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French Chocolate Flan

Decadent French Chocolate Flan for Elegant Gatherings

Indulge in this elegant French Chocolate Flan, a delightful combination of rich chocolate custard and a crisp tart base, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Custard
  • 4 each Egg Yolks Ensure they are fresh for best flavor.
  • 2 each Whole Eggs Using room temperature eggs will help them blend more easily.
  • 1 cup White Sugar Consider substituting with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • cup Cornstarch Be sure to sift it to avoid clumping.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing sweetness.
  • 2 ½ cups Whole Milk Almond milk can be a great dairy-free substitute.
  • 1 ¾ cups Heavy Cream Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter option.
  • 7 oz Dark Chocolate High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
For the Tart Base
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour works if you're opting for a gluten-free version.
  • cup Icing Sugar Regular sugar can also be used but might affect texture.
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder Use unsweetened for accurate flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt Don’t skip this for the best results.
  • 1 stick Butter Margarine can serve as a substitute if needed.
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure extract is highly recommended for best results.
For Topping
  • 1 tablespoon Jam Apricot jam pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tart pan
  • Saucepan
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of icing sugar, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Pour in 1 stick of melted butter and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Press the dough evenly into a tart pan and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs until well combined. Gradually add 1 cup of white sugar and ⅓ cup of cornstarch, mixing until smooth. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 ½ cups of whole milk, 1 ¾ cups of heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon of salt until just before boiling. Slowly whisk the warm mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
  3. Melt 7 ounces of dark chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before stirring it into the custard mixture until fully combined.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the tart base from the refrigerator and pour the creamy chocolate custard into it, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the tart pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until set but still has a slight wobble in the center.
  5. Once baked, turn off the oven and let it cool in the water bath for about 30 minutes before removing and allowing it to cool to room temperature. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of jam before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  6. Slice into elegant pieces to serve. Pair with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flair.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the custard to enhance the flavor. Properly temper eggs to avoid cooking them, and chill the flan for best flavor.

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