If you’re looking to impress with something both elegant and effortlessly delicious, this Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy cherries nestled in a tender, lightly sweetened custard that’s baked to golden perfection; it feels like a warm hug from the French countryside. The balance of simple ingredients creates a dish that’s deceptively easy yet endlessly satisfying, offering a little bit of rustic charm and a lot of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect texture and flavor combination. They’re pantry staples that come together beautifully, making this dessert as simple as it is impressive.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps create the custard base that’s smooth and luscious.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that sets the clafoutis and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle hint that enhances the cherry’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the clafoutis structure while keeping it soft and tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Complements the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries: The star of the show, bursting with juicy fruitiness and color.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing): Ensures your dish comes out cleanly and adds a touch of richness.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and impart a subtle buttery flavor to the crust’s edge.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Whisk this mixture until it’s velvety smooth. Then, add in the all-purpose flour and salt, whisking again until the batter is lump-free and beautifully blended. This silky batter is the heart of your clafoutis.
Step 3: Parbake the Batter
Pour a thin layer of the batter into your prepared dish and bake it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s just slightly set. This crucial step helps create a delicate base for the cherries and ensures your dessert bakes evenly without sinking.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Remove the partially baked batter from the oven and evenly scatter your fresh or frozen pitted cherries over the surface. Their vibrant color will peek through once the full batter is added, promising that iconic look and luscious bite.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cherries, making sure they’re fully covered. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden puffed edge and a center that’s set—the knife test is perfect here. If a skewer comes out clean, your clafoutis is ready!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the dessert to cool for at least 15 minutes to let it settle. Right before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe tastes fantastic warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, so you can serve it just the way you like.
How to Serve Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish without stealing the spotlight. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness and an inviting finish. For an extra indulgence, a spoonful of whipped cream or crème fraîche adds a creamy counterpoint to the baked cherries and custard.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can take the clafoutis to the next level. On brunch days, a fresh green salad or crisp bacon provides a fantastic balance to the sweetness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
To add a bit of flair, serve individual portions in cute ramekins instead of one big dish—perfect for dinner parties or intimate gatherings. You can also sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves on top to add texture and a fresh aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Clafoutis is a great make-ahead dessert. After it cools completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and maintains its excellent texture for up to three days, making it perfect for busy days when you want something ready to enjoy quickly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the clafoutis unbaked for optimal texture. You can prepare the batter and assemble the dessert, then freeze it covered in the baking dish. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked clafoutis doesn’t freeze as well, as the custard texture can become grainy.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. For a crisper top, reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, it tastes almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully and make this dessert accessible year-round. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to keep the custard from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries at all. Almond extract is optional and only used to subtly enhance the cherry flavor. You can skip it, and your clafoutis will still be delicious and authentic.
Is Cherry Clafoutis gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking if you need to keep it gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the whole milk for almond milk or another favorite dairy-free option. The texture might shift slightly but the flavors will remain wonderfully inviting.
Why do some recipes keep the cherry pits in?
Classic French clafoutis often uses whole cherries with pits because the pits release a subtle almond flavor during baking. Most people prefer pitted cherries for ease of eating, and it makes no big difference to the overall taste if you’re adding almond extract.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm embrace from French tradition, this Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe is your answer. Its simplicity, elegance, and bursting cherry flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual brunch or a special occasion, this timeless dessert deserves a spot on your table. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of your favorite desserts to share again and again.
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Cherry Clafoutis – A Timeless French Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert featuring a delicate, baked custard infused with fresh or frozen cherries. This timeless treat combines a smooth, vanilla- and almond-scented batter with juicy cherries, baked to a golden, puffed finish. Easy to prepare and perfect for brunch or dessert, it can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, and is traditionally dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Clafoutis Batter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Finishing
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (sweet or tart)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and to help the clafoutis develop a beautiful crust.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, continuing to whisk until the batter is free of lumps and has a velvety consistency.
- Partially Bake the Base: Pour a thin layer of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake this for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the batter is slightly set but not fully cooked. This step helps to keep the cherries suspended in the custard rather than sinking to the bottom.
- Add the Cherries: Remove the partially baked base from the oven, and evenly arrange the fresh or frozen pitted cherries over the set batter layer.
- Pour Remaining Batter and Bake: Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cherries to cover them evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis has puffed up, turned golden around the edges, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the clafoutis to cool for at least 15 minutes to set before serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic finish. This dessert can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for any season.
Notes
- Traditionally, clafoutis is made using whole cherries with pits to impart a subtle almond flavor, but for convenience, pitted cherries are perfectly suitable.
- Ideal for brunch or as a dessert, this dish pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or crème fraîche to enhance its richness.
- Use either fresh or frozen cherries depending on the season and availability.
- To ensure even cooking, use a 9-inch baking dish as recommended.
