Why You’ll Love This Cherry Clafoutis
If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful treat, this Cherry Clafoutis recipe stands out as a favorite among home cooks. It brings together the fresh taste of cherries in a soft, baked French dessert that feels both comforting and special. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up, with ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for busy evenings or weekend gatherings.
One of the best parts about this Cherry Clafoutis is its straightforward preparation. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and takes just a short time to cook, so even if you’re a busy parent or a student with limited time, you can enjoy a homemade dessert without much fuss. Plus, it’s packed with fresh cherries that offer antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber, turning a sweet indulgence into a smarter choice for your wellness routine. This makes it appealing to diet-conscious folks who want flavor without overdoing calories.
Beyond that, the recipe’s versatility is a big plus. You can tweak it for different needs, like making it vegan or gluten-free, so it’s great for everyone from food enthusiasts to seniors and working professionals. The mix of tart cherries and a creamy batter creates a taste that’s truly memorable, setting it apart from everyday fruit desserts. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it alone, this dessert brings a bit of joy to the table.
As you try this recipe, think about how it fits into your routine. For instance, it’s ideal for newlyweds starting their cooking adventures or travelers seeking easy recipes on the go. The unique blend of flavors, enhanced by simple touches like a hint of vanilla, makes every bite feel special. Overall, this Cherry Clafoutis isn’t just a dessert; it’s a way to add a touch of French charm to your meals without any hassle.
Health Benefits and Ease
Diving deeper, the health perks from cherries in this Cherry Clafoutis include fighting inflammation and boosting heart health, which can help busy parents maintain energy. The recipe’s adaptability means you can use it for various diets, ensuring it’s accessible for all. With preparation time around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including 30 minutes of prep and 45 minutes baking, it’s a practical choice for anyone.
From my experience on this blog, sharing simple recipes like this one helps inspire home cooks to try new things. If you enjoy fruit-based desserts, you might also like our Cherry Delight Recipe for another quick option. It’s all about making cooking fun and approachable, just like the warm, conversational style we aim for here at Recipes Isabella.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Cherry Clafoutis
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Cherry Clafoutis
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Cherry Clafoutis: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cherry Clafoutis
- 5. Mastering Cherry Clafoutis: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Cherry Clafoutis: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Clafoutis
- 8. Cherry Clafoutis
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Clafoutis
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Cherry Clafoutis. This section lists everything you need, based on a classic recipe that highlights fresh cherries in a custard-like batter. Below is a complete, structured list to ensure you get the measurements just right for success in your kitchen.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2½ cups cherries (stemmed and pitted, using varieties like Bing, Rainier, or tart, which equals about 12 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for the best texture)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (with the 2 tablespoons divided for later use)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting the finished dessert)
This list covers all the essentials, drawing from my passion for simple, accessible recipes. For special diets, remember you can swap in plant-based milk or gluten-free flour, as mentioned in the tips section.
How to Prepare the Perfect Cherry Clafoutis: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a delicious Cherry Clafoutis starts with a few easy steps that anyone can follow. This French dessert combines pitted cherries with a smooth batter, baked to golden perfection. Follow along for a guide that makes the process straightforward and fun, perfect for baking enthusiasts.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get everything ready for baking. This step ensures even cooking and a nice rise in the batter. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 10-inch cast iron or nonstick skillet, swirling it to coat the sides for easy release later.
- Evenly layer the 2½ cups of pitted cherries in the prepared skillet or baking dish to create a tasty base.
- In a blender, combine 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon almond extract; blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-mixed.
- Pour the batter evenly over the cherries in the dish, making sure everything is covered nicely.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on top for a crisp finish.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until it’s golden brown, just set with a slight jiggle, and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Finally, cool on a rack for about 30 minutes, dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like, and serve straight from the pan for the best taste.
This method, which totals about 1 hour and 15 minutes, gives you that classic custard-like texture. For more ideas on fruit desserts, check out our Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling recipe. It’s all about keeping things simple and enjoyable.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cherry Clafoutis
Making Cherry Clafoutis work for your needs is easy with a few smart swaps. This section covers options for different diets, so you can enjoy the dessert without worries. Whether you’re vegan or watching your calories, these changes keep the flavor intact.
For protein and main components, swap eggs with flax or chia eggs to hold everything together for vegan diets. Use almond or soy milk in place of dairy milk if you’re dealing with lactose intolerance. When it comes to veggies, sauces, and seasonings, add lemon zest or the almond extract from the ingredients list to mix up the flavors.
- Incorporate seasonal berries or other stone fruits as toppings to change things up.
- Opt for gluten-free flour blends if needed, ensuring the batter stays light and airy.
- These tweaks make the recipe flexible for various preferences, as shared in our tips for richer textures.
By using a mix of milk and heavy cream as suggested, you get that creamy feel while adapting to your lifestyle.
Mastering Cherry Clafoutis: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Cherry Clafoutis to the next level with these pro tips. For a silkier texture, strain the batter before pouring it over the cherries to remove any lumps. Pre-soaking the fruit in a bit of brandy or kirsch adds depth and makes the flavor pop.
Experiment with flavors by adding almond extract, cardamom, or orange zest for an exotic twist that elevates the tart cherries. Presentation matters too serve in individual ramekins and top with fresh mint or toasted almonds for a nice look that impresses guests.
- Make ahead by preparing the batter and fruit the night before, then bake fresh for busy days.
- Using frozen cherries is fine; just thaw them first and expect a bit of color change, as noted in our tips.
- Other fruits can replace cherries, but they might change how thick the dessert turns out, so adjust as needed.
This approach draws from simple cooking techniques that make your baking more fun and rewarding.
How to Store Cherry Clafoutis: Best Practices
Keeping your Cherry Clafoutis fresh is straightforward with the right methods. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep that custard-like quality. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Warm it gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) or use short bursts in the microwave to hold onto the texture. Consider batch-cooking and portioning for easy snacks, ideal for meal prep routines. As a tip, reheat leftovers covered at 325°F for about 15 minutes to maintain flavor, just like in the original recipe details.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Clafoutis
What is cherry clafoutis and how is it different from other fruit desserts?
Cherry clafoutis is a traditional French dessert featuring fresh cherries baked in a smooth, custard-like batter. Its texture is somewhere between a flan and a pancake, distinguishing it from pies or cobblers. The batter is lightly sweetened with eggs, milk, cream, flour, and often flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, creating a delicate balance that highlights the natural flavor of the cherries.
Can I use frozen cherries to make cherry clafoutis, and do I need to prepare them differently?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for clafoutis, but it’s best to thaw and drain them before baking to reduce excess moisture. Frozen cherries may release more juice during baking, which can cause the clafoutis to darken slightly. To avoid a soggy texture, pat them dry and consider adding a small amount of extra flour to the batter to absorb extra liquid.
Should cherry pits be removed before baking clafoutis, and what’s the best way to remove them?
Removing cherry pits is recommended to provide a more comfortable eating experience. Although some traditional recipes leave pits in for a mild almond flavor, pitting cherries prevents guests from encountering pits while enjoying the dessert. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a metal straw or chopstick to push the pits out, or cut the cherries in half and twist to separate the pit by hand.
What type of baking dish or pan works best for making cherry clafoutis?
A 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and easy transfer from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have a skillet, a 2-quart ceramic or glass baking dish also works well. Make sure your pan is oven-safe and lightly buttered to prevent sticking and ensure the clafoutis releases easily after baking.
How should leftover cherry clafoutis be stored and reheated without losing texture?
Store leftover clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the custard’s creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out.
Cherry Clafoutis
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🍒 Enjoy a simple yet elegant dessert with Cherry Clafoutis, featuring juicy cherries baked in a smooth, custard-like batter.
🍰 This French classic offers a naturally sweet and beautiful dish perfect for any occasion or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2½ cups cherries (stemmed and pitted, using varieties like Bing, Rainier, or tart, which equals about 12 oz)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for the best texture)
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (with the 2 tablespoons divided for later use)
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting the finished dessert
Instructions
1-Evenly layer the 2½ cups of pitted cherries in the prepared skillet or baking dish to create a tasty base.
2-In a blender, combine 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon almond extract; blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-mixed.
3-Pour the batter evenly over the cherries in the dish, making sure everything is covered nicely.
4-Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on top for a crisp finish.
5-Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until it’s golden brown, just set with a slight jiggle, and a toothpick comes out clean.
6-Finally, cool on a rack for about 30 minutes, dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like, and serve straight from the pan for the best taste.
Notes
🌰 Almond extract adds subtle flavor without the risk of pits.
🥛 Using a mix of milk and heavy cream gives a richer texture.
❄️ Frozen cherries can be used if thawed first but may darken.
🔥 Reheat leftovers covered in a 325°F oven or microwave.
🥧 Clafoutis keeps well refrigerated up to 3 days.
🍓 Other fruits can be used but may alter texture and thickness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
Keywords: Cherry clafoutis, French dessert, Custard cherry bake, Simple cherry dessert