Name: French Cherry Clafoutis
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 ¼ cup milk (at 2% or whole milk); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract (Optional: skip and use 1 Tablespoon of Kirsch instead if preferred.); 1 pinch salt; ¾ cup all-purpose flour (Use 1 cup if no almond meal.); ⅓ cup almond meal; 2-3 cups cherries (pitted or unpitted); Confectioners’ sugar (for serving); Slivered almonds (for decoration (optional))

Introduction to French Cherry Clafoutis

When it comes to summer desserts, French Cherry Clafoutis is undoubtedly a standout. This rustic, yet elegant treat hails from the Limousin region of France, where it's been delighting taste buds for generations. Imagine a sunny afternoon in Paris, enjoying a slice of this custard-like delight that marries the sweetness of ripe cherries with a fluffy, pancake-like batter. Intrigued? You should be!

Why is Clafoutis a Must-Try Dessert?

One of the best things about clafoutis is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s not just about taste; this dessert offers a stunning presentation and can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any gathering—be it a casual brunch or a festive summer soirée.

Plus, clafoutis is incredibly versatile. While cherry is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like berries or peaches. This adaptability allows you to cater to your personal preferences and those of your guests. And let's not forget about the delightful balance between creamy and fruity that makes every bite a pleasure.

Ready to whip up this delicious French Cherry Clafoutis? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for French Cherry Clafoutis

Creating a delightful French Cherry Clafoutis at home is a breeze with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon (15g), for greasing your baking dish and adding richness to the batter.
Milk: 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) — use 2% or whole milk for that creamy texture.
Granulated Sugar: ⅔ cup (130g) to sweeten the custard nicely without overpowering the cherries.
Large Eggs: 3, the backbone of your clafoutis, offering that necessary structure and custard flavor.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to impart a warm aroma.
Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon (optional), which gives a subtle nutty essence; feel free to swap this with Kirsch for a unique twist.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup (90g) helps thicken the batter.
Almond Meal: ⅓ cup (30g) for an enhanced flavor profile; if unavailable, just use more flour.
Cherries: 2-3 cups (500-700 ml), the star of the dish, whether you choose to pit them or not.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For the perfect finishing touch before serving.
Slivered Almonds: (optional) as a lovely garnish that adds crunch.

Are you ready to transform these ingredients into a stunning dessert? Let’s get baking! For more tips on working with fresh cherries, check out this guide on selecting cherries.

Step-by-Step Preparation of French Cherry Clafoutis

Making a rich and delicious French Cherry Clafoutis is not only simple but incredibly satisfying! This classic French dessert, with its creamy custard and sweet cherries, is sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the steps involved in crafting this delightful treat.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start whipping up our clafoutis, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 ¼ cup milk (2% or whole)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
A pinch of salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup almond meal
2-3 cups cherries (pitted or unpitted)
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Slivered almonds for decoration (optional)

Having everything ready not only speeds up the process but also makes cooking much more enjoyable!

Prepare the Baking Dish

Now that our ingredients are at hand, it’s time to prepare your baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously grease a 9-inch (23 cm) circular pie dish or skillet, or opt for eight individual ramequins if you prefer portion control. This step ensures that your French Cherry Clafoutis comes out easily and maintains a beautiful shape.

Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. This step is crucial as it creates the custard base. Slowly sift in the flour, almond meal, and salt, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. This batter is reminiscent of pancake mix but much richer and creamier when baked!

Arrange the Cherries

Now comes the fun part: arranging the cherries! Pour your batter into the prepared dish, then add the cherries. You can go for pitted or unpitted cherries based on your preference—just keep in mind that unpitted cherries keep more flavor and add a bit of rustic charm (it’s a French tradition!).

Bake to Perfection

Finally, it’s time to bake your creation. Place the dish in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for about 45 minutes. If you’re making individual clafoutis in ramequins, check around 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are puffed up and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remember, your French Cherry Clafoutis will deflate slightly as it cools, so don’t be alarmed!

Once baked, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and slivered almonds before serving. Enjoy warm or cold, and share with friends for a true taste of France. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that creamy contrast. Bon appétit!

Variations on French Cherry Clafoutis

Stone Fruit Clafoutis

For a delightful twist, try a Stone Fruit Clafoutis. Instead of cherries, use a medley of your favorite stone fruits, like peaches, nectarines, or plums. The juicy sweetness of these fruits elevates the custard base, creating a seasonal dessert perfect for summer gatherings. You can even mix in some berries for an extra burst of flavor! Explore more about stone fruit baking techniques on Serious Eats.

Chocolate Chip Clafoutis

Craving something richer? A Chocolate Chip Clafoutis is an indulgent variation that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Simply fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. The melted chocolate mingles beautifully with the custard, creating a luscious dessert that pairs surprisingly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Check out tips for baking with chocolate on Food52.

These variations keep the spirit of the classic while inviting new flavors, making your clafoutis experience even more delightful!

Cooking Tips and Notes for French Cherry Clafoutis

Creating the perfect French Cherry Clafoutis is all about balancing flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you nail this delightful dessert:

Choose Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best results. If cherries are out of season, frozen ones work too—just thaw and drain before use.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play with the extracts; if you're not a fan of almond, vanilla alone is delightful. For a fun twist, add a splash of orange zest.
Don’t Skip the Butter: Generously grease your dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release after baking.

Want to dive deeper into French desserts? Check out this guide on French Pastry Techniques. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Serving Suggestions for French Cherry Clafoutis

French Cherry Clafoutis is a versatile treat, perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

Warm or Cold: Enjoy it warm straight from the oven or let it chill in the fridge for a refreshing dessert. Its creamy texture makes it delicious either way!
Fresh Berries: Top your clafoutis with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the custardy goodness beautifully.
Dust with Confectioners' Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a charming touch and a hint of sweetness to each slice.

For variations, consider serving with a fruit compote or even drizzling some almond-flavored syrup on top. Each bite is bound to be delightful!

Time Breakdown for French Cherry Clafoutis

Preparation Time

Getting started on your French Cherry Clafoutis is a breeze! Set aside just 15 minutes to gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and whip up that creamy batter.

Cooking Time

The magic happens in the oven. Allow your clafoutis to bake for 45 minutes until it's puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

Total Time

In just 1 hour, you can enjoy a sweet slice of this classic French dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, French Cherry Clafoutis is both simple and satisfying. For more tips on timing, check out this guide.

With its easy preparation and cooking process, you'll find this recipe a perfect addition to your summer dessert repertoire!

Nutritional Facts for French Cherry Clafoutis

When indulging in a slice of French Cherry Clafoutis, it’s helpful to know a bit about its nutritional profile. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

Calories

Each serving of French Cherry Clafoutis comes in at approximately 220 calories, making it a delightful treat without going overboard.

Carbohydrates

With around 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still being manageable in your daily intake.

Sugars

It contains about 15 grams of sugars, derived naturally from cherries and added sugar. This makes it a sweet indulgence that can certainly brighten your day!

For more details on nutritional benefits and the health aspects of cherries, consider checking out resources like Healthline or WebMD.

FAQs about French Cherry Clafoutis

Can I use frozen cherries for Clafoutis?

Absolutely! Using frozen cherries in your French Cherry Clafoutis is not only convenient but also perfectly acceptable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in your batter. This way, you’ll still achieve that wonderful fruity flavor and texture!

How do I know when my Clafoutis is done?

A classic French Cherry Clafoutis is perfectly done when it’s puffed and golden brown on the edges. To be sure, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re ready to take it out of the oven. Remember, it will deflate as it cools, so don't be alarmed by any shrinkage!

Can I make Clafoutis ahead of time?

Yes, making Clafoutis ahead is a great idea! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently in the oven before serving, and you’ll have a delectable dessert ready to impress your guests. Enjoy it warm or cold, whichever way you prefer!

Conclusion on French Cherry Clafoutis

In summary, French Cherry Clafoutis is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Its rich custard and plump cherries create an inviting dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Don’t hesitate—get baking and treat yourself!