How to Make the Perfect French Clafoutis with Cherries

How to Make the Perfect French Clafoutis with Cherries

French clafoutis is a classic dessert hailing from the Limousin region in central France. This simple yet indulgent treat is a custardy, baked dish traditionally made with cherries. While the cherries are typically unpitted, the dish can also be made with a variety of fruits depending on personal preference. The beauty of clafoutis lies in its versatility, rich flavor, and ease of preparation. Here’s how you can make the perfect cherry clafoutis.

Ingredients Needed:

• For the clafoutis batter:
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• For the cherry filling:
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (or 1 1/2 cups frozen cherries, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the cherries)
• For garnish:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh mint or basil (optional)

Equipment:

• A 9-inch (23cm) round or oval baking dish or pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the baking dish generously to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can also lightly dust the dish with flour after buttering it. This ensures that the clafoutis comes out of the dish easily once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

If you’re using fresh cherries, rinse them thoroughly, then remove the pits. You can either leave them whole or slice them in half. Place the cherries in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If the cherries are particularly tart, sprinkle them with a tablespoon of sugar to enhance their sweetness.

If you’re using frozen cherries, ensure that they are thoroughly thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the clafoutis.

Step 3: Make the Clafoutis Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Whisk the eggs into the dry ingredients until the mixture is smooth.

Next, slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is fully incorporated. If you like a slightly nutty flavor, add a few drops of almond extract for an extra layer of depth.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Cherries

Once your batter is ready, pour it over the cherries in the prepared dish. The cherries will float to the top as the clafoutis bakes, creating the characteristic, rustic appearance of the dessert.

Step 5: Bake the Clafoutis

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the clafoutis is golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will puff up slightly and have a custard-like texture, while the center remains soft.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. It will deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal.

Before serving, dust the top of the clafoutis with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. If desired, you can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil for a pop of color and an aromatic touch.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve your cherry clafoutis warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a special celebration.

Tips for Perfecting Your Clafoutis:

1. Use fresh, ripe cherries: The flavor of your clafoutis will be much better if you use high-quality, in-season cherries. Tart varieties work well, but if you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can opt for sweet cherries.

2. Don’t pit the cherries (optional): Traditional clafoutis recipes call for the cherries to remain unpitted. The pits add a subtle almond-like flavor to the dish as it bakes. If you prefer, you can pit the cherries to avoid any potential surprises while eating.

3. Adjust the sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar in the batter. Taste a few cherries before adding sugar, and use your judgment.

4. Make it ahead: Clafoutis can be made a few hours ahead of time and served at room temperature. It holds its texture well and can even be enjoyed the next day, though it may lose a bit of its puffiness.

5. Try different fruits: While cherries are the classic fruit for clafoutis, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like berries, pears, or plums. Keep in mind that different fruits may release more or less juice, which can affect the texture of the custard.

Conclusion

Making the perfect French clafoutis with cherries is easy and incredibly rewarding. The dish combines the richness of a custard with the natural sweetness of fresh cherries, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a casual treat, clafoutis is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavor. Enjoy this timeless French classic in the comfort of your own home!