Clafoutis Recipe
Imagine biting into a dessert where juicy cherries sink into a creamy, pancake-like batter—welcome to Clafoutis, a classic French favorite that strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and delicate flavor. This irresistible treat brings together just a handful of pantry basics and fresh, seasonal fruit to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re celebrating cherry season or simply want an easy yet elegant finale to your meal, Clafoutis never fails to delight with its tender crumb, golden edges, and dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Clafoutis is a testament to the beauty of simplicity: each ingredient plays a key role in creating that custardy, lightly sweetened texture with a hint of vanilla. The magic lies in how these staples transform together, so choose the freshest cherries you can find and savor how everything else brings it together!
- Eggs: These provide the backbone for the custard and make your clafoutis irresistible moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the batter and highlight the cherries’ natural juices.
- Whole milk: For a deliciously creamy texture and rich flavor throughout the dessert.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the batter structure, helping it puff and set around the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the custard’s aroma and complements the cherries beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Fresh cherries (pitted): The star of the show! Juicy, slightly tart, and a pop of color with every bite.
- Unsalted butter (for greasing): Helps your clafoutis easily release after baking and adds a rich, buttery note to every slice.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The perfect finishing touch for a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful look.
How to Make Clafoutis
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Cherries
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round baking or pie dish, then generously grease it with butter. Scatter your pitted cherries evenly on the bottom—no layering needed, just tumble them in so each piece gets a bite of fruit. This step ensures every forkful of clafoutis comes with a juicy burst!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, slightly frothy, and pale yellow. This bit of air makes the clafoutis extra tender! Add milk, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until your batter is smooth and lump-free; it should look like a thin pancake batter.
Step 3: Assemble and Pour
Carefully pour the batter over the cherries in your greased dish, making sure the fruit stays evenly distributed. The batter will be thin, and that’s exactly what you want—it sets up just right as it bakes, enveloping every cherry in a soft, custardy cloud.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the clafoutis is puffed, golden around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little moisture is okay—it is custardy, after all). The aroma at this point is absolute heaven!
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Let your clafoutis cool for about 10 to 15 minutes so the custard can set and it’s easier to slice. Before serving, give it a generous dusting of powdered sugar for that irresistible, bakery-style finish. Serve warm or at room temperature—both are pure delight.
How to Serve Clafoutis
Garnishes
There’s nothing wrong with classic powdered sugar, but let’s have some fun! Try topping your Clafoutis with a dollop of softly whipped cream, a cloud of crème fraîche, or a scattering of toasted sliced almonds. Vanilla ice cream is also welcome for an extra-luxurious touch.
Side Dishes
While Clafoutis shines as a solo star, it makes a beautiful pairing with fruit salads, lemony yogurt, or even a handful of fresh berries alongside. For a coffee break treat, serve it with espresso or black tea for pure European café vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins make adorable, single-serving Clafoutis—guests love having their own. For a playful twist, use a mix of stone fruits or summer berries in place of cherries to create a colorful mosaic. Mini tartlets, baked in muffin tins, are perfect for picnics or brunch spreads and just as delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Clafoutis, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for a perfectly satisfying snack later!
Freezing
Clafoutis can be frozen, though the texture will become a bit softer once thawed. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. This will revive the custard’s creamy texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for Clafoutis?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to your dish to avoid extra liquid in the batter. You’ll still get that classic Clafoutis flavor with a bit more convenience.
How do I keep the batter lump-free?
Whisk your wet and dry ingredients together slowly, and if you’re unsure, strain the batter through a fine mesh sieve for complete smoothness. This little step makes the texture unforgettable!
Can Clafoutis be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, though the dessert may end up a bit less rich. Opt for almond or oat milk for a pleasant flavor that blends well with cherries.
Is Clafoutis meant to be served hot or cold?
Either works! Many people love it slightly warm for maximum creaminess, but it’s also delicious at room temperature, especially on a summer day. Serve it your favorite way.
Do I have to pit the cherries?
For a true traditional Clafoutis, unpitted cherries are used to add subtle almond notes. However, most people prefer pitted cherries for easier eating, especially if serving children.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts capture the essence of summer and simple French baking like Clafoutis. If you haven’t tried it yet, gather some fresh cherries and let this charming classic become your new go-to treat. It’s easy, elegant, and guaranteed to make any day a little sweeter!
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Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic French dessert with this easy-to-follow clafoutis recipe. A baked custard studded with juicy cherries, this dish is perfect for a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Eggs:
- 3 large eggs
Sugar:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk
Flour:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cherries:
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
Butter:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
Powdered Sugar:
- for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or pie dish with the butter.
- Prepare the cherries: Spread the pitted cherries evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Add the milk, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the clafoutis: Pour the batter over the cherries in the dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finish and serve: Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a more traditional touch, use unpitted cherries, which impart a subtle almond flavor.
- You can also substitute other fruits such as berries, apricots, or plums.
- Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
