If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels both sophisticated and supremely comforting, this Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. It’s a heavenly baked cherry custard that lets fresh or frozen cherries shine beneath a tender, lightly sweetened batter. The magic happens with simple ingredients coming together effortlessly to create a dish that’s wonderfully rustic yet impressively elegant. Whether you’re serving it as a charming end to a casual dinner or a weekend treat, this Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe never fails to impress with its delicate flavors and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a vital role. From the creamy richness of whole milk to the fragrant hints of vanilla and almond extracts, every element combines to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance.
- 1 cup whole milk: adds creamy richness essential for the custard’s smooth texture.
- 3 large eggs: provide structure and a luscious custard base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the batter just enough to enhance the cherries without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: gives warm, inviting aroma and flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: introduces a subtle nutty note that complements cherries beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: thickens the batter for a tender yet set clafoutis.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen (pitted) cherries: the star ingredient, providing bursts of juicy tartness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing): prevents sticking and adds a slight buttery flavor to the crust edges.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): a pretty finishing touch that adds a whisper of extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F—it’s the perfect temperature to gently bake your custard without drying it out. Next, generously grease a 9-inch pie dish with the unsalted butter so the clafoutis won’t stick and will come out with beautifully crisp edges.
Step 2: Arrange the Cherries
Take the pitted cherries and spread them evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Whether fresh or frozen, these juicy little gems will be the delicious foundation of your clafoutis, infusing every bite with vibrant fruit flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and silky. This combination creates that wonderful custard base. Gradually add the flour, whisking carefully until it’s fully incorporated and the batter becomes slightly bubbly. This ensures a light, tender texture after baking.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the batter gently over the cherries in your pie dish, allowing it to cover them evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the clafoutis has puffed up, turned a light golden color, and is set in the center but still delicately soft.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Once out of the oven, let the clafoutis cool slightly at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar if you wish for an added touch of elegance. You can serve this dessert warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—each way brings out a slightly different but equally delectable experience.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you truly need to make the clafoutis shine, but fresh mint leaves or a few extra cherries on top can add a fresh burst of color and enhance the already delightful presentation. A light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully if you want to add a bit of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to elevate your serving experience, consider enjoying it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche. A cup of espresso or a glass of chilled rosé also makes for a perfect complement, offering contrasting warmth or crispness that highlights the clafoutis’ delicate sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests with presentation, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins instead of one large dish. You can also layer fresh cherries and batter alternately in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the contrasting colors, or add a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top before baking for extra texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe keeps nicely when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Enjoy leftovers chilled or at room temperature for a quick dessert fix.
Freezing
While clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to eat frozen clafoutis within one month for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the custard’s texture, making it rubbery. A gentle oven heat preserves the tender, creamy nature that makes this dessert so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones in this Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the custard too wet.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can simply omit the almond extract if you don’t have it on hand. The vanilla extract alone provides a lovely aromatic base, but the almond extract adds a subtle extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the texture and richness but will still produce a tasty clafoutis.
How do I know when the clafoutis is fully baked?
Look for a puffed, lightly golden surface with the center set and no longer jiggly. The edges may be slightly browned, and the custard should feel firm but still tender when you gently press.
Can this recipe be adapted for other fruits?
Definitely! This Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can substitute cherries with berries, plums, apricots, or even sliced stone fruits for variations that keep the dessert fresh and exciting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and joyful about baking a dessert that’s both simple and impressive, and this Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dish that lets fresh fruit speak for itself while swaddled in a tender, custardy embrace that’s guaranteed to bring smiles at any table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.
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Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert featuring a light, custard-like batter baked over juicy cherries. It’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and fresh or frozen cherries, perfect for a sweet treat that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fresh or frozen (pitted) cherries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie or baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Arrange cherries: Evenly spread the pitted cherries across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a fruit layer for the custard batter to set over.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add flour: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth, fully combined, and slightly bubbly with no lumps.
- Combine and bake: Pour the batter evenly over the cherries in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed up, lightly golden on top, and set in the center when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the clafoutis to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled based on preference.
Notes
- For best texture, use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream for a richer custard.
- This recipe works well with other fruits such as berries, plums, or apricots in place of cherries.
- Clafoutis is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
