Chocoflan

Chocoflan, often referred to as “Impossible Cake,” is a stunning and delicious dessert that magically separates into two distinct layers while baking—rich, moist chocolate cake on the bottom and silky vanilla flan on top, all finished with a luscious caramel glaze. Though it may look like a showstopper worthy of a pastry chef, this dessert is surprisingly simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and minimal equipment.

What makes Chocoflan particularly remarkable is the baking process. As it cooks, the dense cake batter and the creamy flan layer reverse positions in the oven, thanks to their varying densities, giving you two perfect layers with almost no effort. The final touch is a golden caramel layer that melts and cascades over the dessert once it’s inverted onto a plate.

Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or impressing guests, Chocoflan offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors—sweet caramel, creamy flan, and rich chocolate cake—all in one slice. It’s best served chilled and can be made a day in advance, making it as convenient as it is eye-catching.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stunning Presentation

The natural layer separation creates a visually impressive dessert without any decoration needed.

Perfect Flavor Contrast

Combines the richness of chocolate cake with the creaminess of flan and the sweetness of caramel.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Tastes better after chilling overnight, making it a great dessert for entertaining.

Crowd-Pleaser

An excellent option for parties, potlucks, and celebrations—guaranteed to spark conversation.

Simple Ingredients

Uses pantry staples, so you won’t need anything fancy to create a gourmet-looking dessert.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Layer:

• Granulated sugar

For the Flan Layer:

• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

• Cocoa powder
• Hot water
• Flavourless oil (vegetable or canola)
• Plain yogurt
• Eggs
• Self-raising flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Variations

• Coffee Twist: Replace hot water with hot brewed coffee for enhanced chocolate depth.
• Spiced Flan: Add cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the flan mixture for a warm flavor.
• Coconut Milk Flan: Swap evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical note.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds in the caramel layer before pouring in the flan.
• Mini Chocoflans: Bake in ramekins or a muffin tin for individual servings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large bundt pan thoroughly.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns into a golden caramel. Quickly pour it into the base of the bundt pan and tilt to coat evenly.

Step 3

In a blender, combine eggs, cream cheese, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk cocoa powder with hot water to form a smooth paste. Add oil, yogurt, eggs, sugars, and mix well. Fold in self-raising flour until just combined.

Step 5

Pour the chocolate cake batter over the caramel in the bundt pan.

Step 6

Gently pour the flan mixture over the cake batter. It may look like they mix, but they will separate during baking.

Step 7

Place the bundt pan in a larger baking dish. Fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the bundt pan sides to create a water bath.

Step 8

Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove from the water bath and let cool completely. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 10

To serve, gently loosen edges and invert onto a serving plate.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t stir the sugar while making the caramel or it may crystallize. Swirl the pan gently instead.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother flan.
• Pour the flan mixture slowly over the cake batter to avoid disturbing the layers.
• Use a water bath to prevent cracking and to ensure even baking.
• Chill thoroughly before inverting to help the dessert set properly.

How to Serve

Serve chilled as a standalone dessert. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side can enhance presentation, but it’s beautiful and flavorful enough on its own. Slice carefully to show off the striking layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavor improves after a day, making it ideal for preparing in advance.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Not recommended. Chocoflan is best served cold or at room temperature. Heating may alter the texture.

FAQs

1. Why is it called “Impossible Cake”?

Because the layers magically switch places during baking, creating two distinct layers from a single pan.

2. Can I make this without a bundt pan?

Yes, but a bundt pan gives the best visual presentation. A deep round cake pan can also work.

3. What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

Use all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt per cup.

4. Do I have to use a water bath?

Yes, it’s essential for even cooking and a smooth flan texture.

5. Can I make it without cream cheese?

You can omit it, but the cream cheese adds richness and body to the flan.

6. How long should I let it chill before serving?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is best for flavor and structure.

7. My flan cracked—what went wrong?

It likely baked too quickly or at too high a temperature. Ensure a proper water bath and monitor the oven closely.

8. Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, but from-scratch batter gives better structure and taste balance with the flan.

9. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly?

Work quickly when pouring the caramel into the pan and tilt immediately to coat.

10. What’s the best way to invert the cake?

Loosen the sides with a knife, place a plate over the bundt pan, and flip with confidence in one smooth motion.

Conclusion

Chocoflan is a show-stopping dessert that delivers both visual appeal and indulgent flavor. With its unique layered effect and luxurious textures, it offers a bit of magic in every slice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to try something impressive yet easy, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Rich, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable, Chocoflan deserves a spot in every baker’s repertoire.

Print