Say bonjour to Clafoutis, the French countryside’s most irresistible baked treat! This dreamy dessert is bursting with fruit nestled inside a gently sweet, custardy batter that puffs up golden and delicate in the oven. With its simple preparation and show-stopping appearance, Clafoutis wins hearts at brunch or as the finale to a fabulous dinner. Once you taste how cherries melt into a silky-smooth base scented with vanilla and just a hint of almond, you’ll want to make this classic again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Clafoutis keeps things charmingly simple: every ingredient matters and works together for the perfect contrast between creamy custard and luscious fruit. Here’s what you’ll need and a little peek into why each one is essential.
- Eggs: The foundation for the custard, they create that lovely, rich texture and help the batter set.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the fruit.
- Whole Milk: Delivers a creamy, luxurious body that’s essential for the classic Clafoutis feel.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough flour gives your dessert structure while still keeping it silky.
- Salt: A pinch pulls all the flavors together and keeps the sweetness lively.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, fragrant background that makes the custard sing.
- Almond Extract (optional): Deepens the flavor, especially when using cherries—just a little goes a long way!
- Fresh Pitted Cherries (or other fruit): The star of the show; choose the ripest, juiciest fruit for maximum flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (for greasing): Ensures the Clafoutis won’t stick and adds a subtle richness to every bite.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For a finishing touch, a dusting makes the dessert look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Clafoutis
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan, making sure you get every nook and cranny. This step not only prevents sticking but also delivers that beautiful golden edge you want in a great Clafoutis.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns light and frothy. This bit of extra whisking is the secret to an airy batter. Add milk, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of almond extract. Keep whisking until your batter is silky smooth and absolutely free of lumps.
Step 3: Set the Base
Pour just a thin layer of batter into your prepared dish—enough to cover the bottom—and pop it into the oven for 5 minutes. This step helps set the base and keeps your fruit from sinking, so you get perfectly rippled layers in every slice.
Step 4: Add the Fruit
Pull your dish from the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and scatter the fresh pitted cherries evenly across the surface. You’re welcome to swap in raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced plums if you like. The key is to get a generous blanket of fruit in each bite.
Step 5: Bake the Clafoutis
Pour the rest of your batter gently over the fruit and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the Clafoutis is puffed, golden along the edges, and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a slight wiggle is perfectly fine!). Allow it to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if you wish.
How to Serve Clafoutis
Garnishes
Just before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds both sweetness and a little sparkle. For extra flair, top with a few whole cherries or slivers of toasted almonds. A sprig of mint makes for a fresh pop of color if you’re feeling inspired!
Side Dishes
Clafoutis is a showstopper on its own, but if you’d like to round out your table, serve it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, a crisp green salad with a touch of citrus complements the custard perfectly and balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the Clafoutis in individual ramekins for personal servings—they’re irresistibly cute and make casual gatherings feel extra special. You can also layer different fruits or add a swirl of berry compote on each plate for a more elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Clafoutis, simply cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, though the custard is at its most luscious the day it’s baked. The texture may firm up slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing
While Clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled slices tightly wrapped for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the custard texture may change a bit after freezing, but the flavors will still shine through.
Reheating
To warm your Clafoutis, set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes, or until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—gentle warming keeps that lovely, custardy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for Clafoutis?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw them fully and pat them dry to prevent extra moisture from making the custard watery. Fresh fruit yields the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
What other fruits work well in Clafoutis?
So many options! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced apricots, or plums are all delightful in Clafoutis. Just use ripe, pitted fruit for the best results and adjust sugar slightly if your fruit is particularly tart.
How do I know when Clafoutis is done baking?
Look for a puffed, golden top and edges that are just starting to pull away from the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with only a hint of creamy custard clinging to it.
Should Clafoutis be served hot or cold?
Clafoutis shines when served warm or at room temperature. Right after baking, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes so the custard can set slightly. Leftovers straight from the fridge are tasty too, but the flavors are most vibrant when it’s not ice-cold.
Can I make Clafoutis gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (look for one that’s a direct cup-for-cup replacement). The custard will still bake up beautifully with plenty of flavor and that signature French charm.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Clafoutis, trust me—it’s the kind of comforting, elegant dessert that instantly feels like home. With just a handful of ingredients and so many ways to make it your own, this recipe is sure to become your next sweet obsession. Grab some fresh fruit and get baking; your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
Print
Clafoutis Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French dessert, Clafoutis is a delightful baked custard filled with fresh fruit like cherries. This recipe yields a light and sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Eggs:
- 3 large eggs
Sugar:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk
Flour:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Almond Extract (optional):
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Fruit:
- 2 cups fresh pitted cherries (or other fruit like blueberries or raspberries)
Butter (for greasing):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional):
- As needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan.
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk eggs and sugar, then add milk, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Layer Batter and Fruit: Pour a thin layer of batter in the dish, bake briefly, then add cherries and remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, pitted cherries for best results.
- Substitute with other fruits like berries or stone fruits.
- Almond extract is optional but enhances cherry flavor.
- Clafoutis has a custard-like texture and is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
