Name: Cherry Clafoutis
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2.5 cups cherries (stemmed and pitted); 3 large eggs; 1 cup whole or 2% milk; 0.25 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tablespoons, divided); 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (spooned into a measuring cup and leveled-off); 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.125 teaspoon almond extract; Confectioners' sugar (for dusting (optional))

Introduction to Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that beautifully marries simplicity and elegance. Why is it the perfect homemade dessert, you ask? First and foremost, it celebrates ripe, seasonal cherries, allowing the fruit's natural sweetness to shine through. As you slice into the clafoutis, you'll uncover a tender, custardy base that’s erring on the side of a flan and Dutch baby pancake, making it versatile for brunch or after-dinner indulgence.

Just imagine the sweet aroma wafting from your oven as it bakes. This dish not only offers superb flavor but also showcases your culinary skills without requiring advanced expertise. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find yourself impressing friends and family effortlessly—perfect for those weekend get-togethers or a cozy night in.

Plus, cherry clafoutis is a stunning centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes. You can even customize it by using other fruits like peaches or figs. Its rustic charm can have you reminiscing of summer picnics in the French countryside. For more inspiration on French desserts, check out this depth of flavor to give your palate a real delight!

As we dive into the recipe, you'll see just how easy it is to whip up your rendition of this classic dish. Happy baking!

Ingredients for Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that combines the elegance of flan with the charm of a Dutch baby. To prepare this delicious treat, you'll need the following ingredients:

Butter: Begin with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Cherries: Use 2½ cups (12 oz) of fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted. These sweet gems are the star of the dish, lending their juicy flavor.
Eggs: Three large eggs provide structure and creaminess to the clafoutis.
Milk & Cream: A cup of whole or 2% milk paired with ¼ cup of heavy cream gives a luxurious texture.
Sugar: You'll need ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, divided, to balance the tartness of the cherries.
Flour: Half a cup of all-purpose flour, measured properly, helps create that distinct clafoutis custard.
Salt: Just a pinch of ¼ teaspoon enhances all the flavors.
Extracts: A teaspoon of vanilla extract and an ⅛ teaspoon of almond extract elevate the dessert’s aroma.
Dusting Option: For an elegant finish, consider using confectioners’ sugar.

Ready to impress your friends with this delicious cherry clafoutis? Grab these ingredients, and let's get baking!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Cherry Clafoutis

Making a delectable cherry clafoutis is a delightful way to impress your friends or enjoy a cozy dessert at home. Here’s a detailed guide that will walk you through each step, ensuring your baking experience is as easy and enjoyable as possible!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation, it’s essential to have all your ingredients at hand. For this cherry clafoutis, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2½ cups (12 oz) cherries, stemmed and pitted
3 large eggs
1 cup whole or 2% milk
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon almond extract
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Double-check your pantry and fridge to make sure you're fully stocked!

Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Once your ingredients are gathered, it’s time to prepare your baking environment. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch cast-iron or nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. If you don’t have a skillet, feel free to melt the butter in a 2-quart baking dish placed in the oven. Swirl the butter around the dish so it coats the sides evenly, which helps prevent sticking.

Prepare the Cherries

Now for the star of the show! Rinse your cherries under cold water, then remove the stems and pits. You can use a cherry pitter, or carefully slice them in half to pit them. Once they are prepped, arrange the cherries in an even layer along the bottom of your prepared dish. This will ensure every bite of your cherry clafoutis is infused with the delightful flavor of cherries.

Blend the Batter

With the cherries ready, it’s time to whip up the batter. In a blender, combine:

3 large eggs
1 cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon almond extract

Blend on medium speed until smooth and well-combined. This simple process helps create a light and airy texture for your cherry clafoutis.

Assemble and Bake

Finally, pour the batter over your arranged cherries in the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes initially. Remove the clafoutis and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly on top. Return it to the oven to continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes, until it turns golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with just a slight wiggle when you shake the dish.

Let the clafoutis cool for about 30 minutes, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve! Enjoy your beautiful cherry clafoutis warm or at room temperature for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress.

If you're looking for more sweet ideas or other French desserts like crème brûlée or tarte tatin, check here for inspiration!

Variations on Cherry Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a wonderfully adaptable dessert, and if you're eager to mix things up, here are a couple of delicious variations!

Mixed Berry Clafoutis

Instead of cherries, why not use a combination of berries? Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can create a vibrant, colorful dish that bursts with flavor. Simply replace the cherries with 2½ cups of your favorite mixed berries for a delightful twist on the classic cherry clafoutis.

Chocolate Cherry Clafoutis

For a decadent upgrade, try a chocolate cherry clafoutis! Simply add ⅓ cup of cocoa powder to the batter and fold in the cherries. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries, making this version perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dessert.

Explore these variations and delight in your new clafoutis creations! For more recipe inspiration, check out Food & Wine or Bon Appetit.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Cherry Clafoutis

When making cherry clafoutis, a few simple tips can make all the difference in achieving that perfect flan-like texture.

Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, fresh cherries for the best flavor. Frozen cherries work too but should be thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
Blend Elements: Ensure your batter is perfectly smooth by blending the ingredients well. This helps achieve that delightful, airy consistency.
Watch the Bake: Clafoutis should be slightly jiggly in the center when done; it’ll set as it cools. A clean toothpick means you're good!
Serving Suggestions: Try pairing with a light dusting of confectioners' sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated treat.

For more insights on baking with seasonal fruits, check out Food52's guide on baking with cherries and see how to elevate your desserts with fresh ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is not just a delight on its own but can be creatively served in various ways to enhance its charm. Here are some suggestions:

Fresh Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the rich, custard-like filling.
Seasonal Fruits: Try topping your clafoutis with fresh berries or slices of peach for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of this delectable dessert alongside your favorite cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent twist, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious hot-and-cold contrast.

Experiment with these ideas to make your cherry clafoutis experience even more memorable!

Time Breakdown for Cherry Clafoutis

When you're craving a delightful dessert like cherry clafoutis, it's helpful to plan your time wisely. Here’s a quick breakdown of the preparation and cooking stages.

Preparation Time

30 minutes: This includes gathering your ingredients, pitting the cherries, and mixing the batter. Remember, a well-organized kitchen can make this process even smoother!

Cooking Time

45 minutes: While your clafoutis is baking, take a moment to clean up or preheat your coffee for a perfect pairing later.

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes: In just over an hour, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your friends or treat yourself.

With this time structure in mind, you’ll find that making cherry clafoutis is not just simple, but incredibly rewarding! For more details, visit The Spruce Eats. Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Cherry Clafoutis

Calories per serving

Each serving of cherry clafoutis contains approximately 215 calories. This relatively light dessert allows you to indulge without straying too far from your dietary goals.

Sugar content

In each slice, you'll find 23 grams of sugar. While this adds a touch of sweetness, it's good to remember that much of it comes naturally from those delicious cherries!

Protein details

With about 5 grams of protein per serving, this dessert can offer a bit more sustenance than the average sweet treat, thanks to the eggs and milk used. Enjoying a slice can satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a little extra nutrition!

For more information about balanced desserts and healthy alternatives, check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central and Nutrition.gov.

FAQs about Cherry Clafoutis

Can I use frozen cherries for clafoutis?

Absolutely! Using frozen cherries in your cherry clafoutis is a great option, especially when fresh cherries are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to your batter. This keeps your clafoutis from becoming too watery, while still delivering that delightful cherry flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk. For a richer texture, consider using half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind, though, that substituting may slightly alter the creamy texture typical in a classic clafoutis.

How should I store leftover cherry clafoutis?

To keep your cherry clafoutis fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just reheat in the microwave, and you’re good to go!

For more tips on handling fruits in desserts, check out this article for expert advice.

Conclusion on Cherry Clafoutis

In summary, cherry clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that effortlessly combines simplicity and flavor. Whether served warm or chilled, this treat is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Try making it today—you’ll find it’s an enchanting way to celebrate fresh cherries!