French Cherry Clafoutis

This French Cherry Clafoutis (pronounced klah-foo-TEE) is a delightful dessert featuring sweet cherry bites nestled in a creamy, custard-like texture. Perfectly balanced—not too sweet—it’s a versatile treat that shines as a dessert or a Sunday brunch centerpiece. Serve it warm or cold with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Clafoutis

Introduced to our family by French friends, this Cherry Clafoutis quickly became a favorite. Its rich custard studded with juicy cherries is both comforting and elegant. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Simple to Make: Uses pantry staples and takes just minutes to prep.
• Versatile Ingredients: Works with fresh or canned cherries, or substitute with apples, pears, cranberries, blackberries, plums, or prunes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for dessert, brunch, or a special treat.
• Delicious Warm or Cold: Enjoy it straight from the oven or chilled from the fridge.

Ingredients

[Note: The original text did not provide specific quantities. Below is a placeholder list based on standard clafoutis recipes. Please provide exact measurements if available, and I can update this section.]

• Cherries: 3 cups fresh or canned (pitted), drained if canned.
• Eggs: 3 large, for custard base.
• Milk: 1 cup, whole or 2% for richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, for structure.
• Sugar: ½ cup, plus 2 tbsp for topping.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
• Almond Extract: ½ tsp, for a nutty note.
• Salt: ¼ tsp, to balance sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting before serving.
• Butter: For greasing the baking dish.

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis

1. Prepare Cherries: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch baking dish. Arrange pitted cherries evenly in the bottom of the dish.
2. Make Batter: In a blender or bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth. Pour batter over cherries. Sprinkle with reserved 2 tbsp sugar.
3. Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes until the custard is set and lightly golden. Check at 30 minutes; cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
4. Serve: Cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm or cold, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Cherry Options: Fresh cherries are ideal, but canned (drained) work well. Pitting is optional—traditional French recipes often leave pits for added flavor, but remove for easier eating.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Check at 30 minutes and cover with foil if needed.
• Smooth Batter: Use a blender for a silky batter, or whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Versatile Fruits: Swap cherries for apples, pears, or berries for a twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
• Serving Tip: Delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic treat.
• Brunch: Pair with coffee or tea for a light, elegant morning dish.
• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or add a sprig of mint for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need to pit the cherries?
Pitting is optional. Traditional recipes keep pits for flavor, but pitting makes it easier to eat.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes, try apples, pears, cranberries, blackberries, plums, or prunes.

Is clafoutis served warm or cold?
Both! It’s delicious warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat before serving for best results.

Conclusion

This French Cherry Clafoutis is the simplest way to enjoy a classic French dessert or brunch dish. With its creamy custard and sweet cherry bursts, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make with pantry staples. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled for a light brunch, it’s sure to become a family favorite!