If you’re looking to impress your taste buds and guests with something uniquely charming yet effortlessly simple, this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful French dessert strikes the perfect balance between a baked custard and a fruit tart, bursting with juicy cherries nestled in a tender, creamy batter. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and the subtle tang of fresh cherries, making it an unforgettable comfort treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe plays an essential role, creating a silky texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color that shines through in every slice. These simple staples come together beautifully to make a dessert that is both elegant and approachable.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy base and soft texture for a luscious custard.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and enhances the silky mouthfeel.
- Large eggs: The backbone for structure, giving the clafoutis its custardy set.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to complement the cherries without overpowering them.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash elevates the flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall taste complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the batter just right, creating the perfect tender crumb.
- Fresh cherries (pitted): Juicy bursts of fruit that are the star of the show.
- Unsalted butter: For greasing the dish, ensuring an easy release and subtle buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting that adds visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or cast iron skillet to make sure your clafoutis doesn’t stick while adding a hint of buttery flavor to the edges. This step is so important for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This is the magic base of your custard that will envelop those luscious cherries.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Slowly sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until your batter is smooth and has a slightly thin consistency — just the right texture for a light yet rich clafoutis.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Spread the pitted cherries evenly over the bottom of your buttered dish. These juicy gems will provide bursts of flavor in every bite and create beautiful pockets of fruit within the custard.
Step 5: Pour the Batter Over Cherries
Carefully pour the batter over the cherries, making sure they’re well covered. This allows the cherries to stay juicy while the custard bakes to a delightful golden puffiness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the clafoutis is puffed up, beautifully golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool just a bit to allow the custard to set firmly but remain tender.
How to Serve Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Garnishes
Offering a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and a bit of extra sweetness. For a fresh pop of color and texture, a few whole cherries or a sprig of mint look lovely and inviting on top.
Side Dishes
To complement this luscious Cherry Clafoutis Recipe, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fresh berries or a simple green salad make a fresh contrast, making the dessert feel bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your clafoutis in individual ramekins or mini skillets, perfect for dinner parties or romantic dinners. You can also drizzle a bit of warm honey or a splash of cherry liqueur over the top for a boozy twist that elevates it to a special occasion treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Clafoutis Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and tenderness without the crust getting soggy.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze clafoutis if necessary. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave on a medium setting for a few seconds. This helps bring back that fresh-baked warmth and revives the custard’s soft, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries can work well, just make sure to thaw and drain them so they don’t release excess moisture that could make the clafoutis too wet.
Is it necessary to pit the cherries?
Traditional French clafoutis often uses unpitted cherries, but for ease of eating and safety, pitted cherries are recommended, especially if serving to kids or guests.
Can I substitute other fruits in this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe?
Definitely! Berries, apricots, or plums all make fantastic alternatives that pair wonderfully with the custard base.
What’s the texture of a clafoutis like?
Think somewhere between a flan and a pancake—the texture is creamy, custardy, and just a bit cake-like around the edges, with juicy fruit throughout.
Should I serve this dessert warm or cold?
It’s delightful either way, but warm or room temperature really brings out the flavors and keeps that custard nice and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Cherry Clafoutis Recipe with the people you love. It’s unexpectedly simple to prepare but feels like a heartfelt celebration on the plate. So go ahead, gather those fresh cherries, preheat your oven, and let this charming French dessert become your new favorite indulgence to warm both the heart and the belly.
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
Classic French clafoutis featuring juicy cherries baked in a creamy, custard-like batter. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal fruit and can be served warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
Other
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add flour: Gradually sift the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture while whisking continuously, ensuring a smooth and slightly thin batter without lumps.
- Arrange cherries: Spread the pitted fresh cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to ensure balanced fruit distribution in every bite.
- Pour batter over cherries: Carefully pour the smooth batter over the cherries, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the clafoutis to cool slightly after baking. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. This dessert is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Traditional clafoutis uses unpitted cherries, which add a subtle almond flavor; however, pitted cherries are easier and safer to eat.
- You can substitute cherries with other fruits such as berries, apricots, or plums for variety.
- Serve clafoutis on the day it’s baked for the best texture and flavor.
