How to Make a Classic Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry Clafoutis is a rustic French dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its soft, custardy texture and the bright, tart flavor of fresh cherries, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during cherry season. The beauty of clafoutis lies in its simplicity, with minimal ingredients, but a big flavor payoff.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round or oval baking dish (such as a pie dish or a deep dish)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for pitting the cherries (or a cherry pitter, if you have one)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready to bake your clafoutis.
2. Prepare the Cherries:
Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the pits. While some traditional recipes leave the pits in for added flavor, pitting the cherries makes the dessert easier to eat. You can either cut them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Spread them evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the cherries to bring out their sweetness.
3. Make the Batter:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly pale. Then, add the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Whisk until fully combined.
Next, sift in the flour and salt. Whisk again until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should have a thin, custard-like consistency. If you prefer a slightly thicker clafoutis, you can add a little more flour, but traditionally, the batter is meant to be quite thin.
4. Pour the Batter Over the Cherries:
Carefully pour the batter over the cherries in the prepared dish, making sure they are evenly covered.
5. Bake the Clafoutis:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The clafoutis is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set, but still slightly wobbly when you shake the dish. The top should puff up slightly and turn a light golden brown color.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Traditionally, clafoutis is served warm or at room temperature. Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Best Cherry Clafoutis:
- Use fresh, ripe cherries: While you can make clafoutis with frozen cherries, fresh cherries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: The batter should be mixed just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Grease the dish well: Be sure to butter your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can also use a little bit of flour after greasing for an extra layer of protection.
- Experiment with flavors: While cherries are the traditional fruit for clafoutis, you can try this recipe with other fruits like peaches, plums, or berries.
- Serve it simply: Clafoutis doesn’t need any extravagant toppings. However, you can pair it with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of fresh cream if you’d like.
Variations:
- Almond Clafoutis: Add a tablespoon of ground almonds or almond meal to the batter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Clafoutis: For chocolate lovers, melt a bit of dark chocolate and stir it into the batter for a rich, chocolaty twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the batter to brighten the flavor, especially if you are using berries or other stone fruits.
Serving Suggestions:
Cherry Clafoutis can be served as a decadent dessert after a meal or as a treat with coffee or tea. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a refreshing fruit spritzer. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, it’s delicious with a side of yogurt or fresh whipped cream.
Conclusion:
Cherry Clafoutis is a dessert that’s both easy and impressive, combining the sweetness of cherries with a smooth, custardy filling. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, satisfying treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced chef, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!