If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel both rustic and elegant, then this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine fresh, juicy cherries nestled in a tender, custard-like baked batter that’s so delightful it almost melts in your mouth. This classic French dessert strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it an absolute joy to prepare and share with friends or family. The combination of warm cherries and a delicate vanilla-almond infused batter creates a timeless treat that’s sure to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen thoughtfully to contribute to that perfect harmony of flavor and texture, from the rich eggs and creamy milk to the burst of sweetness from the cherries.
- 3 large eggs: Provide the structure and richness that give clafoutis its custardy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the fruit.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for that tender bake.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Ensures the right thickness and slight fluffiness in the final dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a fragrant and warm aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Amplifies the cherry flavor with a lovely nutty undertone.
- 2 cups fresh pitted cherries: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy sweetness for every bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Needed to generously grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding subtle richness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting that adds a touch of elegance just before serving.
How to Make Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan. This is an important step to ensure your clafoutis doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and frothy. This aeration is key to developing a light texture in your finished clafoutis.
Step 3: Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Add the whole milk, all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you choose to use it. Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly until your batter is smooth and free of any lumps. A silky batter is the foundation of a perfectly tender bake.
Step 4: Pre-bake the Batter Base
Pour a thin layer of the batter into your buttered dish and bake it for 5 minutes. This quick pre-bake firms up the base slightly, helping the fruit to stay suspended throughout the custard rather than sinking.
Step 5: Add the Cherries and Finish Baking
Remove the dish from the oven and scatter the fresh, pitted cherries evenly across the surface. Pour the rest of the batter gently over the cherries, making sure they’re well-covered but still visible. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the clafoutis is puffed up, golden on top, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let your clafoutis cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar, if desired. This gives it a pretty finish without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the cherries. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
How to Serve Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic way to add a touch of elegance, but you can also enhance the clafoutis with a sprig of fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream to create a truly inviting presentation. For those who love contrast, a drizzle of crème fraîche adds just the right amount of tanginess.
Side Dishes
Though this dessert shines on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad complements the warm, custardy texture beautifully. A cup of strong coffee or a fruity dessert wine also elevates the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving several guests, consider making mini clafoutis in individual ramekins for a charming personalized touch. You can also customize the recipe by swapping cherries with seasonal berries or stone fruits, making it adaptable and exciting each time you bring it to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover clafoutis keeps well when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain that custardy softness and fresh cherry flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe, as the texture of the custard and fruit tends to suffer, becoming watery or grainy after thawing.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in the oven at a low temperature, about 300°F (150°C), until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery. Reheating this way helps to revive the clafoutis’ soft, baked charm beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe?
While fresh cherries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from thinning the batter.
Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you want to enhance the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note. If you don’t have it, the clafoutis will still be delicious with just vanilla extract.
Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy option?
Yes, you can use almond or oat milk as a substitute to keep the recipe dairy-free, but it might slightly change the texture and richness. Using full-fat non-dairy milk works best.
How do I know when my clafoutis is done baking?
Look for a golden, puffed surface and a knife inserted in the center that comes out clean. The clafoutis should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center, resembling a custard.
Can I use other fruits besides cherries?
Absolutely! This Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is versatile. Blueberries, raspberries, plums, and apricots all work wonderfully and offer a fresh twist to the classic.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is a gem that perfectly marries simplicity and graceful flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet evening or impressing guests with a rustic French dessert, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to get these ingredients out and bake up a batch—you’ll discover just how delightful cherries can be when enveloped in such a tender, custardy embrace.
Print
Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French dessert featuring fresh cherries baked in a smooth, custard-like batter. This cherry clafoutis is simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and offers a delightful balance of sweet fruit and creamy texture, perfect for a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Fruit and Finishing
- 2 cups fresh pitted cherries (or blueberries or raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and frothy. Add the milk, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, then whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Set Base Layer: Pour a thin layer of the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 5 minutes. This step helps to slightly set the bottom layer before adding fruit.
- Add Fruit and Remaining Batter: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly scatter the fresh pitted cherries over the partially set batter. Pour the remaining batter over the fruit, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake to Finish: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the clafoutis is puffed up, golden on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the clafoutis cool slightly. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh, pitted cherries for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or stone fruits like plums or apricots as preferred.
- Almond extract is optional but enhances the cherry flavor well.
- Clafoutis has a custard-like texture and is best enjoyed the same day it’s made.
