This Clafoutis Recipe is the ultimate celebration of simple French baking: luscious, sun-ripened cherries are swaddled in a tender, lightly sweetened custard and baked until irresistibly puffed and golden. With everyday ingredients and almost magical ease, this rustic dessert comes together in under an hour, transforming an ordinary evening into something utterly enchanting. Whether you’re new to French desserts or a seasoned baker looking for a nostalgic classic, this Clafoutis Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Clafoutis Recipe is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role, lending flavor, richness, or that perfect custard texture—so let’s dive into what you’ll need.
- Whole milk: The backbone of the custard, whole milk gives the clafoutis its silky, creamy consistency without being too heavy.
- Large eggs: Eggs set the batter into its iconic, almost flan-like texture—don’t skimp on these, as they’re key for fluff and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the custard and tangy cherries beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, floral note that really elevates the dessert from simple to sublime.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors—never underestimate this small but mighty addition!
- All-purpose flour: Flour thickens the batter, so you get that soft, custardy body with just enough bite.
- Fresh cherries (pitted): These are the classic, and their juicy, tangy brightness is the undisputed star of the dish—use the ripest you can find.
- Unsalted butter (for greasing): Buttering your baking dish ensures an easy release and adds rich depth to every edge and corner.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A finishing dusting brings a touch of Parisian charm and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Clafoutis Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then generously grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with unsalted butter. Arrange the pitted cherries evenly in the bottom of the dish. This will ensure that each slice of your Clafoutis Recipe has juicy cherries in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In either a blender or a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, large eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. Blend or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. That seamless, velvety batter is what makes the Clafoutis Recipe so heavenly.
Step 3: Assemble and Pour
Pour the batter gently over your prepared cherries, making sure they stay nice and evenly distributed. This way, you’ll get that gorgeous contrast—a custardy, golden blanket cradling every sweet-tart cherry.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent at this point will be absolutely irresistible! Let your Clafoutis Recipe cool just slightly before serving.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
If you’d like, sift a generous cloud of powdered sugar over the top before you dig in. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, this treat is pure comfort.
How to Serve Clafoutis Recipe
Garnishes
A pretty shower of powdered sugar is the most classic finish for a Clafoutis Recipe, but you can also try a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of sliced toasted almonds for subtle crunch and elegance.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides that allow its delicate flavors to shine. Try serving slices with a light green salad for a brunch affair, or spoon alongside a few raspberries or sliced apricots for added fruitiness.
Creative Ways to Present
The Clafoutis Recipe is equally at home in a rustic baking dish or dressed up in individual ramekins. For a more whimsical twist, layer bite-sized squares into parfait glasses with more fresh fruit and a spoonful of crème fraîche for an eye-catching finale.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover your clafoutis tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture becomes a bit denser when chilled, but the flavors meld in the most delicious way.
Freezing
While Clafoutis Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and storing in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy again, warm clafoutis in the oven at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the custard to become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this Clafoutis Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries well before using, so the extra moisture doesn’t thin the custard.
Is it possible to make this Clafoutis Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will shift slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make the batter in advance?
You can mix the batter a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before pouring over the cherries to ensure everything is perfectly blended.
What other fruits work in a Clafoutis Recipe?
While cherries are classic, you can use berries, sliced plums, apricots, or even pears. The key is to use ripe, flavorful fruit that holds its shape when baked.
Why did my clafoutis deflate after baking?
It’s totally normal! Clafoutis puffs dramatically in the oven, then settles as it cools because of the airy, egg-rich batter. It still tastes phenomenal even after it falls.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Clafoutis Recipe always feels a little bit magical—simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and that glorious, homey result. If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope you’ll gather a basket of cherries and some friends and bake up a dish that just might become your new tradition!
Print
Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and classic French dessert, Clafoutis is a baked custard-like cake traditionally made with cherries. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie or baking dish with butter.
- Prepare Cherries: Arrange the pitted cherries in the dish.
- Mix Batter: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour until smooth.
- Pour Batter: Gently pour the batter over the cherries.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden, and a knife comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Traditionally made with cherries but can use berries, plums, or apricots.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
