Decadent Chocoflan: A Perfect Blend of Chocolate Cake and Creamy Flan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually water, oil, and eggs)
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it liquefies and turns a golden brown color. Quickly pour into a 10-inch round glass baking dish, tilting to evenly coat the bottom.
  3. In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese. Blend on high until smooth. Pour this mixture into the baking dish over the melted sugar.
  4. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour over the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish. Cover with foil.
  5. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan, and add enough water to the larger pan to go about halfway up the sides of the round dish.
  6. Bake for about 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool on a wire rack until room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
  8. Before serving, carefully invert the dish onto a serving platter, and drizzle with the caramel sauce.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of cake mix, such as vanilla or red velvet, instead of chocolate.
  • Replace the caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a richer flavor.
  • Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the cream cheese mixture and the cake batter.
  • Try a different type of crust, such as crushed graham crackers or crushed chocolate cookies.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  • For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel sauce before baking.
  • Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based alternatives for eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream cheese.
  • Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a hint of warmth and spice.
  • Instead of using a round baking dish, try using individual ramekins for individual servings.

Recipe overview

Chocoflan is a classic Mexican dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the creamy decadence of flan. This two-in-one treat, also known as "Impossible Cake," features a bottom layer of flan that magically switches places with the chocolate cake layer during the baking process. The result is a visually stunning and deliciously sweet dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering. This recipe takes some time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Serve chilled and drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors and textures that create a dessert experience unlike any other.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different size of baking dish? It is recommended to use a 10-inch round glass baking dish for this recipe to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
  2. Can I use a different type of milk? It is best to use evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk for the creamy texture and sweetness they provide to the flan layer. Substituting with other types of milk may alter the results.
  3. Can I use a homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix? Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a boxed mix if you prefer. Just make sure the batter is prepared according to the recipe instructions.
  4. Can I skip the caramel sauce? The caramel sauce adds a delicious touch to the chocoflan, but if you prefer, you can skip it. The chocoflan will still be tasty without it.
  5. How long does the chocoflan need to cool before serving? The chocoflan should cool to room temperature on a wire rack before refrigerating. It is recommended to refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the chocoflan to fully set.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chocoflan ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Just make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the cake batter and other ingredients.
  • Blender - Used to blend the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
  • 10-inch Round Glass Baking Dish - The baking dish used to bake the chocoflan.
  • Saucepan - Used to melt the sugar for the caramel coating.
  • Foil - Used to cover the baking dish while baking.
  • Larger Baking Pan - To create a water bath for even baking of the chocoflan.
  • Toothpick - To check if the chocoflan is fully cooked by inserting it into the center.
  • Wire Rack - For cooling the chocoflan to room temperature.
  • Serving Platter - A platter or plate for inverting and serving the chocoflan.
  • Caramel Sauce - A sauce to drizzle over the chocoflan before serving.

Origin stories

Chocoflan is a sweet culinary delight that has its roots in Mexican cuisine. This dessert, also known as "Impossible Cake," marries the creaminess of flan, a traditional Spanish dessert, with the rich indulgence of chocolate cake. Its name, 'Impossible Cake,' comes from the baking process, where the chocolate batter and the flan mixture are poured into one baking dish, yet while baking, they miraculously separate with the flan ending up on the top. This surprising switch during baking makes the Chocoflan a conversation piece at Mexican gatherings, not just for its delectable taste but also for its "impossible" culinary magic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.