Strawberries and Flan Impossible Cake

A Symphony of Flavor: Strawberries and Flan Impossible Cake

Ditch the ordinary and embark on a delightful adventure with the Strawberries and Flan Impossible Cake! This dessert is a showstopper, bursting with layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla flan, and a luscious cajeta caramel sauce. To top it all off, fresh strawberries add a burst of vibrant color and refreshing sweetness. It's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, perfect for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth.

What Makes This Cake "Impossible"?

The name might be deceiving – this cake is surprisingly easy to make! "Impossible" refers to the seemingly magical way the layers bake together seamlessly, creating a stunning three-layered masterpiece. But fear not, with a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create this restaurant-worthy dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients to Build Your Impossible Dream:

• Caramel Canvas:
• 1 cup sugar: Forms the base of the rich and decadent caramel sauce.
• ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and achieve the perfect consistency.
• Luscious Flan:
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and body to the flan layer.
• 1 package (8 oz) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed and softened: Provides a luxurious richness to the flan.
• 4 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and creates a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the flan with a fragrant vanilla flavor.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the flan without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chocolate Cake (Important Note: Do not use a pudding cake mix):
• 1 package (2-layer size) white cake mix: Provides the base for the moist chocolate cake. You can doctor up the cake mix with a box of instant chocolate pudding mix for an extra chocolatey flavor (optional).
• Strawberry Delight:
• 1 package (3 oz) JELL-O strawberry flavored gelatin: Adds a vibrant strawberry flavor and sets the flan layer.
• 8 fresh strawberries: The crowning touch, offering a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Impossible Cake Perfection:

1. Craft the Caramel Canvas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sugar and water together for 10 minutes. The key here is patience! Resist the urge to stir the mixture. Let it bubble and simmer until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep, shiny brown color. Once it reaches that perfect caramel stage, immediately pour the hot caramel mixture into a greased 12-cup fluted tube pan. Tilt the pan to ensure an even layer of caramel coats the bottom. Set the pan aside.
2. Prepare the Luscious Flan: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining cup of sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
3. The Cake Batter with a Twist: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. Here's where the magic happens! Stir in the dry strawberry gelatin mix to the cake batter. This incorporates the vibrant strawberry flavor throughout the cake layer.
4. Assembling the Masterpiece: Now comes the fun part – building your masterpiece! Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared tube pan. Then, gently pour the creamy flan mixture over the caramel layer. Finally, top it all off with the prepared chocolate cake batter.
5. A Water Bath Bake: To ensure even baking, we'll use a water bath technique. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, making sure the sprayed side faces down to prevent sticking. Then, place the covered tube pan inside a larger baking pan. Add enough water to the larger pan to reach about halfway up the sides of the tube pan. This water bath creates a gentle steaming effect, promoting even cooking of the cake.
6. Baking to Impossible Perfection: Bake the cake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Patience is key here as well! Let the cake cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. Resist the urge to dig in right away – the cake needs time to set!
7. Chilled and Ready to Serve: Once the cake is cool, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This allows the flan layer to set completely, ensuring a perfect slice every time.
8. The Grand Finale: Now comes the moment of truth! Loosen the cake from the sides of the pan with a knife. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a plate and remove the pan.
9. Serve and Savor the Impossible: Garnish your creation with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an extra touch of elegance and visual flair. Slice and serve this masterpiece, and prepare to be amazed by the symphony of flavors and textures in every delightful bite! The rich chocolate cake complements the creamy vanilla flan beautifully, while the cajeta caramel sauce adds a decadent touch. And of course, the fresh strawberries bring a burst of vibrant color and refreshing sweetness, completing this flavor explosion in every mouthful.

Tips and Variations:

• Doctoring Up the Cake Mix (Optional): As mentioned earlier, you can add a box of instant chocolate pudding mix to the cake batter along with the strawberry gelatin mix for an extra chocolatey flavor boost.
• Strawberry Swirl: If you prefer a more distinct strawberry flavor, set aside a small amount of the prepared cake batter before adding the strawberry gelatin mix. Once you've poured the caramel and flan layers, add dollops of the plain cake batter alternating with dollops of the strawberry cake batter. Then, swirl the batter gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
• A Nutty Twist: For an added textural element, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter before folding in the strawberry gelatin mix. The nuts will add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Gluten-Free Twist: This recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Storing Leftovers: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the cake from drying out.

Beyond the Recipe: Creative Inspiration

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to inspire your own creative twists:

• Chocolate Flan: For a richer and deeper flavor profile, substitute chocolate cream cheese for the regular cream cheese in the flan mixture. You can also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the flan mixture for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Fruity Variations: Don't limit yourself to strawberries! Feel free to experiment with other fruits you love, such as blueberries, peaches, or mangoes. Simply substitute the strawberry gelatin mix with another flavor that complements your chosen fruit.
• Spiced Perfection: For a warm and festive twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. This is a perfect variation for the holiday season.

With a little creativity and these tips, you can transform this Strawberries and Flan Impossible Cake into endless flavor variations. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a dessert that's not only delicious but also visually stunning!