Mexican Pumpkin Flan Recipe (Flan de Calabaza) – A Creamy Fall Dessert for Día de Muertos

Flan de calabaza, or Mexican pumpkin flan, is a rich, creamy dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and caramel in a traditional Mexican custard. Popular during fall, this dessert is especially enjoyed during Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, where it serves as a sweet tribute to loved ones. This easy pumpkin flan recipe will guide you through creating a show-stopping dessert in one large mold, perfect for serving at family gatherings or special occasions.    Pumpkin flan flan de calabaza recipe 

Not only is pumpkin flan delicious, but it also holds a special place in Mexican cuisine. With its origins rooted in both European and Latin American culinary traditions, flan is a versatile dessert that can be customized with various flavors. In this version, we blend the warmth of pumpkin and spices to create the perfect fall treat.

History of Flan and Pumpkin Flan

Flan is believed to have originated during the Roman Empire, where it was known as “tyropatina.” It was made with eggs, milk, and honey and became a favorite dessert at Roman feasts. The recipe was passed down to Spain and eventually brought to Mexico during the colonial period, where it evolved into the traditional Mexican flan we know today. Flan is now one of the most popular desserts in Latin America, with each region adding its own unique twist.

Pumpkin flan is a more recent variation, likely inspired by the fall harvest and the availability of pumpkins during this season. In Mexico, pumpkins are used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. Adding pumpkin to flan brings a seasonal touch to this classic dessert, making it especially popular during Día de Muertos and Thanksgiving.

How to make pumpkin flan

Why Pumpkin Flan is Perfect for Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away, and food plays an important role in the celebrations. Traditional foods, such as pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and other sweets, are often placed on ofrendas(altars) as offerings. Flan de calabaza is a wonderful addition to these celebrations because it blends the flavors of fall with a smooth, creamy texture that everyone enjoys. It’s a great way to honor the past while embracing the warmth and richness of autumn flavors.

Pumpkin flan recipe for Day of the Dead

How to Make the Best Mexican Pumpkin Flan

Ingredients:

  • For the Caramel:
    • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • For the Flan:
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
    • 5 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Caramel:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown and smooth. Be patient, as this process can take a few minutes. Once the sugar has caramelized, immediately pour it into the bottom of your flan mold, tilting the mold to evenly coat the base with caramel. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Make the Pumpkin Flan Mixture:

In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Blend until smooth and creamy. The mixture should have a smooth consistency with no lumps.

3. Pour and Bake:

Pour the pumpkin flan mixture into the caramel-coated mold. Place the mold in a larger baking dish filled with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath (baño maría). This ensures even cooking and prevents the flan from cracking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60–75 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

4. Cool and Refrigerate:

After baking, carefully remove the flan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Once it has cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flan to fully set.

5. Unmold the Flan:

To unmold, run a knife along the edges of the flan to loosen it from the mold. Place a large plate over the mold, then quickly invert it. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a glossy, beautiful presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Flan

Making the perfect Mexican pumpkin flan requires attention to detail and a few expert tips. Here’s how to ensure your flan comes out smooth, creamy, and full of flavor:

  1. Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree ensures even blending and a silky texture.
  2. Avoid overcooking: The flan should have a slight jiggle in the center when it’s done baking. Overbaking can result in a dense, rubbery texture.
  3. Use a water bath: Baking the flan in a baño maría (water bath) prevents the custard from curdling and cracking.
  4. Chill thoroughly: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the flan for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  5. Don’t rush the caramel: The caramel layer at the bottom of the flan is key to the flavor. Melt the sugar slowly to avoid burning it.

Flan de calabaza pumpkin flan recipe

Variations of Mexican Pumpkin Flan

Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin:

You can use canned pumpkin for convenience, but fresh pumpkin gives a richer, more natural flavor. If using fresh pumpkin, roast or steam it first, then puree it until smooth. Be sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the flan mixture.

Pumpkin Spice Flan:

For a bolder fall flavor, substitute the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This variation adds a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Flan:

To make this flan dairy-free, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk and use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk. The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Chocolate Pumpkin Flan:

For a decadent twist, add 1/4 cup of melted dark chocolate to the flan mixture before baking. This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the pumpkin and caramel.

When to Serve Pumpkin Flan

Pumpkin flan is a versatile dessert that can be served during the fall and winter months. It’s especially popular during Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Thanksgiving, and Christmas, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings. The warm spices and creamy texture make it the perfect ending to a festive meal.

Como hacer flan de calabaza

Tips for Unmolding Flan

Unmolding flan can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll achieve a flawless presentation every time:

  1. Chill thoroughly: The flan should be fully chilled before you attempt to unmold it. This helps the custard firm up and makes it easier to release from the mold.
  2. Run a knife around the edges: Gently run a knife along the edges of the flan to loosen it from the sides of the mold.
  3. Warm the bottom of the mold: Briefly dip the bottom of the mold in warm water to loosen the caramel, making it easier to slide out.
  4. Invert quickly: Place a serving plate over the mold, then quickly invert it. The flan should release onto the plate, with the caramel flowing over the top.

A Sweet Tribute with Pumpkin Flan for Día de Muertos

This Mexican pumpkin flan recipe is the perfect dessert for fall celebrations, particularly for Día de Muertos. Its rich, creamy texture and warm pumpkin spice flavors are a comforting way to honor loved ones and bring family together. With a few simple ingredients and helpful tips, you can create this traditional dessert at home, whether using fresh or canned pumpkin. From its smooth caramel topping to its silky custard, flan de calabaza is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests every time.

Other Recipes You Are Sure To Love:

Best Day of the Dead Dessert Recipes

Want to add some sweetness to your Día de los Muertos festivities? Check out The Best Day of the Dead Desserts for recipes like coconut pumpkin budin and  Mexican hot chocolate ice cream pan de muerto.   Here you will also find a wide variety of delicious Day of the Dead Cookies from gingerbread skeleton cookies to pan de muerto cookies and even beautiful marigold flower cookies, there’s something for everyone.. These delicious treats are perfect for celebrating with family and honoring the traditions of the holiday.

Day of the Dead cookies with marigold extract - marigold pan de muerto cookies

More Delicious Flan Recipes:

Marigold (cempasuchil) flan recipe for Day of the Dead

  • Mexican Chocolate Flan: Topped with fresh fruit, this creamy Mexican chocolate flan is the ultimate chocolate dessert. This easy-to-make Mexican flan recipe is a popular custard dessert in Latin America, made with eggs and milk and covered with a light sweet syrup. 

Mexican chocolate flan recipe

  • Caramel Apple Flan: This easy to make caramel apple custard dessert brings together the flavors of caramel apples and the creamy deliciousness of flan and it’s the perfect flan to enjoy this fall.
  • Choco Pumpkin Flan Cake: These chocolate pumpkin flan mini Bundt cakes are a great dessert for entertaining this holiday season and they are easy and quick to make.

Easy choco pumpkin flan cake

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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