Baking a decadent cherry clafoutis always brings back fond memories of cozy mornings and sweet indulgence. This classic French dessert is wonderfully simple yet elegant, making it the perfect choice for a brunch or a delightful conclusion to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for your family or guests, its creamy custard-like texture and the burst of fresh cherry flavor are sure to leave a lasting impression. As someone who finds joy in every moment spent in the kitchen, I, Lina Vexley, can attest that there’s something truly magical about crafting this dessert. Now, let me show you how to bring a taste of France right into your home.
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The Charm of Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry clafoutis is a charming French dessert that hails from the Limousin region, where it was traditionally made with black cherries. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a luscious, custard-like batter poured over fruit and baked until golden. It’s a dessert that celebrates rustic elegance—no need for fancy techniques or ingredients, just wholesome flavors coming together in a humble way. The moment I first made clafoutis, I was amazed at how something so straightforward could taste so extraordinary. The cherries sink into the batter, releasing their juices and infusing every bite with a touch of sweetness.
Though the classic version uses unpitted cherries, I prefer pitting them for a more pleasant eating experience. Fresh, sweet cherries are my go-to, but you can experiment with other fruits, like plums or berries, depending on the season. The result is always delicious, but cherries, with their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, remain my favorite.
What makes clafoutis truly special is its custardy texture. It’s not overly firm or too runny, just a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. As a passionate home cook, I find clafoutis to be a perfect reminder that the simplest dishes often bring the most joy. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of the beauty of French cuisine, where less is often more.
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Decadent Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent cherry clafoutis is a simple yet elegant French dessert. Made with fresh cherries and a creamy custard-like batter, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, it’s a treat that will impress every time.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Fresh sweet cherries*, pitted (or use canned cherries, drained)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 Tablespoons for topping
1 cup whole milk, or half and half
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting on top
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch or 10-inch pie dish or baking dish.
Arrange cherries evenly in the bottom of the dish.
In a blender, combine eggs, flour, sugar (reserve 2 tablespoons), milk, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring they are evenly covered. Sprinkle with the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the custard is set, and the top is golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly when done.
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The clafoutis can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Cherries: You can use fresh sweet cherries or canned cherries (drained). Frozen cherries can also be used, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid first.
Variations: You can substitute cherries with other fruits like plums, apples, or berries for a different flavor profile.
Reheating Instructions: Store leftover clafoutis in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 92 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
How to Make the Perfect Decadent Cherry Clafoutis
Making a decadent cherry clafoutis is easier than you might think, and the results are always impressive. Start by gathering your ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of fresh, sweet cherries, pitted. While fresh cherries are ideal for this decadent cherry clafoutis, you can also use canned or frozen cherries—just be sure to drain any excess liquid. Once the cherries are ready, generously butter a 9-inch or 10-inch pie dish or baking dish. The butter will help ensure the clafoutis releases easily after baking.
Next, arrange the cherries evenly in the bottom of the dish, making sure each slice will have a few pieces of juicy fruit. Now it’s time to prepare the batter. In a blender, combine 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (reserve 2 tablespoons for the topping), 1 cup of whole milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and a small amount of salt. Blend until smooth, creating a silky, creamy batter that will transform into a custard as it bakes.
Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring they’re evenly covered. Sprinkle the top of your decadent cherry clafoutis with the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar—this will caramelize as it bakes, creating a light, crunchy finish. The final step is to bake your clafoutis at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-45 minutes. The custard is deemed ready when it has firmed up but still exhibits a slight jiggle in the center, complemented by a beautiful golden color on the surface.
Once baking is complete, allow the decadent cherry clafoutis to cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps the clafoutis set properly, making it easier to slice and serve. Whether you serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, this decadent cherry clafoutis is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tips for Making Your Decadent Cherry Clafoutis Stand Out
Although a rich cherry clafoutis is an accommodating dessert, following a few straightforward tips can assist you in achieving perfection each time. The first key is to use eggs at room temperature. Room temperature eggs mix better with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and lump-free batter. This is essential for creating the perfect custard-like texture that makes your decadent cherry clafoutis so irresistible. If you use cold eggs directly from the fridge, you risk having an uneven batter, which can affect the final result.
Another tip for making your decadent cherry clafoutis even better is not to overbake it. The custard should still jiggle slightly in the center when you remove it from the oven. If you bake it for too long, the custard will become too firm, losing that creamy texture. To verify, gently shake the pan—if the center still wobbles a bit, it is ready. Remember, the clafoutis will continue to cook from residual heat after you take it out of the oven, so it’s better to slightly underbake it than overbake it.
To achieve optimal flavor and texture, it is essential to always utilize fresh cherries. When fresh cherries are in season, they are juicy and sweet, perfect for a decadent cherry clafoutis. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid, which can result in a soggier clafoutis. The fruit should remain firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the custard.
Finally, while cherries are the classic choice for this decadent cherry clafoutis, feel free to experiment with other fruits. You can try plums, pears, or even blackberries—each fruit will add its own unique twist to the flavor profile of your decadent cherry clafoutis. As seasons change, so too can your recipe, making this a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all year long.
Storing and Reheating Your Decadent Cherry Clafoutis
One of the best things about a decadent cherry clafoutis is its versatility when it comes to serving temperature. You can enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—each option brings out different aspects of the flavor. If you’re making the decadent cherry clafoutis ahead of time, simply allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before storing. It’s best to cover the dish with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
If you have leftovers (though they are rare!), store your decadent cherry clafoutis in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The custard sets beautifully, and the flavors continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day. Reheating is easy: simply place a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven. To do so, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, just until it’s warm and the top regains its golden crispness.
Serving your decadent cherry clafoutis cold is a refreshing option, especially on a warm day. The custard takes on a slightly firmer texture when chilled, creating a delightful contrast with the juicy cherries. When presenting the dish, it is advisable to sprinkle the surface with powdered sugar to enhance its sweetness and sophistication. Additionally, you may include a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a more luxurious dessert.
Whether served hot, cold, or somewhere in between, your decadent cherry clafoutis will remain a crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for gatherings, and with its simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Conclusion
This decadent cherry clafoutis is the perfect dessert for any occasion—simple, elegant, and delicious. The creamy custard and sweet cherries create a delightful treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a family brunch or a dinner party, this French classic is guaranteed to impress. With its flexibility in serving temperatures and its ease of preparation, you’ll love having this recipe in your culinary repertoire.
FAQs
What does clafoutis mean in French?
Clafoutis comes from the French verb clafir, meaning “to fill” or “to stuff.” The name refers to the process of filling a baking dish with fruit before covering it with a simple batter. This technique is what makes a decadent cherry clafoutis such a delightful dessert, as the batter and fruit blend together perfectly during baking.
Why is my decadent cherry clafoutis rubbery?
A rubbery texture in your decadent cherry clafoutis usually means it has been overbaked. To avoid this, make sure to check the custard for doneness. It should still jiggle slightly in the center when you take it out of the oven. Overbaking will cause the custard to become too firm, compromising the soft, creamy texture that makes a decadent cherry clafoutis so special.
What is the difference between Dutch baby and clafoutis?
A Dutch baby is a fluffy, oven-baked pancake that typically possesses a somewhat chewy consistency, commonly accompanied by syrup or fruit. A decadent cherry clafoutis, on the other hand, has a smooth, custard-like texture that’s much lighter and softer. While both are baked dishes with fruit, the key difference lies in the batter and texture—clafoutis is more custard-based and delicate, making it a perfect dessert.
How far in advance can you make decadent cherry clafoutis?
A decadent cherry clafoutis can be made up to a day in advance. It actually stores quite well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors continue to develop. Whether served cold, at room temperature, or reheated, your decadent cherry clafoutis will still be a delicious treat. Just make sure to cover it properly in the fridge to keep it fresh.