How to Make Cherry Clafoutis: A Taste of French Countryside

Cherry clafoutis, with its charming name and rustic elegance, is a classic French dessert that tastes like sunshine and summer. Imagine a warm, custard-like base studded with sweet, juicy cherries, dusted with powdered sugar. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect ending to a meal? The best part? This delightful treat is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a complete beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you create a clafoutis that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to be transported to the French countryside with every delicious bite.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Market

Before we embark on our clafoutis adventure, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll find most of these staples in your pantry, but a trip to the local farmer’s market for fresh, plump cherries is highly recommended!

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Cherries: While fresh cherries are ideal, frozen cherries work well too. Ensure they’re thawed and well-drained before using. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries, plums, or apricots.
• Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk.

Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need

Baking is a breeze when you have the right tools. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 9-inch pie dish or shallow baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for dusting powdered sugar)

Baking the Perfect Cherry Clafoutis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now comes the fun part – let’s bring our clafoutis to life!

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash and pit the cherries. If using frozen cherries, ensure they’re thawed and patted dry.

Step 2: Creating the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Assembling the Clafoutis

1. Pour the melted butter into your pie dish and tilt it to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
2. Arrange the pitted cherries in an even layer in the prepared dish.
3. Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Baking Time

1. Place the clafoutis in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The clafoutis is ready when it’s puffed up around the edges and the center is just set. It should have a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

1. Remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. It will naturally deflate as it cools, which is perfectly normal.
2. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Cherry Clafoutis Baking

Tips for Clafoutis Perfection: From My Kitchen to Yours

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the clafoutis to cool slightly before serving allows it to set and prevents it from being runny.
• Embrace the rustic charm: Clafoutis is meant to have a slightly rustic appearance, so don’t worry about achieving perfect edges.
• Get creative with flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or rum for added depth of flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top also adds a lovely touch.

Frequently Asked Questions: All Your Clafoutis Queries Answered

Can I make clafoutis ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Clafoutis is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can bake it a few hours ahead and simply reheat it gently in a low oven before serving.

What can I serve with cherry clafoutis?

Clafoutis is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey.

A Final Word: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully baked a classic cherry clafoutis! I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a taste of the French countryside into your own home. Remember, baking is all about experimentation and enjoyment. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and create something truly special!

Cherry Clafoutis Slice

Don’t forget to share your clafoutis creations and baking adventures with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.