Chocoflan Recipe (Pastel Imposible) – Foolproof & Flavorful

Chocoflan is a magical dessert where flan and chocolate cake switch places while baking.
It’s rich, creamy, and has that signature flip that impresses every time. If you’ve ever wanted to master this Mexican showstopper, this foolproof recipe is the one.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Smart Substitutes)

Chocoflan Recipe Ingredients Breakdown

For the flan:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk,
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 4 eggs,
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract.

For the cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (or your favorite homemade recipe),
• 3 eggs,
• 1/2 cup oil,
• 1 1/4 cups water.

For the caramel:

1/2 cup sugar (or pre-made dulce de leche).
Tools: 10-inch bundt pan, roasting pan, foil, nonstick baking spray.

No Cream Cheese? No Problem

Yes, you can make chocoflan recipe without cream cheese. Just skip it from the flan base—your texture will be slightly lighter, but the flavor still holds strong. This works great if you want something a bit less dense.

Gluten-Free, Keto & Vegan Options

Gluten-Free: Swap cake mix with a certified gluten-free mix.
Keto: Use almond flour-based cake and stevia for the flan.
Vegan: Substitute plant-based milk and flax eggs for the flan, and use egg-free cake mix.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Chocoflan

1. Make the Caramel
Melt 1/2 cup of sugar over low heat until it turns golden, and pour it into your bundt pan. Swirl gently to coat the bottom evenly. If you’re using dulce de leche, just spread a thin layer at the base.

2. Blend the Flan Layer
In a blender, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour gently over the caramel layer.

Pro tip: pour over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the caramel.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter
Mix your chocolate cake ingredients as directed on the box. Don’t overmix—just blend until combined. This helps keep the cake fluffy and light.

4. Assemble with the “Magic Flip”
Carefully pour the cake batter over the flan layer. It’ll float, but that’s what you want! The layers will swap places in the oven during baking.

5. Use a Water Bath for Perfect Texture
Place your bundt pan into a roasting pan and fill it halfway with hot water. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. The water bath ensures a creamy flan and prevents cracks.

6. Bake, Chill, and Flip Like a Pro
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best). To unmold: run a spatula around the edges, dip the bottom in warm water, then flip.

Mini Chocoflan, Cupcakes & Cake Mix Variations

Mini Chocoflan Recipe (Single-Serve Style)
Yes, you can make chocoflan recipe in ramekins or muffin tins. Reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness.

Chocoflan Cupcakes: Worth the Work?
They take more effort but are total show-stoppers. Use a cupcake pan with liners and layer flan and cake batter just like the full version. Chill fully before unmolding.

Using Boxed Cake Mix
Boxed cake works just fine and saves time. Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, or any chocolate variety will do. Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for deeper flavor.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Why Did My Chocoflan Crack or Stick?
Cracking happens when you skip the water bath or overbake. Sticking is usually from under-spraying the pan or not letting it cool completely.

How to Unstick a Chocoflan
Run a thin offset spatula along the sides, freeze for 15 minutes, then flip. You can also warm the bottom of the pan briefly over hot water to loosen it.

Serving, Garnishing, and Storing

How to Present Chocoflan Beautifully
Top with whipped cream, berries, or a drizzle of caramel. A dusting of powdered sugar and a mint sprig can elevate the look for parties.

Storing Leftovers the Right Way
Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Chocoflan tastes better the next day. You can freeze slices—just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chocoflan and magic cake?
Chocoflan and magic cake both change layers while baking, but chocoflan has a flan top and a chocolate cake base. Magic cake has three layers from one batter.

Can I use oil instead of butter in the cake?
Yes, oil gives a moist crumb. It’s a great option for boxed or homemade cakes.

How long should I chill chocoflan before flipping?
Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the cleaner your flip will be.

What size pan works best for chocoflan recipe?
A 10-inch nonstick bundt pan works best. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold both layers.

Is it possible to make chocoflan in the Instant Pot?
Yes, with ramekins or a small pan using the pot-in-pot method. Cut the bake time in half, but follow the same layering technique.

Can I skip the water bath?
Technically, yes, but you risk cracked flan and uneven texture. A water bath makes a big difference in results.

Final Thoughts: Making Chocoflan Your Signature Dessert

Once you master chocoflan, it’s a dessert you’ll be proud to bring anywhere. The dramatic flip, silky flan, and tender cake are worth every step. Try mini versions, experiment with red velvet, or keep it classic—either way, it’s unforgettable.