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1
Preheat to oven 350u00b0F. Set a kettle of water to boil. Set an 8- or 9-inch cake (or pie) pan with 2-inch high sides inside of a larger baking pan (such as 13x9).
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2
In a small sauce pan over medium-low heat, melt sugar until completely dissolved. Watch carefully so it does not burn. You may swirl the pan to stir. Remove from heat when it is a dark golden, amber color.
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3
Immediately pour the melted sugar into the bottom of the cake pan, working quickly before it hardens. Set aside.
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4
In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese to ensure that it's smooth and lump-free. Add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
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5
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure there are no lumps. Pour the strained custard into the cake pan over the sugar caramel. Add boiling water to the larger pan. It should come up the sides about 1 inch deep. The cake pan will be sitting in a water bath.
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6
Bake for 1 hour, or until set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the middle. Remove from oven and let the flan cool in the water bath, about 1 hour. Once cool, refrigerate at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
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7
When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges to loosen. Set a plate over the flan and flip upside-down to invert. Slice into wedges and serve.
