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Apple Caramel Flan (Vegan / Gluten-Free) Recipe

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3.8 from 67 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Apple Caramel Flan is a delicious and elegant vegan and gluten-free dessert featuring a silky vanilla custard topped with tender sautéed apples and a rich homemade salted caramel base. Baked in a water bath for a creamy texture, this flan combines comforting autumn flavors like cinnamon and caramel with a smooth, dairy-free custard made from soy milk and maple syrup.

Ingredients

Salted Caramel

  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter

Apples

  • 2 medium apples, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon

Vanilla Custard

  • 2 1/4 cups unsweetened soy milk
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Salted Caramel: Place an 8×4-inch loaf pan on a trivet or cutting board to protect your surface from heat. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and salt. Heat without stirring for 3-5 minutes until sugar melts and starts to bubble. Once it turns golden brown, gently stir with a wooden spatula. Immediately remove from heat and pour caramel into the loaf pan, tilting the pan to spread evenly. Set aside to cool and harden for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Sauté Apples: Heat the vegan butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples and cinnamon, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking the custard flan.
  4. Make Vanilla Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy milk, maple syrup, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until the cornstarch dissolves. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly for 7-10 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly into a custard. Remove from heat and gently fold in the sautéed apples, being careful not to mash them.
  5. Assemble Flan: Pour the custard and apple mixture over the set caramel layer in the loaf pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Cover the loaf pan tightly with foil.
  6. Bake in Bain-Marie: Place the foil-covered loaf pan in a deep baking dish. Pour about 2 cups of water into the baking dish to create a water bath, ensuring the water comes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of the loaf pan without submerging it. Bake for 40 minutes until set.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then, refrigerate it overnight to fully develop its flavors and achieve the perfect texture.
  8. Serve: To serve, place a plate over the loaf pan and invert it so the flan releases onto the plate, with the caramel syrup beautifully coating the top. Enjoy this creamy vegan apple caramel flan chilled.
  9. Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware the flan may lose some creaminess beyond that time.

Notes

  • Ensure the caramel is poured immediately once golden brown to prevent it from burning.
  • Do not overcook the apples; they should remain tender yet retain their shape.
  • Whisk the custard mixture constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
  • Use a water bath (bain-marie) during baking to prevent cracking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Allow the flan to chill overnight to set properly and enhance flavors.
  • This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, suitable for those dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/apple-caramel-flan-vegan-gluten-free-recipe/