Deliciously Simple Cherry Clafoutis Recipe: A Taste of Classic French Dessert

If you’re looking for an easy Cherry clafoutis recipe, look no further! This delightful dish, steeped in French culinary tradition, combines the tartness of fresh cherries with a custard-like batter to create a decadent yet approachable dessert. Originating from the Limousin region of France, clafoutis is traditionally made with black cherries, but feel free to customize it with other fruits of your choice. This homemade Cherry clafoutis from scratch is not only impressively delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Plus, we’ll provide tips on creating a vegan Cherry clafoutis, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Homemade Cherry Clafoutis

This easy Cherry clafoutis recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
3 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish

For the Filling:

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (you can also use frozen cherries, thawed and drained)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Possible Substitutions:

You can experiment with various ingredients to cater to dietary preferences:

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Using coconut milk instead of regular milk will impart a subtle tropical taste while keeping it dairy-free.
For a sugar substitute, consider using honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind the sweetness levels may differ.

Essential Equipment

You will need the following kitchen tools to make your Cherry clafoutis:

Mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Baking dish (a 9-inch pie dish or similar size)
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Paring knife (for pitting the cherries)
Microplane zester (optional, for zesting lemon for added flavor)
Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Clafoutis

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your clafoutis bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Prepare the Cherries: Wash your fresh cherries thoroughly. If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them using a paring knife. Place the cherries in a single layer at the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar, whisking them together until well blended. Then, gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Add Eggs and Flavor: Crack the eggs into the bowl, and add the vanilla extract and salt. Whisk until the batter is light and frothy. The fluffy mixture should emit a sweet aroma.
Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged cherries in the baking dish. The cherries should be partially submerged in the batter.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back lightly when touched. You should also notice a delightful aroma spreading through your kitchen!
Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period will help the clafoutis set a bit more. For an elegant finish, dust the cooled clafoutis lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Special Notes and Tips

After preparing your Cherry clafoutis, here are a few tips for enjoying and preserving it:

Storage: Store any leftover clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds before enjoying. The flavors develop beautifully overnight!
Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to toss in the cherries before baking for a fresh finish.
Troubleshooting: If your clafoutis doesn’t seem to puff up fully, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and avoid opening the oven door too early in the baking process.

Variations and Customizations

This easy Cherry clafoutis recipe is versatile! Here are some fun variations and customization ideas:

Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed combined with 3 tablespoons water per egg, rested for 5 minutes) and the milk with your choice of plant-based milk.
Fruit Variations: Swap cherries for other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a unique dessert experience. For a tropical twist, try using diced mango!
Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter for extra depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information

While nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, here is an estimated breakdown per serving of Cherry clafoutis:

Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g

Engaging Visual Details

As you embark on making this homemade Cherry clafoutis from scratch, envision the stunning contrast of dark red cherries nestled within a soft, golden custard base. As it bakes, the bubbling edges create a delightful visual appeal. Once you take it out of the oven, let the tempting aroma fill your kitchen, drawing everyone in. When served, the custard should be slightly wobbly yet set, and ready to deliver a sweet, fruity flavor with each spoonful. Pictures capturing each step – from the vibrant cherries to the golden-brown baked clafoutis – will showcase your culinary success beautifully!

Conclusion

This cherry clafoutis recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience steeped in rustic charm and French culinary tradition. Easy to make and irresistible, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore the suggested variations, this delicious treat will highlight your skills in the kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish – we love seeing your culinary creations!