Cherry Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert that’s both easy to make and delicious. This dish consists of fresh cherries baked in a rich, custard-like batter. It’s often served warm, dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
The beauty of Cherry Clafoutis lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, it transforms into a comforting treat. The cherries bring natural sweetness, while the custard offers a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a summer dessert, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Clafoutis
- Delicious and Sweet: Cherry clafoutis is a simple yet flavorful dessert. The combination of fresh cherries and a light, custardy batter makes it a treat for your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone in a rush to make something special.
- Rich in Nutrients: Cherries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, offering a healthier twist on your usual sweets. The fruit adds both taste and a nutritious touch to your dessert.
Ingredient Notes for Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis is a delicious French dessert made with simple ingredients that come together to create a sweet, custardy treat. Here’s what you will need:
- Fresh cherries: The star of the dish, fresh cherries bring a burst of sweetness and flavor. You can leave the pits in for an authentic touch or pit them if preferred.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the batter, making the Clafoutis smooth and velvety.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, giving the Clafoutis its custard-like texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the cherries.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the batter, allowing it to set correctly as it bakes.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Powdered sugar: Typically used for dusting on top before serving, giving a delicate finish to the dessert.
How to Make Cherry Clafoutis
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Prepare the cherries: Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and scatter them evenly in the greased dish.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Slowly add the flour and salt while continuing to whisk the mixture. Gradually pour in the milk and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter over the cherries in the baking dish, ensuring the fruit is covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the Clafoutis cool for about 10 minutes before serving, then dust with powdered sugar.
Cherry Clafoutis Variations
While the classic Cherry Clafoutis is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Fruit Variations: Instead of cherries, you can use other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. These alternatives add a unique twist to the dessert’s flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: To make a vegan Cherry Clafoutis, replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes thick) and use plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to replace regular all-purpose flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Serve Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis is best served slightly warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. Here are some ways to serve it:
- Plain: A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it look elegant and adds a touch of sweetness.
- With Whipped Cream: For an extra creamy texture, top the Clafoutis with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, fruity dessert.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries for added freshness and color.
Storage Tips
To keep your Cherry Clafoutis fresh, follow these storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within a day, you can store Cherry Clafoutis at room temperature. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
- In the Fridge: For more extended storage, place the Clafoutis in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about 2–3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for an extended period, Cherry Clafoutis can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
FAQs About Cherry Clafoutis
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones for Cherry Clafoutis?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen ones are a suitable alternative if fresh ones are not available.
Is Cherry Clafoutis gluten-free?
Traditional Cherry Clafoutis contains flour, so it is not naturally gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How should I store leftover Cherry Clafoutis?
Store leftover Cherry Clafoutis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for more extended storage, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Can I add other fruits to Cherry Clafoutis?
Yes, Cherry Clafoutis can be made with other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to complement the fruit you choose.
Classic Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Oven
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Prepare the cherries: Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and scatter them evenly in the greased dish.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the flour and salt while continuing to whisk. Gradually pour in the milk and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter over the cherries in the baking dish, ensuring the fruit is covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the Clafoutis cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar.
