flan de queso: meyer lemon

Winter time is the time for the Meyer lemon. Meyer lemon is the sweeter, less acidic, subdued and shy relative of the citrus family, which is why I love it so much (and honestly, relatable). It also pairs really well with a creamy, soft, vanilla-y custard or cream.

The Meyer lemon paired with the tangy evaporated goats milk works because it’s, dare I say, perfectly balanced. You get the tang from the dairy, and the sweetness from the lemon. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to me, idk why.

The queso part comes in with the mascarpone cheese, and I’d strongly advise you use it instead of cream cheese. We want the added texture and creaminess the queso adds, rather than the flavor, and mascarpone is perfectly subtle enough to get the job done.

The flan bakes at a lower temperature for at least 2 hours, and will make 2 6” flans, or 1 large 8” flan.

Notes about the Caramel

One thing I love about flan is how customizable it is to your own personal tastes. Condensed milk can be swapped out for cane sugar, evaporated milk for heavy cream, and the custard can be infused with pretty much any flavor combo imaginable.

I always leave room for some modifications with my recipes, however I strongly advise you don’t stray from my recommendation when making the caramel.

I am a dark and bitter caramel lover. I love a slightly overcooked caramel that is so deep and dark you’d think it was burnt (and I suppose it is). However, you want your caramel to be a medium amber color for this recipe. Like, as soon as the caramel becomes a golden amber color, remove from the heat.

Color for example. Medium amber.

I have tested this recipe 3 times in the last few weeks - the more bitter the caramel, the more it’s flavor clashes and overpowers the lemon. It actually makes the lemon flavor almost seem bitter itself, and we definitely don’t want that.

Tool for this Recipe

Two 6” or one 8” cake pan (or your preferred mold/baking dish for flan)

Fine mesh strainer or sieve

Blender

Large roasting pan or oven-safe vessel for water bath

Oven thermometer (recommended)

Probe Thermometer (recommended)

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FLAN DE QUESO: MEYER LEMON

Makes: 2 6” or 1 8” flan | Prep Time: 20 | Cook Time: 2 hours & 15-30 minutes | Chill Time: 12 hours (overnight)