Flan Pâtissier

Flan Pâtissier

Flan Pâtissier, also known as Parisian flan, is a classic French dessert that combines a silky, vanilla-infused custard with a buttery, flaky pastry crust. This elegant and timeless treat is a staple in French patisseries, beloved for its rich flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for any occasion, Flan Pâtissier showcases the simplicity and sophistication of French baking, making it a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.

Prep Time2 hrs 30 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time3 hrs 20 mins
AuthorPeterYields8 ServingsCategory
Dough has to rest for at least 2 hours.

Ingredients

Dough
 180 g all-purpose flour
 200 g unsalted butter(chilled and cut into pieces)
 1 tbsp sugar
 ½ tsp salt
...add
  cup ice cold water(can vary)
Custard
 840 ml whole milk
 1 tbsp vanilla extract
 1 tbsp good quality rum
 ½ tsp salt
...mix
 200 g granulated sugar
 48 g cornstarch
 4 large egg yolks
 2 large eggs(whole)
...add
 115 g unsalted butter(cold and cut into pieces)
Flan Pâtissier

Flan Pâtissier, or Parisian flan, dates back to medieval France, where early custard tarts were a favorite among royalty. Its roots can be traced even further to ancient Roman cuisine, which celebrated egg-based dishes. Over the centuries, this creamy, custard-filled pastry has evolved into a beloved staple of French patisseries, delighting dessert lovers around the world with its rich history and irresistible flavor.

Directions

Dough
1

  • In the mixing bowl of a food processor combine all dough ingredient except water.
  • Crumble the dough with pulse mode, process the dough for 8 seconds.
  • At this point, pieces of butter should still be visible. French cooks call this a “sand”.
  • Time to add the water, it must be very cold. Gradually add the water.
  • The dough is done when it has begun to mass.

...lamination
2

  • Once dough is well mixed remove to working surface.
  • Flatten and divide to four pieces.
  • Roll them out flat to thick slab and wrap tightly in the plastic wrap.
  • Rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours up to 24 hours.

...forming
3

  • Roll out chilled dough to approximately half centimeter.
  • Patch any cracks and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Fold sides of the dough and put bottom of the mold under.
  • Transfer in the mold and unwrap edges and form sides.
  • Trim the overlaps to get the even edges.
  • Keep resting in the fridge until time to bake.

4

Rolled out dough needs to fit your mold with enough overlap to hold custard.

Custard
5

  • Warm up the milk, rum and vanilla extract. Just before simmer.
  • In separate whisk throughly, sugar, cornstarch and eggs.
  • Pour 1/3rd of milk in to the egg mixture while whisking.
  • Incorporate your egg mixture into the pan, on medium heat.
  • While whisking constantly cook until starts to simmer.
  • Take of the heat immediately and add cold butter, piece by piece.
  • Strain the custard through sift, cover with plastic foil and refrigerate until cold.

Bake
6

  • Preheat oven to conventional mode 365F or 185C. (original 350F was not hot enough)
  • Whisk your chilled custard to get it smooth.
  • Pour the custard in to the mold with dough placed on baking tray.
  • Place in to the oven in the middle rack.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes until custard is deep brown.

7

Custard should not crack or bubble, and ideally not go over 180F.

Cooling
8

  • Cool on to the stove top for approximately hour.
  • Un-mold and chill in fridge several hours until cold to touch.

This recipe is inspired by below video:

Ingredients

Dough
 180 g all-purpose flour
 200 g unsalted butter(chilled and cut into pieces)
 1 tbsp sugar
 ½ tsp salt
...add
  cup ice cold water(can vary)
Custard
 840 ml whole milk
 1 tbsp vanilla extract
 1 tbsp good quality rum
 ½ tsp salt
...mix
 200 g granulated sugar
 48 g cornstarch
 4 large egg yolks
 2 large eggs(whole)
...add
 115 g unsalted butter(cold and cut into pieces)

Directions

Dough
1

  • In the mixing bowl of a food processor combine all dough ingredient except water.
  • Crumble the dough with pulse mode, process the dough for 8 seconds.
  • At this point, pieces of butter should still be visible. French cooks call this a “sand”.
  • Time to add the water, it must be very cold. Gradually add the water.
  • The dough is done when it has begun to mass.

...lamination
2

  • Once dough is well mixed remove to working surface.
  • Flatten and divide to four pieces.
  • Roll them out flat to thick slab and wrap tightly in the plastic wrap.
  • Rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours up to 24 hours.

...forming
3

  • Roll out chilled dough to approximately half centimeter.
  • Patch any cracks and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Fold sides of the dough and put bottom of the mold under.
  • Transfer in the mold and unwrap edges and form sides.
  • Trim the overlaps to get the even edges.
  • Keep resting in the fridge until time to bake.

4

Rolled out dough needs to fit your mold with enough overlap to hold custard.

Custard
5

  • Warm up the milk, rum and vanilla extract. Just before simmer.
  • In separate whisk throughly, sugar, cornstarch and eggs.
  • Pour 1/3rd of milk in to the egg mixture while whisking.
  • Incorporate your egg mixture into the pan, on medium heat.
  • While whisking constantly cook until starts to simmer.
  • Take of the heat immediately and add cold butter, piece by piece.
  • Strain the custard through sift, cover with plastic foil and refrigerate until cold.

Bake
6

  • Preheat oven to conventional mode 365F or 185C. (original 350F was not hot enough)
  • Whisk your chilled custard to get it smooth.
  • Pour the custard in to the mold with dough placed on baking tray.
  • Place in to the oven in the middle rack.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes until custard is deep brown.

7

Custard should not crack or bubble, and ideally not go over 180F.

Cooling
8

  • Cool on to the stove top for approximately hour.
  • Un-mold and chill in fridge several hours until cold to touch.

Flan Pâtissier

Did you enjoy my recipe? Share it with your friends or let me know below in the comment!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website would like to use cookies to improve your experience.