Homemade Fruity and Creamy Mirabelle Plum Flan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mirabelle plum flan is a perfect fusion of creamy custard and juicy fruit, making it both indulgent and refreshing. The rich egg custard pairs beautifully with the plums’ natural sweetness, while the delicate vanilla flavor elevates the overall taste. It’s a sophisticated yet simple dessert that will impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

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

For the caramel layer:

• Granulated sugar

• Water

For the flan:

• Whole eggs

• Egg yolks

• Whole milk

• Heavy cream

• Granulated sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Fresh mirabelle plums, pitted and sliced

Directions

1. Make the caramel:
   In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then stop stirring. Allow the mixture to boil and caramelize until it turns a golden amber color (about 8–10 minutes).
   Immediately pour the hot caramel into the bottom of a round baking dish (such as a 9-inch round cake pan) and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Be cautious, as the caramel will be very hot. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the flan:
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and cream, and heat over medium until just about to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat and slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, being careful not to curdle the eggs.

3. Assemble the flan:
   Pour the custard mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared baking dish over the caramel. Gently place the sliced mirabelle plums on top of the custard.

4. Bake the flan:
   Create a water bath by placing the baking dish into a larger pan. Add hot water to the outer pan, making sure it comes about halfway up the sides of the flan dish.
   Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean when done.

5. Cool and serve:
   Allow the flan to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set.
   To serve, run a knife around the edge of the flan and invert it onto a plate. The caramel will form a glossy sauce over the flan. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, 50 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours of chilling time.

Variations

• Other fruits: Replace mirabelle plums with other stone fruits like peaches, apricots, or cherries for a different flavor profile.

• Add flavoring: Infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus peel before adding it to the egg mixture for extra depth of flavor.

• Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk and coconut cream to make the flan dairy-free.

• Caramel variations: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the flan in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Flan is best enjoyed chilled and can be eaten cold directly from the fridge. It does not need reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned mirabelle plums?

Fresh plums work best for texture and flavor, but you can use canned or jarred plums in syrup. Just drain them well before using.

Can I make this in individual servings?

Yes, use ramekins instead of a large baking dish, and adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Can I skip the water bath?

The water bath helps ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Skipping it may result in a less creamy consistency.

What if I don’t have a fine mesh strainer?

You can skip straining, but it may result in a slightly grainy texture.

How do I prevent the eggs from curdling when adding the hot milk?

Pour the hot milk in slowly and whisk constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.

Can I make the flan without caramel?

Yes, you can skip the caramel and bake the flan directly, though the caramel adds a lovely sweetness and texture.

Can I freeze mirabelle plum flan?

It’s best to enjoy flan fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Homemade fruity and creamy mirabelle plum flan is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the richness of flan with the sweet, tart notes of fresh plums. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for special occasions or just to enjoy a fruity twist on a classic dessert. Enjoy