Name: French Chocolate Flan
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-487910H59M55S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 egg yolks; 2 whole eggs; 1 cup (200g) white sugar; ⅓ cup (42g) cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 ½ cups (600ml) whole milk; 1 ¾ cups (400ml) heavy cream; 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon jam (for brushing on top); 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (35g) icing sugar; ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 stick (114g) butter, melted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate flan is a beautifully indulgent treat that takes classic French custard to the next level with dark chocolate. The combination of the creamy chocolate custard and the crisp, cocoa-flavored tart base makes for a perfect balance of textures. The jam glaze adds a touch of sweetness and gloss, elevating the dessert both visually and flavor-wise. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, holiday, or simply because you deserve something special, this chocolate flan is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Custard:

3 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
1 cup (200g) white sugar
⅓ cup (42g) cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups (600ml) whole milk
1 ¾ cups (400ml) heavy cream
7 oz (200g) dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon jam (for brushing on top)

For the Chocolate Tart Base:

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (35g) icing sugar
¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 stick (114g) butter, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French Chocolate Flan

Directions

1. Make the Chocolate Tart Base:

In a bowl, combine the flour, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in the microwave and add it to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth, thick paste forms.
Knead the mixture into a dough for 3-4 turns, being careful not to overwork it.
Flatten the dough into a large circle, slightly bigger than your pastry ring. You can use your hands or a small rolling pin. The edges don’t need to be perfect as they will be trimmed.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the top looks dry.
Immediately press the pastry ring into the baked pastry like a large cookie cutter. Do not remove the pastry ring.
If using a loose-bottomed cake pan instead of a pastry ring, refer to the notes for adjustments.

2. Make the Chocolate Custard:

Whisk the egg yolks, whole eggs, and sugar together in a bowl for about 30 seconds until the mixture lightens slightly.
Add the cornstarch and salt, whisking until smooth.
Heat the milk and cream in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once steam begins to rise, slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually add more milk, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk to avoid cooking the eggs.
Once all the milk has been incorporated, return the mixture to the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk continuously until the custard starts to bubble, then cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
The custard is done when it coats the back of a spoon and a line remains when you run your finger through it.
Remove from heat and, if necessary, strain the custard through a sieve to remove any lumps.
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the custard and whisk until fully melted and smooth.

3. Assemble the Chocolate Flan:

The pastry ring should still be sitting on the cooled pastry. Trim away any excess pastry from the sides.
Lightly grease the inside of the pastry ring with butter.
Pour the chocolate custard into the ring, smoothing the top with a palette knife.
Bake for 50-60 minutes. The flan should be set around the edges but still jiggly in the center.
Let the flan cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

4. Finishing Touches:

Once chilled, carefully remove the flan from the pastry ring. If it doesn’t release easily, use a sharp knife around the edges or apply some heat to the outside.
For a glossy finish, melt 1 tablespoon of jam in the microwave for 20 seconds, then brush a thin layer over the top of the flan. Apricot jam is traditional, but strawberry jam works well too.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes, plus overnight chilling
Yield: 4 servings

Variations

Fruit Variations: Top the flan with fresh berries or sliced fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or oranges for a fresh, tangy contrast.
Flavored Custard: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.
Nuts: Garnish with chopped toasted nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios for some crunch and extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the flan in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, but it’s best enjoyed cold.
Reheating: Reheat the flan gently in the microwave, or serve it cold straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile, but dark chocolate will give the flan the richest, most intense flavor.

Can I make this flan without a tart base?

Yes, you can skip the tart base and bake the custard directly in a greased tart pan or a regular pie dish. The flavor will remain the same, and you’ll have a simple chocolate custard without the crust.

How do I remove the flan from the tart ring?

If the flan doesn’t release easily from the ring, carefully run a sharp knife around the edges or apply some heat to the outside of the ring to loosen it before removing it.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, the flan is perfect for making in advance! In fact, it needs to chill overnight to set, so it’s an ideal dessert to prepare the day before serving.

Can I use a store-bought tart shell?

Yes, you can use a pre-made tart shell if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s a good quality tart shell that holds up well to the custard filling.

Conclusion

French Chocolate Flan is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. The creamy, rich custard paired with the delicate chocolate tart base creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something decadent, this dessert will not disappoint. With a glossy finish and a beautifully smooth texture, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more!