Pumpkin flan recipe for Thanksgiving: The silky showstopper that belongs next to the pies

Pumpkin flan fits easily into a Thanksgiving menu. It has the cozy pumpkin flavor everyone expects, but with a lighter, silkier texture than pie. After a big meal, that smooth custard feels a lot easier to enjoy. It’s flavorful without being heavy, sweet without going overboard, and it brings a little variety to the dessert table.

One of the best perks: it’s a make-ahead dessert. Since flan needs several hours to chill, preparing it the night before keeps your holiday stress levels low.

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The Flavor Combo That Makes It a Hit

This dessert relies on a simple trio, which is pumpkin, warm spices, and caramel. The caramel adds a dark, glossy sweetness, the pumpkin gives the custard body, and the cinnamon and nutmeg bring that classic fall aroma. It’s familiar enough for traditionalists and interesting enough for people who like trying something new.

It’s also naturally gluten-free, which is a quiet lifesaver when you’re hosting a mixed crowd.

Easy Thanksgiving-Worthy Pumpkin Flan Recipe

Here’s a straightforward recipe that gives you that smooth, glossy, restaurant-style flan without any unnecessary drama.

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1. Serves: 6 to 8
2. Prep time: 20 minutes
3. Bake time: 1 hour
4. Chill time: At least 4 hours (overnight is best)

Ingredients

For the caramel:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

For the flan:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

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1. Heat your oven to 350°F and set a kettle of water to boil for the water bath.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture melts and turns a deep amber. Swirl gently but don’t stir.
3. Pour the caramel into a 9-inch round cake pan or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom.
4. In a bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the caramel.
6. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the flan pan.
7. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the center barely jiggles.
8. Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours.
9. When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge and invert onto a plate. The caramel will flow over the top.

Serving Tips That Make Life Easier

Serve pumpkin flan chilled. The cold helps it slice cleanly and gives that ultra-smooth texture. If you want to add a little extra flair, keep it simple. A scoop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few toasted pepitas adds just enough without overshadowing the custard.

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Pumpkin flan isn’t meant to replace the classics. It simply gives your dessert table a fresh option that still fits the mood of the holiday. It’s lighter, make-ahead friendly, and consistently impressive with very little effort.

Updating your Thanksgiving menu with a Latino dish like this keeps things exciting while still honoring the familiar flavors everyone shows up for.