This no-bake Maria Cookie Flan is a creamy, caramel-infused dessert that combines the rich, silky texture of flan with the delicate crunch of Maria cookies. Perfect for those who love effortless yet decadent treats, this recipe requires no oven—just a simple stovetop or refrigerator setup. With layers of velvety custard and golden caramel, this flan is an irresistible dessert, ideal for any occasion. Whether you serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for extra indulgence, it’s bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Flan:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 package Maria cookies (about 20 cookies)
For the Caramel Topping:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it turns into a rich golden-brown caramel.
- Immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of your flan mold or a heatproof dish, swirling to coat the base evenly.
- Set aside to cool and harden while preparing the custard.
Step 2: Make the Flan Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a saucepan, heat whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Transfer everything back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a silky custard consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Layer the Flan with Maria Cookies
- Pour a thin layer of custard over the cooled caramel in the mold.
- Arrange Maria cookies on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Add another layer of custard, followed by more cookies.
- Repeat until you’ve used all the custard and cookies, finishing with a final custard layer.
Step 4: Chill the Flan
- Cover the flan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Once set, gently loosen the edges and invert the flan onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel to flow over the top.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice into servings and garnish with extra crushed Maria cookies or fresh fruit.
- Enjoy the creamy, caramel-infused delight with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for the Best No-Bake Flan:
- For extra richness, use evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Chill overnight for a firmer texture that holds its shape beautifully.
- For a chocolate twist, add melted dark chocolate to the custard!
This no-bake Maria Cookie Flan is effortless yet elegant, combining classic flavors with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Would you add any special flavors to make it your own? 🍮✨