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Apple and Yogurt Flan

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate | Caloric Intensity: Moderate

Description

This elegant Apple and Yogurt Flan is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It combines the smooth, tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt with sweet, tender caramelized apples, all nestled on a delicate, silky custard base. The result is a sophisticated, layered dessert that feels indulgent yet surprisingly balanced. Perfect for a dinner party or a special weekend treat, this flan is a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors, with the natural sweetness of apples shining through.

Ingredients

For the Caramel:

  • 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

  • 3 tablespoons water

For the Apple Layer:

  • 2 medium-sized apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Yogurt Flan Custard:

  • 500g (about 2 cups) full-fat Greek yogurt

  • 3 large eggs

  • 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • A pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or flan mold

  • Small saucepan

  • Large mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Fine-mesh sieve

  • Larger roasting pan for a water bath

  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel Base (10 minutes)

In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 100g of sugar and water over medium heat. Swirl the pan gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes. Caution: The caramel is extremely hot. Immediately pour the hot caramel into the bottom of your cake pan, tilting to coat the base evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Caramelize the Apples (15 minutes)

While the caramel sets, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until the apples are tender and glazed in a light syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Arrange the caramelized apple slices in a single, attractive layer over the hardened caramel in the pan. Set aside.

3. Make the Yogurt Custard (10 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, 100g of sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. For an extra-silky texture, you can pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any small lumps.

4. Assemble & Bake (50 minutes)

Gently pour the yogurt custard over the arranged apples in the pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Place the cake pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the cake pan, creating a bain-marie (water bath). Loosely cover the entire setup with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the very center still has a slight, gentle wobble.

5. Cool & Chill (4+ hours)

Carefully remove the flan from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the custard to set fully and the flavors to meld.

6. Unmold & Serve (5 minutes)

To serve, run a thin, sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the flan. Place your serving plate upside-down on top of the pan. Quickly and confidently flip the pan and plate together. The flan should release onto the plate, revealing the beautiful layer of caramelized apples now on top. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce from the pan over the flan. Slice and serve chilled.

Chef’s Notes

  • Preventing Cracks: The water bath is essential for gentle, even cooking and a crack-free surface. Avoid over-baking.

  • Make Ahead: This is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a full day before serving.

  • Variations: Add a tablespoon of Calvados (apple brandy) to the apple mixture, or substitute pears for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~250 kcal

  • Total Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Cholesterol: 95mg

  • Sodium: 65mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 30g

  • Protein: 9g

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