National Flan Day

Close-up of a creamy, caramel flan with a delicate drizzle, surrounded by elegant dessert forks and a subtle Spanish decor.. — National flan day illustration

Hey there, flan fanatics! Get ready to dive into the delectable world of National Flan Day. This annual celebration of the creamy, caramel goodness has dessert lovers everywhere rejoicing. So, grab a spoon and join us as we dig into the history and deliciousness of this sweet treat!

When is Flan Day?

It's national flan day on the 16th August.

A Brief History of Flan

Flan, also known as crème caramel or caramel custard, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was enjoyed by the elite as a luxurious dessert. The recipe was later brought to Spain by the Romans, and it quickly spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

Flan arrived in the Americas with the Spanish conquistadors, and it has since become a beloved dessert in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. Its smooth, silky texture and sweet caramel flavor have made it a hit all around the globe.

Celebrating National Flan Day

On National Flan Day, flan aficionados come together to share their love for this scrumptious dessert. Whether you prefer the classic vanilla flan, a chocolate twist, or a unique flavor combination, there's a flan out there for everyone.

People celebrate this day by indulging in flan or even try their hand at making their own. It's a perfect excuse to whip out your favorite flan recipe and show off your culinary skills. Don't worry if you're not an expert chef; there are plenty of easy-to-follow recipes available online.

Did You Know?

Did you know that flan is often served in many Spanish-speaking countries during the holiday season? It's a staple dessert during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, bringing joy and sweetness to the festivities.

History behind the term 'Flan'

1571

The Birth of Custard

In the year 1571, the term 'flan' was not yet in use. However, this is an important year in the history of the dessert, as it marks the birth of custard. Custard, the creamy and sweet base used in flans, was first introduced to England during the reign of Elizabeth I. It quickly became popular, and its influence would later play a significant role in the development of flan.

1634

The Arrival of Flan

The term 'flan' began to make its appearance in European culinary lexicon in the year 1634. It originated from the Old French word 'flaon,' which referred to a flat cake made with an open crust and a sweet or savory filling. Variations of similar dishes existed in various regions, including Spain, Italy, and Portugal. These early versions of flan were often enjoyed without caramel, which has become a defining characteristic of modern flan.

19th Century

Flan Spreads across Continents

During the 19th century, flan started to gain popularity beyond Europe as explorers and colonizers traveled the globe. Spanish conquistadors brought flan recipes to their colonies in Latin America, where it became a beloved dessert across different countries. Similarly, Portuguese explorers introduced flan to regions such as Brazil and Macau. Flan's journey across continents allowed for diverse cultural influences to shape its variations and flavors.

20th Century

Flan Goes International

In the 20th century, with increased globalization and migration, flan's popularity reached new heights as it became a dessert known and loved around the world. Latin American flan continued to evolve, with each country infusing its own unique twist. Flan found its way onto the menus of international restaurants, captivating people with its smooth texture and delectable taste. Today, this iconic dessert remains a favorite in many countries and is celebrated worldwide.