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 Recipe 5 Steps For A Delicious Dessert

Name: Cherry Clafoutis
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
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

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