No-Bake Flan – Creamy, Caramel-Topped & Oven-Free

There’s something magical about flan—the rich, silky custard and golden caramel that melts with every bite.

But did you know you can make it without turning on the oven?

This no-bake flan is a game-changer: no water baths, no baking, just pure creamy goodness that sets perfectly in the fridge.

Inspired by Brazilian-style pudim, this version uses sweetened condensed milk, table cream, and unflavored gelatin for the smoothest, easiest flan you’ll ever make.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Flan

No oven needed – great for warm days or tiny kitchens

Lusciously creamy – thanks to condensed milk and cream

Golden caramel topping – classic flan look and taste

Only 20 minutes of prep – the fridge does the rest

Perfect for entertaining – can be made a day ahead

Elegant but easy – minimal effort, beautiful results

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Granulated sugar + water – to make a glossy caramel base

Unflavored gelatin – helps set the custard without baking

Whole milk – part for blooming gelatin, part for mixing

Sweetened condensed milk – rich and sweet base

Table cream (or heavy cream) – gives luxurious texture

Vanilla extract – for depth and balance

Pro Tips Before You Start

Hydrate gelatin in cold milk first—this prevents lumps

Use gentle heat when dissolving gelatin—don’t boil

Stir caramel constantly and carefully add water to avoid splattering

Use a bundt pan or silicone mold for easy unmolding

Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor

Run a knife around the edges before flipping for clean release

How to Make No-Bake Flan

Make the caramel
Heat 1 cup sugar in a dry pan until melted and amber-colored.

Carefully add 1/4 cup water.

Stir until smooth and pour into a 10–12 cup bundt pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Let it set.

Bloom the gelatin
In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin with 1/4 cup cold milk.

Let sit for 5 minutes.

Heat the milk
Warm 3/4 cup milk in a saucepan (don’t boil).

Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.

Blend the flan base
In a blender, combine:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (7.6 oz) can table cream (or 1/2 cup heavy cream)

The warm milk-gelatin mixture

1 tsp vanilla extract
Add a few drops of food coloring or a pinch of turmeric if desired.

Pour and chill
Pour the mixture into the caramel-coated mold.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Unmold and serve
Gently loosen the edges, invert onto a serving plate, and let the caramel flow over the flan.

What to Serve It With

Fresh berries – to cut the sweetness

Espresso or coffee – complements the rich flan beautifully

Toasted coconut – adds texture and flavor

Whipped cream – for a light, airy topping

Lime or citrus zest – a bright finishing touch

Variations / Substitutions

Use heavy cream instead of table cream

Add coconut milk for a tropical flavor

Infuse the milk with cinnamon or orange zest

Make it vegan with coconut cream and agar-agar (needs adjustment)

Use ramekins for individual servings—perfect for dinner parties

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days

Freezer: Not recommended—texture may break

Unmold just before serving for best presentation

Leftovers: Serve cold directly from the fridge

FAQs

What is table cream?
It’s a shelf-stable cream found in Latin markets.

You can also use heavy cream if needed.

Can I make this without a blender?
Yes—just whisk well by hand and strain the mixture to remove bubbles.

Why did my caramel harden?
That’s normal—it will soften once the flan is unmolded and warmed slightly.

How long should I chill the flan?
At least 6 hours, but overnight gives the best texture and clean slices.

Can I make it sugar-free?
You could experiment with sugar-free condensed milk and a sugar substitute for caramel, but results may vary.

Can I use Jello instead of unflavored gelatin?
No—flavored gelatin changes the taste and color. Stick to unflavored gelatin.

What pan works best?
A nonstick bundt pan or silicone mold makes unmolding easiest.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever thought flan was too complicated, this no-bake flan will change your mind.

It’s creamy, elegant, and ridiculously easy.

No oven, no fuss—just delicious, caramel-topped indulgence.

Make it once and you’ll keep it in your dessert rotation forever.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

No-Bake Flan

3 from 1 vote

This no-bake flan is rich, velvety, and topped with glossy caramel—all without baking or a water bath. A foolproof, no-fuss recipe that sets beautifully in the fridge and wows every time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 260

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup whole milk divided
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can 7.6 oz table cream or 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Make caramel, pour into pan, and let set.
2. Bloom gelatin in 1/4 cup cold milk.
3. Heat 3/4 cup milk and dissolve gelatin mixture.
4. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour into pan and refrigerate for 6+ hours.
6. Unmold and serve cold.
7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/no-bake-flan/

Notes

• Watch the caramel closely—once it darkens, it can burn fast.
• Use a metal or silicone mold for easy release.
• Sweetened condensed milk adds all the sweetness you need—no extra sugar required in the flan base.