Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as stunning as it is simple, look no further than Easy Cherry Clafoutis. This classic French treat embraces succulent cherries nestled in a delicate, custardy batter that rises and browns beautifully in the oven. Bursting with flavor and perfectly sweet, this homemade marvel transforms humble ingredients into a showstopper for any occasion. The best part? You’ll feel like a pastry chef in your own kitchen, even if it’s your first time baking a clafoutis!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward these ingredients are, yet each one plays a key role in the flavor and magic of this Easy Cherry Clafoutis. Their simplicity highlights the cherries and brings out the custard’s silky texture and golden color, making this dessert effortlessly irresistible.
- Whole milk: Lends a rich, creamy base to the custard; don’t substitute with lower fat milk for best texture.
- Large eggs: The backbone of the batter, providing structure and a smooth, silky consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the custard and help the cherries shine.
- Vanilla extract: Adds inviting warmth and depth to the dessert’s flavor profile.
- Salt: This tiny pinch makes all the flavors sing and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Whisked in to thicken the batter into its signature pancake-like pourable texture.
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries: The vibrant heart of this recipe; use fresh for classic results, or frozen (thawed and drained) for year-round ease.
- Unsalted butter (for greasing): Ensures a golden, crisp edge and prevents any sticking.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A gentle dusting adds bakery-style appeal right before serving.
How to Make Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round or oval baking dish. This buttery layer is more than just insurance against sticking; it also helps the edges caramelize to a gorgeous golden brown as the clafoutis bakes.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve. This step infuses the whole batter with the vanilla’s warmth and sets the stage for the custard’s signature texture.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually sprinkle in the flour while continuing to whisk. You’re aiming for a thin, pancake-like batter with no lumps. Take your time; a few extra whisks now pay off with a delightfully tender and airy clafoutis later.
Step 4: Arrange the Cherries
Spread the cherries evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if they overlap or roll around—a bit of imperfection just adds to this Easy Cherry Clafoutis’s rustic charm. Using pitted cherries keeps serving a breeze and lets every bite be about that sweet, juicy fruit.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the batter over the cherries so it covers them completely. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the clafoutis is puffed, stunningly golden at the edges, and set in the center. Let it cool slightly—it smells heavenly, but a few minutes’ rest lets the custard settle for perfect slices.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. This simple finish brings out the clafoutis’s elegant look, making it feel even more special.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Garnishes
A light shower of powdered sugar is classic, but you can dress up Easy Cherry Clafoutis with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a few extra fresh cherries on top. Each finishing touch enhances the dessert’s creamy texture and bright, fruity flavors.
Side Dishes
For brunch, serve clafoutis alongside a vibrant fruit salad or a crisp green salad with citrusy vinaigrette to balance the sweet. As a dessert, pair it with strong, hot coffee or a pour of chilled dessert wine, letting this delicate treat shine without competition.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Cherry Clafoutis in the rustic baking dish for that straight-from-the-oven French country feel, or cut it into wedges and plate with a drizzle of cherry syrup for extra flair. For dinner parties, bake in individual ramekins and top each with a sprig of mint for a table-ready delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled clafoutis with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors often deepen even more overnight!
Freezing
Clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions if needed. Let the clafoutis cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture may be slightly softer after freezing, the flavors remain wonderful.
Reheating
Warm slices of Easy Cherry Clafoutis in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave gently, just until heated through. A quick reheat revives the custard’s creaminess and brings out those juicy cherry bursts once again.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in Easy Cherry Clafoutis?
Absolutely! While cherries are traditional and iconic, you can substitute with plums, apricots, berries, or even thinly sliced apples or pears. The custardy batter loves just about any juicy, seasonal fruit.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen cherries?
Either works beautifully. Fresh cherries offer the purest flavor, but frozen, thawed, and drained cherries make this Easy Cherry Clafoutis possible year-round with very little fuss.
Do I need to pit the cherries?
Pitted cherries are best for easy serving and eating—you won’t have to warn guests about the pits! However, traditional clafoutis sometimes uses whole cherries, which adds an almond-like flavor thanks to the pits.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute for greasing. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly, but it’s worth experimenting if you have dietary needs.
Why did my clafoutis deflate after baking?
Clafoutis naturally puffs during baking and may deflate a bit as it cools—that’s completely normal! The slight settle just means you’ll have a creamy, custardy dessert with golden edges and plenty of rich cherry flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the rustic elegance of Easy Cherry Clafoutis for yourself. Whether you’re baking it for a crowd or sneaking slices from the fridge with your morning coffee, this dessert truly celebrates the magic in simple ingredients. Give it a try and let each sweet bite transport you to the French countryside—no passport required!
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Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Easy Cherry Clafoutis, a classic French dessert that combines sweet cherries with a light custard-like batter. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Clafoutis:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
For Greasing:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Dusting (optional):
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9-inch round or oval baking dish.
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a thin, pancake-like batter.
- Assemble the clafoutis: Spread the cherries evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the batter over the cherries.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed, set in the center, and golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This dessert is traditionally made with whole cherries, but you can use pitted for easier eating.
- Frozen cherries work well—just thaw and drain them first.
- Clafoutis is best served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
