Pumpkin Flan Recipe - Wendy Polisi (2024)

This Pumpkin Flan is a fun twist on two favorite classics. This dreamy treat is what would happen if flan and pumpkin pie got married! Since it can be made up to two days ahead, it is perfect for entertaining.

Fall will be here before we know it!

While we are waiting for the weather to cooperate, I am still ready to embrace the season. It may be a while before I pull out sweaters and closed-toe shoes, but that doesn't mean I can't get into the spirit.

I think many of you will agree with me that one of the best parts of fall is all-things-pumpkin.

This time of year calls for a bit of indulgence from time to time, and today I've got something that is pure fall bliss.

This Pumpkin Thanksgiving Flan is such a fun twist on a classic. It is fairly simple to make and will ensure that you wow your guests with your culinary prowess.

Pumpkin Flan Recipe Ingredients

• Sugar:Use white sugar in this recipe. Substitute at your own risk.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk:Condensed milk is milk that has had the water removed. It can come as sweetened or unsweetened. You can find it in cans at the supermarket.
• Evaporated Milk:Evaporated milk is just another world for unsweetened condensed milk.
• Pumpkin Puree:Make sure you use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla:Use the best quality of vanilla extract that you can.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure you use a heavy pan! If you don't have one, I do not recommend making this recipe.
• These flans can be made in individual ramekins, which is a touch easier than trying to perfectly un-mold a larger flan.
• This recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Chill covered tightly.
• For serving, sometimes I like to top each dish with a drizzle of maple style and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Substitute sugar alternatives at your own risk. I don't always use white sugar, but this is one recipe that needs it. Sugar alternatives don't caramelize the same way.
• For a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, add in pumpkin pie spice. Cinnamon or a teaspoon of ground nutmeg is also a good additions.
• When it comes to making Pumpkin Flan, the most important ingredient is the pumpkin puree. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The difference is that pumpkin puree is simply cooked and pureed pumpkins, whereas pumpkin pie filling contains additional ingredients like sugar, spices, and milk.
• Pumpkin Flan is best served chilled. Allow the flan to cool completely before serving. If you are in a hurry, you can place the flan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to set. Serve with whipped cream or a dollop of pumpkin puree.

Serving Suggestions

• Pumpkin flan can be served plain or topped with whipped cream.
• Fruit: This is a light and refreshing topping that allows the pumpkin flavor of the flan to shine through. Try it with sliced cooked pears or apples.
• Chocolate sauce: Because who doesn't love chocolate? This rich and decadent topping is the perfect balance to the sweetness of the flan.
• Caramel sauce: A classic topping for flan that takes it to the next level of deliciousness. If you want to really impress your guests, make your own caramel sauce from scratch. It's not as difficult as you might think and it tastes so much better than the store-bought kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flan?

Flan is a sweetened custard with a caramel sauce topping. It is a classic dessert in many Latin American countries.

It is similar to creme brûlée, but the caramel cooks with this custard instead of being torched on top.

Is flan hard to make?

It is relatively simple to make, but you do have to watch the sugar carefully.

(Make sure you read over my tips and tricks before you get started, and whatever you do, don't skip the heavy-bottomed pan.)

Does flan have gluten?

Typically flan is gluten-free. (But always check if you are eating out or enjoying someone else's recipe!)

What does pumpkin flan taste like?

Pumpkin flan tastes rich and creamy with a hint of pumpkin flavor. It can be served plain or topped with your favorite fruits or sauces.

Tools Needed to Make Easy Pumpkin Flan

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• Heavy Bottomed Pot
• Flan Pan
• Blender or Mixer
• Candy Thermometer

Storage

Store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Be sure to keep it covered in an airtight container so that the custard doesn't dry out.

How to Make Pumpkin Flan

First you want to cook your sugar.

Start over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts.

Reduce heat to medium-low and stop stirring.

Cook until the sugar is an amber color, which should happen between 340 and 350 degrees. I find it helpful to occasionally lift the pan off the heat and tilt.

Once the sugar is caramelized, transfer to your ramekins or flan pan.

Then blend the remaining ingredients in a blender or beat with an electric mixer.

Pour the flan mixture on top of the sugar. Place in a baking pan and fill the pan halfway up the sides with water.

Bake until cooked through. This will be anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of your ramekins.

Remove from the water bath and allow to cool to room temperature on a rack. Chill.

Run a knife around the edge of the flan. Invert on a platter or serving plate.

More Holiday Recipes

• Maple Glazed Acorn Squash
• Cranberry Poached Pears
• Pasta with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
• Dirty Chai Latte

Other Gluten Free Pumpkin Desserts to Try

• Prepare to swoon over these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts!
• Even the kids will love this Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.
• These Pumpkin Pie Bars have all the flavor of pumpkin pie with minimal effort.

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