A classic Mexican-style chocoflan made with a deep amber caramel layer, silky vanilla flan, and rich chocolate cake that magically inverts during baking. Based on the Smitten Kitchen method with the addition of a traditional caramel base for improved release and presentation.
Servings 12servings
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican
Ingredients
1cupgranulated sugarfor caramel
4largeeggsroom temperature
1cansweetened condensed milk14-ounce can
1canevaporated milk12-ounce can
1tablespoonvanilla extract
6tablespoonsunsalted buttersoftened
3/4cupgranulated sugarfor chocolate cake
1largeeggroom temperature
1cupall-purpose flour
1/4cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonbaking soda
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2cupbuttermilkroom temperature
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a kettle of water to a boil for the water bath.
Make the caramel: Place the sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully pour the caramel into a Bundt pan and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to harden.
Prepare the flan: In a blender, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Blend until completely smooth. Pour the flan mixture gently over the hardened caramel in the Bundt pan.
Make the chocolate cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until smooth.
Carefully spoon the chocolate cake batter over the flan layer, spreading gently to avoid disturbing the flan. The layers will reverse during baking.
Place the Bundt pan inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the Bundt pan.
Bake for 70–75 minutes, until the cake layer is set and a toothpick inserted into the chocolate portion comes out clean.
Remove from the water bath and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the pan in hot water for 10–15 seconds. Invert onto a serving platter and lift the pan away slowly, allowing the caramel to release and flow over the cake.
The caramel layer is a traditional addition that improves release and provides the classic glossy finish associated with authentic chocoflan. Cracking between layers during baking is normal and will be hidden once unmolded. For best texture, always unmold cold. Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.