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10 Minute Microwave Flan for One

Name: 10 Minute Microwave Flan for One
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Published 4/23/2024, Last updated 4/23/2024 by Stef

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Easy and convenient, this Microwave Flan recipe uses 4 ingredients to create a personal dessert! You’ll love the creamy flan and quick homemade caramelized sugar.

A finished microwave flan turned upside down on a plate. — This perfectly creamy flan recipe is so easy to make in the microwave!

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Why You’ll Love Making Flan in the Microwave

If you’ve never had flan, this is the perfect entry-level recipe for the classic dessert! It only requires a couple of simple staple ingredients, and thanks to the microwave, the cooking process couldn’t be easier.

With a creamy egg custard base and homemade caramelized sugar, this microwave dessert comes together in 10 minutes! While it may not be the highest quality flan, it takes so little effort and still results in an impressive dessert.

Ingredients

White Sugar: Simple granulated sugar is an important ingredient for both the egg custard and the caramelized sugar.
Eggs: Form the base of your flan custard.
Milk: I recommend using a regular dairy milk for this microwave flan recipe, but a non-dairy substitute might also work.
Vanilla Extract: Adds the perfect amount of warm vanilla flavor.

Instructions

To a microwave-safe glass cup, add about a tablespoon of sugar and just enough water to dissolve.

Adding sugar to glass cups. — Using ingredients you probably have around the house already, you can easily make a creamy flan in just 10 minutes.

Microwave the dissolved sugar for about 2 minutes.

Placing glass cups with dissolved sugar in the microwave. — Keep an eye on the sugar so it doesn’t burn.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, crack two eggs.
Pour in about a cup of milk.

Adding milk to eggs in a bowl. — The egg custard for this recipe only requires 4 ingredients!

Add two tablespoons of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, then use a fork to break the egg yolks and whisk the mixture together.

Using a fork to beat together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. — Be sure to use a fork or a small whisk to properly combine all of the custard ingredients.

When the sugar reaches an amber brown color, remove the glass from the microwave and swirl the sugar around the bottom.
Allow the sugar to cool until it no longer runs out of the glass when turned upside down.

Cooked sugar in a glass cup. — Once the sugar has caramelized, give it a swirl in the bottom of the container.

Pour half of the egg custard into the glass cup and microwave for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the cooked flan to a water bath with ice to cool, then pop in the freezer for a couple of minutes. (Depending on your glass, you may need to wait a few minutes before chilling the hot glass right out of the microwave.)

Glass cups of cooked microwave flan in an ice water bath. — An ice bath will prevent the flan from overcooking and becoming tough or rubbery.

Place a plate on top of the glass, then quickly turn upside down and gently shake until the flan separates from the glass. Enjoy!

Expert Tips and Variations

Use a knife, toothpick, or other utensil to check that the flan is fully cooked through. When carefully inserted, a knife should come out of the flan clean.
Be sure to watch the flan while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t overflow.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and power of your microwave. It may take a couple of test rounds to perfect the cook time for this recipe.
Make sure whatever glass you use is nice and thick, and of course it also needs to be microwave safe and able to withstand temperature changes!
For some extra sweetness and an even more indulgent dessert, top your flan with my homemade Dulce de Leche.
Adjust the amount of sugar in your egg custard. Add more if you prefer a sweeter flan.
A finished flan should look just a little bit wet on the top and have a nice jiggly center, but it should also hold its shape.
Pair with some fresh fruit like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or slices of strawberry. You can also sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar or cinnamon, or both.
Use a different kind of extract like orange, almond, or hazelnut for a different take on this microwave flan recipe.

FAQs

What is flan?

This custard dessert with a clear caramel sauce originates from the French creme caramel, but is also commonly enjoyed in Latin America.

Why is my flan rubbery?

If you’ve skipped the ice water bath after microwaving or didn’t let the flan sit in the ice water for long enough, it may become rubbery. If the flan continues to cook from the residual heat, it may become tough, rubbery, or chewy.

Can you store flan in the fridge?

Flan can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 3 days after making it. Be sure to cover it with a snug lid or some plastic wrap for best results.

Is flan served hot or cold?

This ultimately comes down to personal preference, but because it needs to be chilled to properly set, flan is often served cool or cold. If you prefer it to be warm, pop it back in the microwave briefly after it’s fully set.

Using a knife to check for doneness. — Sweet, creamy, and elegant, this microwave flan is ready in 10 minutes for a personal dessert that’s sure to satisfy!

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