The sweet aroma of baked cherries wafts through the air as you imagine the delicate crust cradling those juicy gems. Your heart flutters at the thought of digging into that silky custard, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Cherry clafouti is not just a dessert; it’s a whimsical experience that wraps you in nostalgia and warmth with every bite.
Picture this: a sunny afternoon gathering with friends where laughter fills the air and someone brings out a beautiful cherry clafouti. The vibrant colors and enticing scent make everyone swoon as they eagerly await their turn to indulge. This dish has become my secret weapon for turning ordinary occasions into extraordinary memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry clafouti is as easy to make as it is delicious
- With its fluffy texture and sweet cherry flavor, it impresses everyone at the table
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners
- You can enjoy it warm or chilled, giving you flexibility for any occasion
Sharing my cherry clafouti at a family picnic led to delighted exclamations and requests for seconds—who can resist that?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe, sweet cherries; they should be deep red and plump for the best flavor.
- Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; alternatives like almond milk can work too but may alter flavor slightly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour creates a tender texture; don’t substitute unless necessary.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness—adjust based on your taste preference and sweetness of cherries.
- Eggs: Large eggs provide structure; ensure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor—it’s worth splurging on quality here.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie dish or an 8-inch round cake pan with butter to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you whip up that dreamy batter.
Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries. Halve them if you like; this allows more juice to seep out during baking. Toss them gently with a tablespoon of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
Blend the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together three large eggs until frothy—it’s like giving them a mini workout! Add one cup of milk, half a cup of sugar, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined.
Add the Flour: Gradually sift in one cup of all-purpose flour while whisking continuously to avoid lumps—this part’s crucial! The batter should be smooth and creamy so that it envelops those cherries beautifully.
Combine Cherries and Batter: Pour half of the batter into your prepared pie dish before arranging the sugared cherries evenly on top. Cover them with the remaining batter and watch them sink into blissful oblivion.
Bake Away: Slide your creation into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top. It’s done when puffed up and set in the center—just like how you feel after eating too many slices!
Once removed from the oven, cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy!
This cherry clafouti serves as an impressive centerpiece at any gathering or simply as an indulgent personal treat—your choice! Enjoy each slice as sweet memories are created around the table!
You Must Know
- This Cherry Clafouti is a delightful French dessert that’s easy to make and impressively delicious
- The vibrant cherry flavor combined with a custardy texture creates an irresistible treat
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare the batter while the cherries are pitted and ready. Finally, bake until golden brown and puffed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches. You can also add a dash of almond extract for an extra flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover clafouti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Cherry Clafouti, use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving to enhance its texture
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Creating my first Cherry Clafouti was a moment of triumph; my friends were amazed at how something so simple could taste so divine!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Clafouti?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How long does it take to bake Cherry Clafouti?
Bake your Cherry Clafouti for about 35-40 minutes until it’s puffed and golden brown.
Is Cherry Clafouti served warm or cold?
Cherry Clafouti is best served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled as a refreshing dessert.
Cherry Clafouti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry Clafouti is a delightful French dessert that combines juicy cherries with a fluffy custard-like batter. It’s an effortless yet impressive treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Wash and pit the cherries; halve if desired. Toss with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually sift in flour while whisking until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, arrange cherries on top, then cover with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Substitute cherries with blueberries or peaches for variation.
- Add almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg