Puto Flan Recipe
Puto flan, also known as leche puto, is a delicious fusion of two classic Filipino treats: puto, a fluffy steamed rice cake, and leche flan, a creamy, caramel-topped custard. This dessert combines the softness of puto with the rich sweetness of leche flan, resulting in a treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Traditionally enjoyed on special occasions, puto flan is also easy enough to make any time you’re in the mood for something sweet. If you’re new to this dessert or a seasoned fan, this easy puto flan recipe will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why People Love Puto Flan
Puto flan is a crowd-favorite Filipino kakanin (rice cake) that combines two well-loved classics: puto, a soft steamed rice cake, and leche flan, a creamy custard.
This dessert has a perfect mix of textures and flavors. The flan layer is silky, rich, and just the right amount of sweet, while the puto base is light and fluffy, balancing the creaminess. It’s like a bite of two desserts in one, which makes it hard not to love.
Plus, the puto flan recipe is easy, making it quick to whip up for parties, family gatherings, or even just as a sweet reward. People also love how versatile it is—you can make it in various molds for a fun twist, and it works well as either a party snack, Easter treat, or a single-serve dessert. This blend of taste, texture, and simplicity is why puto flan holds a special spot in Filipino dessert culture.
Plus, puto flan captures the joy of sharing, as it’s often served in batches, making it perfect for gatherings where everyone can enjoy a piece. Its ingredients are also widely accessible, which means many households can enjoy this treat without needing fancy ingredients.
Puto Flan Cooking Tips
Mastering puto flan is easy with a few pro tips that ensure a delicious outcome every time:
Prep Your Molds Properly
Always grease your molds with melted butter to prevent sticking. This will help the flan pop out cleanly after steaming.
Use Low Heat for Steaming
Steaming on low heat prevents bubbles from forming on the flan, keeping it smooth and custard-like.
Cover the Steamer with Cloth
Place a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth between the steamer lid and the molds. This prevents condensation from dripping onto your puto flan, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy.
Steam the Flan First
Partially steam the flan layer until slightly set before adding the puto batter. This keeps the layers distinct and gives you that classic layered look.
Don’t Overfill the Molds
Fill only about three-quarters full with the puto mixture. The batter will expand while steaming, so leave room for it to rise.
Test With a Toothpick
When steaming is complete, insert a toothpick into the center of the puto layer. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to be taken off the heat.
What to Serve With Puto Flan
Puto flan is great on its own but can also be paired with other foods for a more filling treat:
Hot Chocolate or Coffee: The sweetness of the puto flan balances nicely with a strong coffee or rich hot chocolate.
Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing twist by serving puto flan alongside fresh mango slices or pineapple.
Salty Dishes: Pair it with Filipino savory dishes like pancit (noodles) or arroz caldo (rice porridge) for a nice contrast of flavors.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or caramel-flavored ice cream complements the custard flavor of the flan.
Fruit Salad: A side of fruit salad adds some lightness and a pop of color to your plate.
How to Store Puto Flan
To keep your puto flan fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Since flan and puto are perishable, refrigerating helps maintain their texture and flavor.
When stacking, separate layers with baking paper or cupcake liners to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, though they’re often too tempting to last that long!
If you need to reheat, a quick steam will do. Doing this can bring back some of the softness without drying them out. Just remember to keep them covered or put them in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors.
Easy Puto Flan Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Flan
4 egg yolks
¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Puto
2 egg whites
½ cup fresh milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Brush each mold with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the flan mixture into each mold, filling about a third of the way.
- Place the molds in the steamer and steam on low heat for about eight minutes or until the flan is partially set. Carefully remove and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder together. Add fresh milk and egg whites, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour the puto batter over the partially set flan, filling the molds about three-quarters full.
- Place the molds back in the steamer and steam for another ten minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the puto layer comes out clean.
- Allow the puto flan to cool before carefully removing it from the molds. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
The two types of puto are the classic puto and puto flan, which combine the puto with a creamy leche flan layer. Both are popular in Filipino cuisine and are often sold on the streets or served during festivals.
Puto is made from rice flour, sugar, and water. They’re steamed to create a soft and fluffy texture. It can also include optional ingredients like coconut milk or flavored extracts.
It’s called leche flan because “leche” means milk in Spanish, and the dessert is mainly composed of egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. This rich custard is tthenopped with a layer of caramel.
Leche flan has Spanish origins and was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. However, became a beloved local dessert with Filipino twists.
Conclusion
Puto flan combines the best of two Filipino favorites in one bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just to enjoy with your family, this dessert is sure to impress. This easy puto flan recipe may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. So, get your tools, buy your ingredients, fire up your steamer, and enjoy this delightful Filipino treat perfect for sharing!
About HICAPS
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