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Delicious Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)

by 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 7 reviews

This recipe is the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic flan with a bright citrus twist!

If you're looking for a creamy, citrusy, and indulgent dessert, this Orange Flan Recipe is your answer! You can whip up a fancy dessert with simple ingredients to impress at your next dinner party. This isn't just any flan — this Orange Flan de Queso Recipe has the added richness of cream cheese and a citrus zest from homemade orange syrup.

Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso Recipe con Naranja) on white plate this recipe

Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso) - A Delicious Latin Classic with a Twist

Flan is a beloved dessert in Latin cuisine, known for its smooth texture and sweet caramel topping. This version adds a delightful spin with the tanginess of orange and the silkiness of cream cheese, typical of the Puerto Rican Flan De Queso (a Cream Cheese Flan variation). 

Speaking of Puerto Rico, if you love tropical flavors, be sure to check out another creamy and delicious dessert on our website, our Best Coconut Flan Recipe for beginners. Plus this amazing Lemon Flan from my Puerto Rican friend and food blogger Neyssa at Latina Mom Meals who is a go-to source for Puerto Rican recipes and should also be on your bookmark's list!

What Makes This Orange Flan Different?

This recipe sets itself apart by blending the traditional custard base with Cream Cheese, which gives it a rich, cheesecake-like texture. Adding Homemade Orange Syrup and a splash of Rum (optional but highly recommended!), infuse this flan with a citrusy, tropical vibe. It’s a fresh take on the classic that adds a refreshing and indulgent flair!

If you’re making flan for the first time, don’t worry; this recipe has everything you need to know. Plus, the extra orange flavor takes it to a whole new level!

Jump to:

❤️Why you will love this Orange Flan Recipe

  • A delicious twist on the classic: Imagine traditional FLAN—creamy, smooth, and topped with a homemade caramel sauce — but now with a delightful citrusy note and a Cheesecake Flan-like texture, thanks to the cream cheese. Every bite offers a refreshing orange kick that pairs perfectly with the rich creamy custard.
  • Looks fancy, but easier than you think: Don't let the sophisticated appearance of flan intimidate you. With this recipe, you can create a show-stopping dessert with just a little patience and some basic kitchen tools.
    The FINAL RESULT? A stunning dessert that's sure to impress without the hassle.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors in one Delicious Dessert: The combination of creamy flan, caramelized sugar, and fresh orange syrup creates an irresistible flavor balance. Add a touch of rum, and you've got a truly divine dessert. The perfect dessert to impress everyone at the table and perhaps one of the best flan recipes you'll ever make!

🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following:

Aluminum Foil to cover the flan during baking. A Flanera (also called a flan mold). However, any round cake pan or pie plate 9-inch wide and 2-inch deep will work great. Electric Blender to blend the custard ingredients smoothly. You may use an Electric Hand Mixer and a Large Bowl in place of a blender.

A Roasting Pan or Large Baking Dish to create the water bath (bain-marie) and large enough to fit the flan pan. A Heavy Saucepan: for making the caramel (non-stick is best). A Serving plate to flip and serve your masterpiece.

🍮Ingredients and Substitutions

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Caramel Syrup Ingredients

caramel ingredients for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
  • Sugar and Cold Water is all you need to make the caramel

Flan Custard Ingredients

ingredients for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso Recipe con Naranja) on blue background
  • Whole Milk and canned Evaporated Milk
  • Cinnamon stick - Adds a warm, sweet, aromatic spice.
  • Orange Zest from half an orange - adds a subtle citrus flavor
  • Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature) - increases the creaminess of the flan
  • Whole Eggs and Egg Yolks at room temperature — Whole eggs are used in the typical Whole Egg Leche Flan Recipe. But, in this recipe, we are using a combination of whole eggs and egg yolks to create a richer texture.
  • Canned Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Dark Rum (optional) – We add rum for extra flavor and the alcohol mostly evaporates during baking, leaving behind a delicious rum-infused flan. Omit if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
  • Vanilla Extract for extra flavor.

Orange Syrup Ingredients

Orange syrup ingredients for Orange Flan Recipe
  • Sugar
  • Orange Juice (from about 8 oranges) - Fresh orange juice is recommended for this recipe over store-bought.
  • Orange Peel from a half-orange cut into thin slivers
  • Dark Rum (optional)
  • Orange slices for garnish

🧑‍🍳Instructions

Easy orange flan recipe with step-by-step instructions

STEP 1 - Make the Caramel Syrup

Caramel Instructions for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
  1. Start by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a golden-brown caramel color (15-20 minutes).
Caramel Instructions for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
  1. Swirl the pan gently instead of stirring to avoid crystallizing the melted sugar. Moderate heat is vital to prevent crystallization and burning.
    If you see sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, brush them with a wet pastry brush dipped in water.
pouring caramel for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
  1. Once the sugar mixture reaches a deep amber color, immediately (and carefully) pour the hot caramel into the flan pan, tilting the pan to coat the bottom and sides with an even layer (wear mittens as the pan will become very hot).
harden Caramel for Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
  1. If the caramel hardens (which can happen very quickly) and you haven’t covered the entire pan, set the pan directly over the stove burner for a few seconds at the lowest heat. This will loosen up the caramel, allowing you to work it again quickly to finish coating the pan.
  2. Let the coated pan cool completely at room temperature. Caramel should cool to a hard surface, which is what we aim for.

STEP 2 - Prepare the Flan Custard

The The FIRST STEP for the FLAN CUSTARD is to infuse the milk with orange and cinnamon flavors.

milk mixture Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. Combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, orange zest, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan.
milk mixture Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. Heat it gently over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes.
    Remove from heat and let it cool.

The SECOND STEP for the FLAN CUSTARD is to blend the ingredients to ensure a smooth mixture.

custard Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. In a blender, mix eggs, egg yolks, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, rum (if using), and vanilla extract. Blend at medium speed until combined and smooth (about 1 minute).
    Over-blending will incorporate air into the flan mixture and may create air pockets in the flan.
custard Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. Incorporate the milk mixture by passing through a strainer and blend again at low speed until well combined.

STEP 3 - Assemble the Flan and Bake

custard Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
custard Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. Pour custard over the hardened caramel in the flan pan
custard Instructions for Orange Flan (flan de queso)
  1. We used a 9" diameter by 2" deep pan, and you can see room left on the top. Having some room on the top is ideal.
Orange Flan (flan de queso) in baking pan
  1. Place the flan pan inside the larger pan and fill the dish halfway with hot water to create a bath (Bain Marie). Cover the flan pan with aluminum foil and bake in the middle rack for 60-75 minutes or until a thin knife inserted near the edge comes out clean.
  2. Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
    Note: After it’s baked, the flan might still jiggle like jello, and that’s fine. The flan will become more solid during refrigeration.
  3. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (but overnight is better!).

WATER BATH BAKING TIP!

Understanding the essential part of the baking process for flan, the water bath, also referred to as Bain Marie or Baño de Maria (in Spanish).

This gentle cooking method is not to be skipped! It allows this delicate dessert to cook more evenly and ensures the beloved silky smoothness of flan. Knowing this, you can approach your flan baking with confidence and assurance.

STEP 4 - Make the Orange Syrup

While the flan chills, the FOURTH and LAST STEP is to prepare the delicious Orange Caramel Sauce.

cooking orange syrup ingredients for orange Flan de Queso Recipe
  1. Step 1: Combine the fresh orange juice, sugar, and orange peel slivers in a saucepan.
cooking orange syrup ingredients for orange Flan de Queso Recipe
  1. Simmer the juice mixture over medium-high heat until it reduces by half and thickens (20-25 minutes). Stir with a wooden spoon as needed.
cooking orange syrup ingredients for orange Flan de Queso Recipe
  1. Feel free to add the Rum (optional) to the syrup at this time and cook for another 5 minutes. This step is entirely up to you, allowing you to customize the flavor of the syrup.
cooking orange syrup ingredients for orange Flan de Queso Recipe
  1. Let the syrup cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve the flan.

STEP 5 - Unmold and Serve

This is the step you've been waiting for patiently!

To serve, run a small knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving dish on top of the pan and flip the two over quickly to unmold the flan. You should hear a glopping sound telling you the flan is out of the pan. Garnish with orange slices and drizzle the orange syrup on top. Enjoy your masterpiece!

💭FINAL TIPS!

• Chill the flan for the best flavor, texture, and shape for at least 24 HOURS. Waiting until the next day allows your flan to unfold into that beautifully shaped dessert dressed in that amber-rich sweet caramel sauce we all love. Time is your best friend for a perfect flan!

• Leftover Orange Syrup? It’s perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or ice cream!

Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de queso recipe) served on small plate held by hands

🍴Recipe Variations

Prefer Individual Flans?

  • If you prefer single-serving portions, try making individual flans! Simply divide the caramel and custard mixture into eight 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups instead of using a large pan. Coat the bottom of each ramekin with the caramel, pour the flan mixture evenly, and bake using the same water bath technique, but keep an eye on them—they will take less time to bake (45-55 minutes). You’ll get adorable mini flans perfect for dinner parties or personal indulgences!
  • To unmold, use the same technique: Run a thin knife around the sides of the ramekins to loosen it. Place a serving plate on the cup and flip it over quickly to unmold the flan. Garnish with orange slices and drizzle the orange syrup on top.

🍲Storage and Freezing Suggestions

Store leftover flan in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container.

Can you freeze Flan? While freezing flan is possible, the silky texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. You may also have some extra water, and the texture may be less creamy, but it will still be tasty.  If you plan to freeze it, make sure to wrap it well. Or you may freeze it in an air-tight container for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the refrigerator. This also applies if you’re wondering, can you freeze leche flan.

How long does flan last in the fridge? Flan will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days (but trust me, it won’t last that long! 😉).

There you have it, the Best Orange and Cream Cheese Flan Recipe!

Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso recipe) served on white plate

With its creamy texture, bright orange flavor, and rich caramel, this Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Naranja) is one of our favorite desserts. And we believe it is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!  Perfect for special occasions or just because —everyone will be asking for seconds!

🍮Other Flan recipes you may like

Pretty Passion Fruit Flan with flowers over a dark plate

Exotic Passion Fruit Flan

Flan de coco recipe served on black plate

Creamy Coconut Flan

❔Flan Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Custard vs. Flan?

Flan is a custard dessert topped with clear caramel sauce and baked in a water bath. It is the name given in Spain and Latin America. However, it is also often called caramel pudding, caramel custard, or Crème Caramel (in France). Plain Custard is generally cooked on the stove and doesn't have a caramel layer. Custard and Flan have the same basic ingredients: milk, eggs, and sugar.

Can you serve Flan warm?

Flan is best served chilled after it has had time to set. The flavors really shine once it has been properly cooled. We recommend chilling for a minimum of 24 hours; 48 hours is even better.

Do you have any other flan recipes I can try?

Si! I'm glad you asked! In addition to this delicious cream cheese flan recipe, we also have a delicious Flan de Coco (Puerto Rico's flan version with a Coconut Twist) and a tropical twist with our Passion Fruit Flan (Flan de Parcha). Both are easy to make and full of Latin-inspired flavors!

⭐Leave a review!

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Your comments and ratings are crucial for supporting the culinary creators you love! ❤️ If you've tried this recipe or have any questions, don't hesitate – please take a moment to leave a rating by clicking the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐below and leave a comment 💬

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Happy cooking! And Buen Provecho!
And thanks for visiting A Latin Flair!   Gracias! 😊

🍰More Latin Dessert Recipes

Love this Flan? Try one of these Latin Inspired Recipes:

See more Desserts →

🌮Pairing Latin Recipes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Flan:

See more Main Dishes and Dinner →
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Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso) over a white plate

Delicious Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Juyali (ju-ja-lee)
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill time:
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hrs and 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Flan 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Print Recipe

Description

This Orange Flan Recipe (Flan de Queso con Naranja) adds a zesty citrus twist to the classic creamy flan. Blending fresh orange flavor with rich cream cheese and a sweet caramel topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!

Equipment needed: Flan Mold, or any round cake pan or pie plate 9" wide by 2" deep, Electric Blender (Alternatively, an elextric mixer and a large bowl in palce of a blender), and a roasting pan or baking dish large enough to fit the flan pan.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients for the Caramel Syrup:

  • 1 cup of Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water

Ingredients for the Flan Custard:

  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 2 12-ounce cans Evaporated Milk
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • Orange Zest from half an orange
  • 8 ounces of Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
  • 2 Whole Eggs
  • 6 large Egg Yolks
  • One 14-ounce can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/4 cup Dark Rum (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract.

Ingredients for the Orange Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup of Sugar
  • 2 cups of Orange Juice (from about 8 oranges) - Fresh orange juice is recommended over store-bought
  • Orange Peel from a half-orange cut into thin slivers
  • 1/2 cup of Dark Rum (optional)
  • Orange slices for garnish.

Instructions

STEP 1 - Make the Caramel Syrup

  1. Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a golden-brown caramel color (15-20 minutes).
  2. Swirl the pan gently instead of stirring to avoid crystallizing the melted sugar. Moderate heat is vital to prevent crystallization and burning. If you see sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, brush them with a wet pastry brush dipped in water.
  3. Once the caramel reaches a deep amber color, immediately (and carefully) pour it onto the flan pan, tilting the pan to coat the bottom and sides  (wear mittens as the pan becomes very hot). SEE NOTES
  4. Let the pan cool completely at room temperature. Caramel should cool to a hard surface.


STEP 2 - Prepare the Flan Custard
The FIRST STEP is to infuse the milk with orange and cinnamon flavors.

  1. Combine the whole milk, evaporated milk, orange zest, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan.
  2. Heat it gently over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

The SECOND STEP is to blend the ingredients to ensure a smooth mixture.

  1. In a blender, mix eggs, egg yolks, cream cheese, condensed milk, rum (if using), and vanilla extract.
  2. Blend at medium speed until combined and smooth (about 1 minute). 
  3. Incorporate the milk mixture by passing through a strainer and blend again at low speed until well combined.

STEP 3 - Assemble the Flan and Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour custard over the coated flan pan.
  2. Place the flan pan inside the larger pan and fill the dish halfway with hot water to create a bath (Bain Marie). Cover the flan with aluminum foil and bake in the middle rack for 60-75 minutes or until a knife inserted between the center and edge comes out clean.
  3. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
    Note: After it’s baked, the flan might still jiggle like jello, and that’s fine. The flan will become more solid during refrigeration. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (but overnight is better!).


STEP 4 - Make the Orange Syrup

  1. The LAST STEP is to prepare the Orange Caramel Sauce.
  2. Combine the fresh orange juice, sugar, and orange peel slivers in a saucepan.
  3. Simmer over medium-high heat uncovered until it reduces by half and thickens (20-25 minutes). Stir as needed.
  4. Feel free to add the Rum (optional) at this time and cook for another 5 minutes. 
  5. Let the syrup cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve the flan.


Step 5 - Unmold and Serve

  1. To serve, take the flan out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.  Run a small knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Place a serving dish on top of the pan and flip the two over quickly to unmold the flan. You should hear a glopping sound telling you the flan is out of the pan. 
  2. Garnish with orange slices and drizzle the orange syrup on top. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Notes

We add rum for extra flavor: The alcohol mostly evaporates during baking, leaving behind a delicious rum-infused flan. Omit if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Caramel tip: If the caramel hardens (which can happen very quickly) and you haven’t covered the entire pan, set the pan directly over the stove burner for a few seconds at the lowest heat. This will loosen up the caramel, allowing you to work it again quickly to finish coating the pan.

Chilling: Chill the flan for the best flavor, texture, and shape for at least 24 HOURS. Time is your best friend for a perfect flan!

Leftover Orange Syrup? It’s perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or ice cream!

Storage and Freezing Suggestions:
- Store leftover flan in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container.
- Flan will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days (but trust me, it won’t last that long!).
- Other delicious flan recipes to try! Coconut Flan, Passion Fruit Flan, and Pumpkin Flan!

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Your comments and ratings are crucial for supporting the culinary creators you love! ❤️

Please take a moment to leave a rating by clicking the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment 💬

Plus share your delightful photos on social media using #alatinflair or by tagging us @alatinflair

Thanks for visiting A Latin Flair!   Gracias! 😊

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Comments

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  1. Laurie Griggs says

    I need to try this. Drooling!



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      Laurie,
      You must! Life is better with flan! 😉

      Reply

  2. Ashley says

    Wow! This flan was so incredible. I love the orange and rum caramel glaze. The best part was when I unmolded it and it came out perfectly. Hooray!



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      Hooray, it is! The unmolding is the moment of truth for flan 😎 So happy it worked great for you! Thank you for leaving your review. 😊

      Reply

  3. Seema says

    That orange syrup makes such a difference to this delicious flan. So smooth.



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      I agree Seema! Delicious extra layer of flavor. Thanks for your review! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Jess says

    Such a delicious recipe!



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      Thanks for trying it, Jess! 😊

      Reply

  5. David says

    Wow you combined two of my favorite desserts! Amazing pictures too. Sending this to my wife so she can make it (this weekend I hope).



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      Thanks, David! Let me know if you were able to convince her. 😉

      Reply

  6. Neyssa says

    Ooh, yes! Orange flan is the best. I am looking forward to making this, I already know it's going to taste great. 🙂



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      Gracias, amiga! You are going to be a great judge given how delicious your food is, specially flan. ❤️😊

      Reply

  7. Thoko says

    Absolutely delicious 😋😋, I am a fan of baking but this was so worth it!! Hubby almost finished it all by himself.



    Reply

    • Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says

      LOL! It was a win with your husband, that's awesome. Thanks for making it! And for leaving your review.❤️😊

      Reply