Clafoutis is a quintessentially French dessert that marries the creamy texture of flan with the puffy, light characteristics of a Dutch baby. This classic version features juicy cherries embedded in a sweet, custardy batter, creating a dish that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. With its straightforward preparation and rustic charm, this clafoutis offers a taste of French elegance perfect for any dessert table.
Why You'll Love This: This Cherry Clafoutis is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. The batter, with its light and airy texture, perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries, resulting in a balanced and satisfying dessert. The ease of preparation makes this a go-to recipe for those seeking a dessert that is both uncomplicated and impressively delightful. Its versatile nature means it can be enjoyed warm or cool, making it suitable for any season or occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Clafoutis is ideal for a relaxed brunch, an afternoon tea, or as a refined dessert at dinner parties. It’s particularly fitting during the cherry season when the fruit’s flavor is at its peak, but you can also prepare it with other fruits like apricots, plums, or berries for a delightful twist. This dish is sure to charm guests with its comforting flavors and homey appearance.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust the clafoutis with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a professional pastry look.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm cherries.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tart flavors.
- A drizzle of almond extract or amaretto over the finished dessert can enhance the almond-like notes that cherries naturally possess.
Ingredients:
- 360 g pitted cherries
- 3 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 225 g milk
- 98 g flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until fluffy and light in color.
- Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the flour to avoid lumps, creating a slightly runny batter.
- Place the pitted cherries in the buttered baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Pour the batter over the cherries, making sure all the cherries are covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the clafoutis is set and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, though it can also be enjoyed cold.
Enjoy this sumptuous Cherry Clafoutis, a dessert that brings a touch of French sophistication to any meal!