Magical Chocoflan – The Impossible Cake That Always Delivers!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocoflan is more than a dessert—it’s a culinary illusion! With a layer of rich, moist chocolate cake and a silky vanilla flan, this treat magically flips during baking, leaving everyone asking, “How did you do that?” Finished with a golden caramel glaze, every bite is smooth, sweet, and unforgettable. Whether it’s a holiday table centerpiece or a weekend treat, this dessert is guaranteed to wow.
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Chocolate Cake:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) hot water
For the Flan:
- 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (354ml) evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Caramel
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
- Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Swirl the pan gently if needed.
- Immediately pour the caramel into a greased 10-cup Bundt pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the hot water and whisk until the batter is well combined. It will be thin—this is normal!
3. Pour the Layers
- Gently pour the chocolate cake batter over the hardened caramel in the Bundt pan.
- In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Slowly pour the flan mixture over the cake batter. The layers will separate during baking—this is the magic of chocoflan!
4. Bake in a Water Bath
- Cover the Bundt pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place it inside a larger roasting pan filled with 1 inch of hot water.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool and Unmold
- Remove from the oven and let the chocoflan cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- To unmold, gently run a knife around the edges, then invert onto a large serving plate. The caramel will drizzle over beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Don’t stir the caramel while it’s cooking. Stirring can cause it to crystallize.
- Pour the flan mixture slowly over the back of a spoon to help it float on top of the cake batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother flan texture.
- Always bake in a water bath to keep the flan tender and prevent cracking.
Storage
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving Ideas
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. For special occasions, garnish with fresh berries or chocolate curls for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
Chocoflan is a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery but is simple enough to make at home. The contrast of textures and the surprising layer switch make it a true crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “the impossible cake.”