This step is crucial for perfect texture.
✨ Pro Bakery Tips
Use a tall mold for authentic height.
The darker the top, the more traditional it looks.
For ultra creaminess, replace ½ cup milk with extra cream.
Slice with a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water.
🧮 Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice – 8 slices)
Calories: ~380
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 20g