This recipe provides instructions for making a No-Bake Maria Cookies Flan, a simplified version of the classic Spanish flan that does not require an oven. This dessert features a creamy custard flavored with vanilla and often a hint of citrus, set atop a base of crushed Maria cookies, a type of round, slightly sweet biscuit. The flan is typically made by heating milk, sugar, and vanilla, then whisking in eggs and sometimes a thickening agent like cornstarch or gelatin. A layer of caramel sauce is often poured into the bottom of a mold, which is then filled with the custard mixture and chilled until set. In this no-bake version, the setting is likely achieved entirely through refrigeration, possibly with the help of gelatin. The crushed Maria cookies form a delicious and slightly crumbly base that complements the smooth custard. The finished dessert is often inverted onto a plate, revealing a layer of caramel sauce over the creamy flan and the cookie base at the bottom. The image shows a round dessert on a white plate. It has a distinct bottom layer that appears to be made of crushed cookies, topped by a smooth, light-colored custard. The top of the custard is covered with a layer of golden caramel sauce and sprinkled with more crushed cookies. A slice has been removed, revealing the layers. The overall appearance is rich, creamy, and appealing, highlighting the cookie base and the smooth flan.
Based on the ingredients listed and common no-bake flan recipes, the ingredients likely include:
For the Maria Cookie Base:
- Maria cookies, crushed into fine crumbs.
- Melted butter, to bind the crumbs together.
For the Flan:
- Milk, the liquid base for the custard.
- Eggs, providing richness and structure.
- Sugar, for sweetness.
- Vanilla extract, for flavor.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for the topping and flavor.
- Gelatin powder (likely), to help the flan set without baking.
- Lemon zest or juice (optional), for a touch of citrus.
The preparation likely involves first making the Maria cookie base by mixing the crushed cookies with melted butter and pressing the mixture into the bottom of a mold or dish. The flan mixture is then prepared by heating milk with sugar and vanilla. Gelatin powder is typically dissolved in a little cold water and then added to the warm milk mixture. Whisked eggs are then gradually incorporated to create the custard base. This mixture is poured over the Maria cookie base in the mold and chilled in the refrigerator for several hours until completely set. Once set, the flan is carefully inverted onto a serving plate, allowing the caramel sauce (which was likely placed at the bottom of the mold before the custard) to flow over the flan. The top is then often garnished with more crushed Maria cookies.
No-Bake Maria Cookies Flan is best served chilled, allowing the custard to be firm and refreshing.
The texture offers a delightful contrast between the slightly crumbly cookie base and the smooth, creamy flan, topped with a luscious caramel sauce and the added crunch of cookie crumbs.
The flavor is a sweet and creamy vanilla custard complemented by the subtle buttery flavor of the Maria cookies and the rich, caramelized notes of the caramel sauce.
No-Bake Maria Cookies Flan is a chilled dessert featuring a creamy custard set on a base of crushed Maria cookies, often with a caramel topping.
The preparation involves making a cookie base, preparing a custard mixture (likely with gelatin), layering it over the cookie base, chilling until set, and then inverting to serve with caramel sauce and cookie crumbs.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common no-bake flan recipes and the image):
- 1 liter of milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- Maria cookies (quantity not specified, for base and topping)
- Caramel sauce (quantity not specified)
- Vanilla extract (amount not specified)
- Unflavored gelatin powder (amount not specified, likely 2-3 tablespoons or 2-3 packets)
- Butter (amount not specified, for cookie base)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional, amount not specified)
Equipment:
- Blender or whisk
- Saucepan
- Mold or dish (likely a round cake pan or flan mold)
- Refrigerator
- Plate for serving
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
Instructions ( अनुमानित based on common no-bake flan recipes):
- Prepare the Maria Cookie Base: Crush the Maria cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Melt some butter (about ¼ to ½ cup, depending on the amount of cookies). In a bowl, mix the crushed Maria cookies with the melted butter until well combined and the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture evenly onto the bottom of your mold or dish. Set aside.
- Prepare the Flan Mixture: In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over about ¼ cup of cold water or milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom (soften). Then, add the bloomed gelatin to the warm milk mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Whisk Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them and prevent them from scrambling. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest or juice.
- Assemble the Flan: If you want a caramel topping, pour a layer of caramel sauce into the bottom of your mold before adding the cookie base (this will be the top when inverted). Then, carefully pour the flan mixture over the Maria cookie base (or over the caramel layer if used).
- Chill the Flan: Cover the mold or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the flan is completely set and firm to the touch.
- Invert and Serve: To unmold the flan, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the mold. Place a serving plate upside down over the mold and quickly flip them over. Gently shake the mold if needed to release the flan. The caramel sauce (if used at the bottom) should now be on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the top of the flan with more crushed Maria cookies. Slice and serve chilled.
Enjoy your delicious and easy No-Bake Maria Cookies Flan!