Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Preheat the oven fully before putting anything in — a cold oven gives dense, flat results.

- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup, not scooping directly — scooping packs it down and adds up to 25% more flour.

- Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before creaming — they incorporate air better for a lighter texture.

Cooking Tips

Let the dessert cool completely before slicing or serving — many Filipino sweets set and develop their best texture as they rest. Use fresh coconut milk (gata) when available rather than canned. The natural sweetness and rich consistency make a noticeable difference. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Store desserts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Let chilled desserts come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Dulce de Leche Flan

Dulce de Leche Flan

Metro Manila, NCR

Dulce de Leche Flan levels our regular leche flan up a notch. Made with sweet dulce de leche, it's rich, creamy, and full of caramel flavor!

Prep: 5 min Cook: 13 min Total: 18 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. In a clear, microwave-safe bowl, combine water and sugar. Stir well under sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Microwave on high for about 6 to 7 minutes or until color changes to honey-gold. Immediately pour into the ramekins, swirling around to cover the bottom.
  3. Mix dulce de leche and eggs. Gently Mix in one direction until smooth.
  4. Add in evaporated milk and gently Mix in one direction until well-combined.
  5. Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a bowl. Pour into prepared ramekins and cover with foil.
  6. Arrange in a single layer in a wide, oven-safe pan. Carefully add about 1-inch of water to the pan (water bath).
  7. Bake in a 375 F oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the custard comes out clean.
  8. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and refrigerate to set. To serve, turn flan over on a serving plate, ending with caramel on top.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Preheat the oven fully before putting anything in — a cold oven gives dense, flat results.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup, not scooping directly — scooping packs it down and adds up to 25% more flour.
- Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before creaming — they incorporate air better for a lighter texture.

Cooking Tips

Let the dessert cool completely before slicing or serving — many Filipino sweets set and develop their best texture as they rest.
Use fresh coconut milk (gata) when available rather than canned. The natural sweetness and rich consistency make a noticeable difference.
Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

Substitutions

Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Store desserts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Let chilled desserts come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
R

Tita Liza Reyes

Heirloom Recipes & Modern Adaptations

Tita Liza Reyes is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. A retired school teacher from Batangas with over 30 years of home cooking experience, she helps document and adapt heirloom recipes from across the Philippines for today's kitchen.

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