Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Caramel

   Pour 200g of sugar into a saucepan. Place it over medium heat and wait until the sugar starts to melt and caramelize around the edges. Once the edges are melting, stir continuously with a wooden spoon until all the sugar is melted, translucent, and a beautiful golden-brown color. Be careful not to burn it.

2. 2.Make Liquid Caramel

   Turn off the heat. Carefully add 125ml of boiling water to the caramel while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble and seize, but keep stirring until it becomes a smooth, liquid caramel sauce. Let it cool completely.

3. 3.Prepare the Flan Base

   In a large bowl, combine 4 egg yolks, 400g of condensed milk, 400ml of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the zest of half a lemon. Whisk everything together until well combined. Then, add 100g of shredded coconut and mix again.

4. 4.Prepare the Egg White Foam

   In a separate clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites with an electric mixer. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar while continuing to beat until the egg whites are foamy and hold soft peaks, but not stiff like a meringue.

5. 5.Combine Mixtures

   Gently fold the beaten egg white foam into the flan base mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to deflate the egg whites too much.

6. 6.Assemble and Bake

   Pour the cooled liquid caramel into a 24 cm round baking mold, spreading it evenly over the bottom and slightly up the sides. Then, pour the combined flan mixture over the caramel. Place the mold inside a larger baking tray. Fill the larger tray with boiling water, creating a bain-marie. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. 7.Cool and Unmold

   Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and the bain-marie. Let it cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the flan overnight to allow it to set properly. The next day, gently shake the mold to loosen the flan from the sides. Place a serving plate on top of the mold and carefully invert it to unmold the flan onto the plate.

8. 8.Garnish and Serve

   Optionally, garnish the top of the coconut flan with additional coconut flakes. Slice and serve this delicious two-layered dessert.