If you’ve never experienced the magic of Chocoflan, you’re in for an unforgettable treat. Known affectionately as the “Impossible Cake,” this stunning dessert is a visual and culinary marvel—combining a rich, moist chocolate cake with a silky-smooth vanilla flan in one luscious slice. What makes it truly fascinating is the way the two layers magically switch places during baking, giving it its famous two-toned appearance.

This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or special occasions where presentation and flavor go hand-in-hand. It’s easier than it looks, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this show-stopper dessert again and again.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Chocoflan

• Two desserts in one – Velvety flan + moist chocolate cake = dessert nirvana.

• Gravity-defying baking – The batter and flan layers switch places while baking, creating perfect layers without extra effort.

• Visually stunning – A glossy caramel top and neatly defined layers make every slice Instagram-worthy.

• Perfectly balanced – The creamy, lightly sweet flan contrasts beautifully with the deeper chocolate notes of the cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made from two parts: a creamy flan and a moist chocolate cake, all topped with a simple but delicious homemade caramel.

🔸 For the Caramel:

• ½ cup sugar 🍯

🔸 For the Flan:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 🥛

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 🥛

• 4 large eggs 🥚

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿

🔸 For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup wheat flour 🌾

• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫

• ½ cup vegetable oil 🛢️

• 2 large eggs 🥚

• ½ cup milk 🥛

• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🧁

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt 🧂

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿

Tools & Equipment

To successfully create this dessert, you’ll need the following:

• Bundt pan (10-inch recommended) or large loaf pan

• Blender or food processor

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or electric mixer

• Saucepan (for caramel)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Large roasting pan (for water bath)

• Aluminum foil

• Oven preheated to 350°F (180°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Caramel

In a dry saucepan over medium heat, cook ½ cup sugar until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Swirl the pan gently—don’t stir. As soon as the caramel reaches a golden brown hue, pour it carefully into the bottom of your greased bundt or loaf pan. Tilt the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden slightly.

2. Prepare the Flan

In a blender, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds.

3. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until just combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the Chocoflan

Pour the flan mixture directly over the caramel in the pan. Then very slowly and gently pour the chocolate cake batter over the flan layer. It may look like a mess now, but the magic happens in the oven!

5. Bake in a Water Bath

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into a large roasting pan and pour in hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 60–70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

6. Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the pan sit in the water bath for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the layers to fully set and makes unmolding easier.

7. Unmold and Serve

To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the cake. Invert onto a large serving plate with a gentle but firm motion. Admire the beautiful caramel-topped flan with its perfectly set chocolate cake base. Serve chilled and savor the magic!

Expert Tips for Success

• Blend the flan until silky – Any lumps in the flan mixture can affect texture. Blend thoroughly!

• Don’t overfill the pan – Leave about 1 inch of space at the top to prevent overflow during baking.

• Use room temp ingredients – Especially the eggs and milk, to ensure even mixing and baking.

• Chill thoroughly – This helps firm the layers and ensures clean slices.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: While not ideal due to the flan texture, you can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

• Make Ahead: This dessert actually improves after chilling, making it perfect to prepare a day in advance.

Serving Suggestions

Chocoflan is rich, creamy, and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it even further:

• Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries cut the richness beautifully.

• Whipped cream – A dollop adds airiness to each bite.

• Espresso or strong coffee – The bitterness complements the caramel and cocoa.

• Light dusting of cocoa powder – For a professional touch just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the flan rise above the cake during baking?

It’s all about density! The flan is heavier than the cake batter, so during baking, the layers naturally switch places—without mixing.

Can I use a box cake mix instead?

Absolutely! A chocolate fudge or devil’s food box mix works well if you want to save time. Just use enough to cover the flan layer.

Do I need a bundt pan?

A bundt pan gives it that classic ring shape, but a loaf pan or deep round cake pan will also work. Just ensure it’s well-greased and can handle the volume.

What if I don’t have a roasting pan?

Any large oven-safe pan that fits your cake mold and can hold water will work. The water bath is crucial to prevent the flan from cracking and to ensure even baking.

Final Thoughts

Chocoflan isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. It’s a testament to how something simple in ingredients can become extraordinary in execution. From its mysterious baking process to its stunning layered reveal, this is the kind of dessert that earns gasps at the table and requests for seconds (and thirds).

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a treat that’s equal parts comfort food and showpiece, Chocoflan is the answer.

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