The Spanish Kitchen: How to Make Flan De Fresa

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Spain’s summer heat can get intense, and when it does, locals know exactly how to cool down: with something fresh, sweet, and straight from the fridge. While the classic flan is already a Spanish favourite, flan de fresa adds a fruity twist that makes it perfect for warmer days. It’s creamy, light, and super easy to make at home. Whether you’re living in Spain, getting ready to move here, or just missing it a little, this is one dessert that’ll instantly bring you back.

Table Of Contents

A Brief History of Flan de Fresa
Ingredients to Make Flan de Fresa
How to Make Flan de Fresa
Tips and Tricks for Making Flan de Fresa

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A Brief History of Flan de Fresa

Flan dates all the way back to ancient Rome, but it didn’t start off as a dessert. Originally, it was a savoury custard, often made with ingredients like fish or meat and served as part of a meal. As the recipe spread across Europe, people began sweetening it, with honey becoming the first popular addition. Over time, different cultures gave it their own spin, adding everything from almonds and citrus to caramel and sugar. When the dish made its way to Spain, it became a household favourite. Eventually, fresh ingredients like strawberries were introduced, creating the fruity, refreshing twist we now know as flan de fresa.

Ingredients to Make Flan de Fresa

For the flan

1 cup fresh strawberries (or your fruit of choice)
1 can (approx. 400g) sweetened condensed milk
6 eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar

For the caramel topping

½ cup granulated sugar

How to Make Flan de Fresa

Add ½ cup of sugar to a dry pan over medium heat.
Stir continuously until the sugar melts and turns golden brown.
Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your molds. Let it sit and harden.
Combine the strawberries, condensed milk, eggs, and ¾ cup of sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly into the molds over the hardened caramel.
Place the molds in a large, oven-safe baking dish.
Fill the dish with boiling water until it reaches about three-quarters up the sides of the molds.
Carefully place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 170°C (360°F).
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove the molds from the water and let them cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan and gently flip it onto a plate.

Tips and Tricks for Making Flan de Fresa

You can swap strawberries for mango, peach, banana, or even mix fruits! Strawberry & mango is a solid combo.
A little lemon zest, vanilla extract, or even a splash of rose water can level up the flavour without much effort.
For a richer texture, blend in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or a splash of evaporated milk.
If you’re planning on going out later, add a dash of Cointreau, Baileys, or Grand Marnier.
Garnish with mint leaves, whipped cream, coconut flakes, or fresh berries for extra colour and texture.

Now that you’ve mastered this fruity twist on the classic flan, all that’s left to do is chill it, flip it, and enjoy every bite. For more on Spanish desserts and easy recipes to try at home, check out the rest of our blog, but for now: ¡Buen provecho!