Upside-Down Carrot Cake with Chocolate Flan
Desserts

Upside-Down Carrot Cake with Chocolate Flan

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated September 19, 2026

A showstopping layered dessert that pairs a fluffy carrot cake with a silky chocolate flan, all draped in golden caramel. When you flip it onto the plate, the real magic is revealed — a guaranteed conversation starter at any table.

Prep⏱️ 60 min
Servings👥 15 servings
Difficulty📊 Medium
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🛒 Ingredients

15 servings

15
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, divided (3 for the cake, 3 for the flan)
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1¾ cups (400 ml) whole milk
  • ¾ cup (80 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup (150 g) sugar + ⅓ cup (80 ml) water for the caramel

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 390 °F (200 °C). Fill a large roasting pan with hot water for the water bath.

  2. 2

    In a blender, combine the oil, carrots, and 3 eggs. Blend until completely smooth and vibrantly orange.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Fold in the carrot mixture with a spatula until a lump-free batter forms.

  4. 4

    Make the caramel: heat ¾ cup sugar with the water in a saucepan over medium heat without stirring until it turns deep amber. Immediately pour into a well-greased bundt pan.

  5. 5

    Rinse the blender, then blend the condensed milk, whole milk, remaining 3 eggs, and cocoa powder until silky smooth.

  6. 6

    Gently pour the chocolate flan mixture over the caramel, then carefully spoon the carrot batter on top.

  7. 7

    Set the bundt pan in the roasting pan, slide into the oven, and bake 55–65 minutes until a skewer inserted in the cake layer comes out clean.

  8. 8

    Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours. Run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate — the glossy flan will crown the top, bathed in caramel.

💡 Chef's Tip

For flawless slices, chill overnight before unmolding. Cold temperature firms the flan and lets the caramel release cleanly. Serve cold straight from the fridge for the best texture and contrast.