Chocoflan Cake – The Magical “Impossible Cake”
Introduction
Chocoflan, often called the “Impossible Cake”, is a beloved Mexican dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with silky flan. The magic happens in the oven: the layers swap places while baking, leaving you with a stunning two‑tone cake topped with caramel. It’s a show‑stopping treat that tastes as comforting as it looks impressive.
Ingredients
Caramel
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp water
Chocolate Cake Layer
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all‑purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk
Flan Layer
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Caramel
In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until golden and caramelized.
Quickly pour into a greased bundt pan, swirling to coat the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry mixture alternately with milk until smooth.
Spread batter evenly over caramel in the pan.
Step 3: Prepare Flan
Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Gently pour flan mixture over cake batter.
Step 4: Bake
Cover pan with foil.
Place bundt pan in a larger roasting pan filled with 1 inch of hot water (water bath).
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes, until a toothpick in the cake comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Invert
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Invert onto a serving plate to reveal caramel topping, flan layer, and chocolate cake base.
Tips & Tricks
Smooth flan: Blend flan mixture well to avoid lumps.
Extra richness: Add cream cheese to the flan for a “flan de queso” twist.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 3 days.
Variations
Coconut Chocoflan: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter.
Coffee Chocoflan: Replace milk in cake with brewed coffee for mocha flavor.
Nutty Chocoflan: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over caramel before adding batter.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 60–75 minutes
Chill Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: ~5 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Final Thoughts
This Chocoflan Cake is a true kitchen miracle — rich chocolate cake, creamy flan, and caramel all in one. It’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to impress with a dessert that looks as magical as it tastes.