flan

custard

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

Custard is a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and flavorings that thickens when heated due to the coagulation of egg protein.1

Flan, also known as crème caramel, is a type of custard baked in a dish lined with caramelized sugar. When the flan is inverted, the caramelized sugar forms a sauce. Merriam-Webster defines flan as an open pie with sweet or savory fillings, or specifically as custard baked with a caramel glaze.12

Custard can be boiled or baked. Baked custard uses whole eggs for a gel-like consistency, while boiled custard, often called crème anglaise, is cooked gently and has a thick cream consistency, frequently used as a sauce for fruits and pastries.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

custard
Flan, or crème caramel, is a custard baked in a dish coated with caramelized sugar that forms a sauce when the custard is unmolded. For crème brûlée, the baked custard is sprinkled with sugar that is caramelized under a broiler or with a hot iron…
Read More
Flan, or crème caramel, is a custard baked in a dish coated with caramelized sugar that forms a sauce when the custard is unmolded. For crème brûlée, the baked custard is sprinkled with sugar that is caramelized under a broiler or with a hot iron…
Read More

garam masala
…to sweeter desserts such as flan or chocolate torte. In Ayurvedic medicine, garam masala is used to elevate body temperature, treat the common cold, and, like turmeric, lower blood sugar levels.
Read More
…to sweeter desserts such as flan or chocolate torte. In Ayurvedic medicine, garam masala is used to elevate body temperature, treat the common cold, and, like turmeric, lower blood sugar levels.
Read More

pie
A flan is a tart made in an open-bottom pan that is placed on a baking sheet. Tarts and flans, which are usually straight-sided, are often removed from their pans before serving. Because pies are baked in pans with flaring sides, they are usually served from…
Read More
A flan is a tart made in an open-bottom pan that is placed on a baking sheet. Tarts and flans, which are usually straight-sided, are often removed from their pans before serving. Because pies are baked in pans with flaring sides, they are usually served from…
Read More