A rich chocolate cake and a creamy caramel flan, topped with a luscious caramel glaze. The magic of this cake lies in its baking process – the layers reverse during baking, creating a stunning and delicious presentation. This dessert is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent.
The combination of moist chocolate cake and velvety flan creates a flavour and texture experience that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers. Prepare the Caramel; add the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium heat without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber colour. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the caramel is ready, immediately pour it into the bottom of a greased Bundt pan. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom with caramel.
Set aside to cool and harden while you prepare the other layers. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter; In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Mix until the batter is smooth and thick. Slowly pour in the hot water, stirring continuously. The batter will thin out, but this is normal. Set the batter aside. Prepare the Flan Mixture; In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Alternatively, you can whisk the mixture by hand until fully combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the chocolate cake batter over the caramel in the Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. Slowly and carefully pour the flan mixture over the chocolate cake batter.
Don’t worry if it looks like they’re mixing – the layers will separate during baking. Cover the Bundt pan tightly with aluminium foil to prevent the flan from browning too much. Place the bundt pan in a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the bundt pan.
This water bath (bain-marie) ensures the flan cooks gently and evenly. Transfer the roasting pan with the Bundt pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate cake layer comes out clean. Once baked, remove the Bundt pan from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
For the best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flan to be fully set and the flavours to meld. To unmold the cake, carefully run a knife around the edges of the Bundt pan to loosen it. Place a serving platter over the Bundt pan and invert the cake.
Gently lift the pan to reveal your beautifully layered chocoflan. The caramel will flow over the top as a glaze.
Expert Tips for Success;
Prevent Cracks in the Flan: Cover the Bundt pan tightly with foil, and don’t skip the water bath. These steps ensure the flan cooks gently and doesn’t crack.
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool fully before refrigerating to avoid condensation forming inside the pan.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter and flan mixture combine smoothly.
Be Patient: Chocoflan tastes even better after it rests overnight in the fridge, so plan for the best flavour and texture.
Customization Ideas and Variations;
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with dairy-free versions, and use plant-based milk in the chocolate cake batter.
Add a Twist to the Flavors: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or cinnamon to the chocolate cake batter for extra depth. You can also add orange zest for a citrusy touch.
Try a Different Base: Replace the chocolate cake layer with vanilla or red velvet cake for a fun twist.
Garnish with Toppings: Add whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel glaze for added flavour and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions;
Chocoflan is rich and indulgent, so pair it with lighter sides to balance the sweetness. Here are a few ideas:
Serve with fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) for a burst of freshness.
Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pair with a hot coffee or tea to complement the dessert’s richness.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Cover the chocoflan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Chocoflan is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chocoflan a day in advance to save time. It tastes even better after chilling overnight!
Chocoflan is more than just a dessert – it’s a conversation starter, a showstopper, and a delicious treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party or a cosy family dinner, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Its rich chocolate cake and creamy flan make every bite unforgettable.
Don’t hesitate to try this recipe – you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a magical dessert. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some chocoflan magic in your kitchen today!
Ingredients;
For the Caramel:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Chocolate Cake:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water
For the Flan:
- 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (354ml) evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract