Cherry Clafoutis is a beautifully rustic French dessert that strikes the perfect balance between a flan and a Dutch baby pancake. It’s soft, custardy, and studded with juicy cherries, making each bite an explosion of fruity sweetness with a velvety texture. The golden-baked top has a slight crisp, contrasting perfectly with the rich, creamy interior. This dessert is ideal for anyone who appreciates simple yet elegant dishes that celebrate seasonal fruit. Clafoutis may look fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect go-to for both weeknight treats and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe for its ease and simplicity, despite how impressive it looks when served. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a stunning dessert that feels sophisticated yet homey. The custardy batter creates a smooth, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the tartness and juiciness of the cherries. Plus, this recipe can be adapted for any fruit you have on hand, making it versatile. The subtle sweetness combined with the light vanilla flavor makes it a dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea or as a standalone star at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion:
Cherry Clafoutis is perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or as a light, elegant dessert for family meals. It’s especially great during cherry season when the fruit is fresh and abundant. Whether you’re hosting a French-themed evening or simply want to try a new dessert, Clafoutis brings a touch of Europe to your table with minimal effort. It’s also a fantastic option when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Decoration Tips:
To add a touch of flair, dust the top of your Clafoutis with powdered sugar right before serving. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added indulgence. For extra color and texture, garnish with a few fresh cherries on top or around the dish. A sprig of mint can also add a pop of freshness and contrast to the dessert’s rich flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or honey over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 360g Pitted Cherries
- 3 Eggs
- 60g Sugar
- 225g Milk
- 98g All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
Method:
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a smooth, custard-like texture in the final dish.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the milk and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, stirring gently until everything is fully combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually sift the flour into the wet mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The resulting batter will be fairly thin, which is exactly what you want for Clafoutis.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously butter the pan you plan to use for baking. A ceramic or glass pie dish works well for this recipe, but any shallow, ovenproof dish will do.
- Assemble the Clafoutis: Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the buttered dish. Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring that the fruit is well-distributed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Clafoutis for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean when it's done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Clafoutis to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the custard time to set.
Enjoy!