Celebrate the peak of cherry season with a sumptuous twist on a French classic—Chocolate Cherry Clafouti. This rich and velvety dessert combines the juicy, tart freshness of cherries with the luxurious depth of chocolate, baked into a tender, custard-like batter. Prepared in a traditional ceramic dish, this clafouti emerges with a beautifully browned top, offering a delectable contrast to its soft, pudding-like interior.
Why You’ll Love This:
This Chocolate Cherry Clafouti is an absolute treat for the senses. The sweetness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the indulgent chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. Its texture is wonderfully delicate, making each bite a delightful experience. This dessert not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes.
Perfect Occasion:
This dessert is perfect for any gathering where you want to impress, from casual summer picnics to more formal dinner parties. It’s also a fantastic choice for holidays and family reunions, providing a sweet centerpiece that everyone can gather around and enjoy. Serve it at brunch for a decadent start to the day, or as a stunning finale to an evening meal.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate your Chocolate Cherry Clafouti, consider garnishing it with almond petals before baking for a subtle crunch and elegant look. Once baked and cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light chocolate sauce to enhance its visual appeal. Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream not only adds a cool contrast but also complements the warm, rich flavors of the clafouti.
Ingredients:
- Cherries: 500-700 grams, preferably with pits for enhanced flavor
- Dough:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 190 grams of flour
- 30 grams of cocoa powder
- 70-80 grams of sugar
- 7 grams of baking powder (about 1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract
- For the baking dish:
- Butter (for greasing)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by heating your oven to 175-180 degrees Celsius.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 26 cm ceramic dish with butter and sprinkle sugar evenly to coat the entire surface.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, and a dash of vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until you achieve a consistency slightly thicker than pancake batter.
- Assemble the Clafouti:
- Place the cherries in the prepared dish, ensuring the bottom is completely covered. Gently pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring even distribution. Optionally, sprinkle almond petals on top for decoration.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the clafouti is well-browned and set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the clafouti to cool completely in the dish. This dessert is best enjoyed cool, as it sets into a firm, custard-like texture. Serve as is, or with a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
Enjoy this luxurious Chocolate Cherry Clafouti, a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a cherished recipe during cherry season!
