🍏 Apple and Yogurt Flan — Light & Melt-in-the-Mouth Delight
✨ Introduction
Apple and Yogurt Flan is a beautifully soft, delicate dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with the creamy smoothness of yogurt, creating a lighter alternative to traditional custard-based flans. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert after dinner, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.
Unlike heavy cream desserts, this flan uses yogurt for a refreshing tang and airy texture. It’s easy to prepare and requires basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (about 450 g), peeled and chopped
- 2 plain yogurts (250 g total)
- 3 fresh eggs
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 30 g wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
🥣 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Blender (optional for smoother texture)
- 8-inch (20 cm) round baking pan
- Oven
👩🍳 Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples. Slice them thinly or cut into small cubes. For a smoother flan, you can lightly sauté them for 5 minutes to soften them before blending.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
- Crack the eggs and whisk until light and slightly frothy.
- Add the sugar and mix until combined.
- Stir in the yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Combine
Add the chopped apples to the mixture.
For a creamier flan, blend everything together until smooth.
For a more textured dessert, leave apple pieces intact.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease your baking pan with butter or oil.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently tap to remove air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes or until:
- The center is set
- The top is lightly golden
- A toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean
Let cool completely before slicing. The flan will firm up as it cools.
🧁 Formation & Texture
This flan forms a naturally layered structure while baking:
- The apples settle slightly at the bottom.
- The yogurt custard sets into a soft, creamy layer.
- The top develops a delicate golden finish.
The texture is light, slightly creamy, and wonderfully moist — almost like a cross between a custard and a soft cake.
📜 A Little History
Flan-style desserts trace back to ancient Rome, where early custards were made using eggs and milk. The dessert evolved through Europe, especially in countries like and , where baked custards became popular.
Yogurt-based desserts became more common as yogurt gained popularity in Mediterranean regions such as and . Combining apples with custard mixtures reflects rustic countryside baking traditions where seasonal fruits were used to enhance simple desserts.
This Apple and Yogurt Flan is a modern, lighter twist on those traditional baked custards.
❤️ Why People Love This Recipe
Lovers of this dessert enjoy it because:
- 🍏 It’s naturally fruity and not overly sweet
- 🥄 It’s lighter than cream-based flans
- 👩🍳 It uses simple, affordable ingredients
- 🌿 It feels wholesome and homemade
- ☕ It pairs perfectly with tea or coffee
It’s especially loved by families who prefer balanced desserts that aren’t too heavy.
🔄 Variations & Methods
1️⃣ Caramel Base Version
Add a thin layer of homemade caramel at the bottom of the pan before pouring the batter for a classic flan style.
2️⃣ Blender Method
Blend all ingredients together for an ultra-smooth, custard-like consistency.
3️⃣ Rustic Style
Keep apple slices visible for a more traditional farmhouse look.
4️⃣ Healthier Option
- Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled or slightly at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
🏁 Conclusion
Apple and Yogurt Flan is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Light, creamy, fruity, and comforting, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time.
Whether you serve it warm on a cozy evening or chilled on a sunny afternoon, this melt-in-the-mouth flan is sure to win hearts at the table.
Would you like me to turn this into a caramel apple yogurt flan version too? 🍮🍏