Description
Classic Cherry Clafoutis is an elegant French dessert featuring sweet, juicy cherries baked in a delicate vanilla custard batter. With golden edges and a soft, creamy center, this easy homemade dessert is delicious served warm with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted or unpitted
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 pinch salt
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Wash and dry the cherries, removing the stems and pits if desired. Arrange the cherries evenly in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract, optional almond extract, whole milk, melted butter, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should resemble thin pancake batter.
- Carefully pour the custard batter over the cherries, distributing it evenly throughout the baking dish. Some cherries may float toward the surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, the surface is slightly puffed, and the center is set with a gentle wobble. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes. The dessert will naturally settle and deflate slightly as it cools.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy slightly warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Cherry preparation: Pitted cherries make the dessert easier to eat. Traditional French clafoutis sometimes uses unpitted cherries for a subtle almond-like flavor. Always warn guests if the cherries contain pits.
Frozen cherries: Substitute frozen cherries when fresh ones are unavailable. Thaw and drain thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in the custard.
Mixed berry variation: Replace the cherries with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful, slightly tangy dessert.
Peach variation: Substitute thinly sliced ripe peaches for the cherries.
Almond variation: Add the optional almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds over the batter before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
Chocolate variation: Scatter a small handful of dark chocolate chips among the cherries before adding the batter.
Dairy-free option: Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter. The finished texture may vary slightly.
Reduced-sugar option: Slightly reduce the granulated sugar when using particularly sweet, ripe cherries.
Texture tip: Avoid overmixing or overbaking. The center should be just set and slightly wobbly to maintain a delicate, creamy custard texture.
Serving suggestion: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with powdered sugar, freshly whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Make ahead: Prepare several hours in advance or the day before. Refrigerate after cooling and dust with powdered sugar immediately before serving.
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the custard may become watery or grainy. If necessary, freeze individually wrapped portions for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Oven reheating: Cover loosely with foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave reheating: Heat individual portions in 15–20-second intervals until warm, avoiding overheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
