Quesillo Recipe
Quesillo is a rich, creamy Venezuelan flan made with just a few simple ingredients. This caramel-covered dessert boasts a silky texture and a sweet, custardy flavor that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, quesillo is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a favorite treat in Latin American cuisine.
Ingredients
For the caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the custard:
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp rum optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the caramel:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in water.
- Stir occasionally until it turns into a golden caramel (about 7-10 minutes).
- Immediately pour the caramel into a round baking mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the custard:
- In a blender, combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and rum (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the mold.
3️⃣ Bake the quesillo:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the mold inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water (bain-marie method).
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Chill and serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- To serve, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate to reveal the caramel topping.
Notes
Pros
✅ Easy to make with basic ingredients✅ Smooth, creamy texture with a rich caramel flavor
✅ No special equipment needed—just a blender and an oven
✅ Perfect for make-ahead desserts
Cons
❌ Requires chilling time for best texture❌ Caramel can burn if not watched closely
❌ Needs a water bath (bain-marie) to avoid cracking