Bánh Flan is a smooth, silky custard dessert inspired by French crème caramel but widely loved across Vietnam. It has two perfect layers: a golden caramel sauce on top and a creamy egg custard beneath, often served chilled with ice or coffee.

Simple ingredients, but precise technique—that’s what makes this dessert shine.

🍮 Ingredients

For caramel:

  • 100 g sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp water
  • A few drops of lemon juice (optional, helps prevent crystallization)

For custard:

  • 4 whole eggs
  • 2 egg yolks (for extra creaminess)
  • 500 ml whole milk
  • 120–150 g sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍯 Step 1: Make the caramel

  1. Add sugar and water into a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Do not stir initially—just swirl the pan gently.
  3. Cook until the mixture turns golden amber.
  4. Quickly pour into small molds or ramekins, coating the bottom evenly.
  5. Let it cool and harden.

⚠️ Be careful: caramel burns quickly once it changes color.

🥛 Step 2: Prepare the custard mixture

  1. Heat milk gently until warm (do not boil).
  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until just combined.
    • Avoid over-whisking (too much air = bubbles).
  3. Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while stirring.
  4. Add vanilla extract and mix gently.
  5. Strain the mixture through a sieve for a silky texture.

🧁 Step 3: Fill the molds

  1. Pour custard mixture over the hardened caramel in molds.
  2. Cover with foil or lids to prevent water droplets.

🔥 Step 4: Steam or bake

Steaming method (traditional):

  • Steam on low heat for 25–35 minutes
  • Keep lid slightly open to prevent overheating

Baking (water bath):

  • Preheat oven to 160°C
  • Place molds in a tray with hot water
  • Bake for 35–45 minutes

✔ Custard is done when it slightly jiggles in the center.

❄️ Step 5: Chill and serve

  1. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours.
  3. To serve, run a knife around edges and invert onto a plate.

The caramel will flow beautifully over the custard.

☕ How it’s enjoyed in Vietnam

Bánh Flan is often served:

  • With crushed ice for a refreshing dessert
  • With strong Vietnamese coffee poured on top (creating “cà phê flan”)
  • As a street dessert in cafes and roadside stalls

🌟 Tips for perfect Bánh Flan

  • Don’t overcook—prevents rubbery texture
  • Always strain custard for smoothness
  • Low heat = silky finish
  • Avoid boiling milk to keep flavor clean
  • Rest overnight for best flavor

🍮 Final Thoughts

Bánh Flan is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. The bittersweet caramel paired with creamy custard creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Whether served chilled on a hot day or paired with coffee, it remains one of Vietnam’s most loved sweet treats.