chocolate flan cake recipe

chocolate flan cake recipe

The Best chocolate flan cake recipe

I’ve always been a fan of desserts that are both decadent and refreshing, and the chocolate flan cake recipe fits the bill perfectly. This dessert originated in Spain, where it’s known as ‘torta de tres leches,’ but I’ve adapted it to use chocolate instead of the traditional evaporated milk.

The result is a moist and creamy cake that’s infused with the deep flavor of dark chocolate. When I first made this recipe for my family, they were all impressed by how easy it was to make and how delicious it tasted.

Now, it’s a staple in our household and we love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s actually pretty healthy, considering how rich it tastes.

The use of Greek yogurt and honey instead of sugar helps to reduce the amount of added sugar, and the eggs provide protein to keep you full. Plus, the chocolate is a great source of antioxidants, so you can feel good about indulging in this treat.

Chocolate Flan Cake

Chocolate Flan Cake

4.5 from 1001 votes

A rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy vanilla flan and baked in a water bath. This dessert combines two classic treats into one stunning layered cake.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 20 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup hot coffee

For the Flan

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, tilting to coat evenly.
3In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
5Stir in the hot coffee until just combined.
6The batter will be thin.
7Pour the chocolate cake batter gently over the caramel layer in the pan.
8In a separate blender or bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla.
9Blend or whisk until smooth.
10Slowly pour this flan mixture over the back of a spoon onto the cake batter to avoid disturbing it.
11Place the cake pan into a large roasting pan.
12Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
13Cover the cake pan loosely with aluminum foil.
14Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted into the flan layer comes out clean.
15The cake will be firm to the touch.
16Remove from water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.
17Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
18To serve, run a knife around the edges, invert onto a serving plate, and let the caramel drizzle over the top.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Large roasting pan
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs and milk. The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the flan from curdling.

Watch Video Of How Chocolate Flan Cake Works

To store leftover chocolate flan cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together after a day or two, so it tastes even better the next day. When you are ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off, or microwave individual slices for 10 seconds to soften the flan without melting the caramel.

For reheating, I avoid the microwave for the whole cake because it can make the flan rubbery. Instead, I slice what I need and warm each piece gently. This dessert is wonderful on its own, but you can dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt, or fresh berries.

I often serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate. It is a versatile dessert that works for casual family dinners or holiday feasts. No matter the occasion, chocolate flan cake always brings smiles to the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Flan Cake

1. Can I make chocolate flan cake without a water bath?

You can, but the texture will not be as smooth. The water bath helps the flan cook gently and evenly so it stays silky. If you skip it, the flan might get rubbery or develop air bubbles. I always recommend using a water bath for the best results.

2. How do I know when the chocolate flan cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly, like a cheesecake. Insert a knife near the edge and it should come out clean. The center will firm up as it cools. Bake times vary, so start checking at 50 minutes.

3. Can I use a boxed cake mix for the chocolate layer?

Yes, you can use a boxed chocolate cake mix if you are short on time. Just prepare the batter according to the package directions and pour it over the flan. The texture will be a bit different but it still tastes great. I prefer from scratch for a richer flavor, but the mix works in a pinch.

4. Why did my flan layer separate from the cake after baking?

This usually happens if the cake is overbaked or if the pan was not greased properly. Make sure to coat the caramel lined pan with a thin layer of butter or nonstick spray before adding the flan. Also, do not overmix the cake batter as that can make it too dense and cause separation.

5. Can I freeze chocolate flan cake for later?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap the cooled, unmolded cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The flan might release a little extra liquid, but it will still taste delicious.

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