Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

If there’s one French dessert that captures the essence of summer in every tender bite, it’s this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe. Imagine juicy cherries nestled in a custardy, barely-sweet batter, baked until golden and delightful—it’s simple, rustic, and brimming with pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is how the magic comes from a handful of staple ingredients. Each one—no matter how simple—brings its own sparkle to the batter, ensuring that irresistible, custardy texture and perfect balance of flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: For generously greasing your pan, butter prevents sticking and adds rich flavor around the edges.
• Fresh Sweet Cherries: Juicy, in-season cherries are the centerpiece—bright, tangy, and sweet. Don’t worry: frozen cherries work too!
• Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess and helps achieve that classic, silky clafoutis texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cherries and batter without making it cloying.
• Large Eggs: The custard’s backbone—eggs set the structure and give the dessert that signature wobble.
• Rum, Kirsch, or Cognac (optional): Just a splash deepens the flavor and gives an oh-so-French je ne sais quoi—but you can add extra vanilla if you prefer!
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the fruity notes beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a dusting thickens the batter gently, so the custard stays light and tender.
• Fine Sea Salt: A pinch makes all the difference, enhancing every flavor in the dish.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: The essential finishing touch—just a shower over the baked clafoutis gives it a gorgeous, snowy look.
• Whipped Cream: A swoop of homemade whipped cream transforms every slice into a celebration.

Variations

One of the best things about this classic Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is how flexible it is! It adapts beautifully to whatever fruit is ripening on your counter or stashed in your freezer, and can even sneak in little swaps for dietary needs or extra flavor.

• Apricot-Raspberry Clafoutis: Swap half the cherries for sliced ripe apricots and toss in a handful of raspberries for stunning color and brightness.
• Apple & Cinnamon Variation: Layer thin apple slices and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for cozy fall vibes.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Trade the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend—just be sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for custard structure.
• Blueberry Clafoutis: Fresh or frozen blueberries make a lovely change and turn the custard a beautiful purple-blue.

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cherries

Start by warming your oven to 350°F and generously greasing the bottom and sides of a deep 9-inch pie pan with butter. Pit your cherries (a cherry pitter makes fast work of it!) and evenly scatter them over the pan. The more even the layer, the more beautiful the slices!

Step 2: Make the Simple Custard Batter

In a blender, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, flour, and that optional splash of rum or brandy. Blitz for about one minute—the mixture should look silky, smooth, and a bit bubbly around the edges. This step ensures a light, lump-free batter every time.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour your custardy batter over the cherries, giving the pan a gentle shake so the batter flows in and around every piece of fruit. Bake on the center rack for 50 to 55 minutes, until the clafoutis is puffed, golden-brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t worry if it deflates a little as it cools—it’s all part of the charm!

Step 4: Cool, Dust, and Serve

Let your Cherry Clafoutis cool for at least 20 minutes before showering it with confectioners’ sugar. This pause helps it set, so you get neat slices and the custard isn’t runny. Serve warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget that dollop of whipped cream!

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream

For the dreamiest garnish, beat together chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until soft, billowy peaks form. Spoon generously onto each piece—the cool cream is the ultimate match for the sweet-tart cherries and velvety custard.

How to Serve Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Garnishes

The classic finish is a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar, but don’t stop there—fresh cherries or a sprig of mint make gorgeous, celebratory touches. And always, a cloud of homemade whipped cream brings everything together in dreamily creamy harmony.

Side Dishes

Pair this dessert with a simple fruit salad featuring stone fruit, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for pure decadence. For brunch, a crisp green salad or some buttery croissants in the spread is absolute perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Cherry Clafoutis Recipe in small ramekins for individual servings, or arrange cherry halves in decorative concentric circles before pouring the batter for a showstopper effect. Serving in rustic wedges straight from a cast iron pan also turns any table into a cozy French countryside kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Clafoutis is at its best the day it’s made but keeps beautifully! Cover leftover slices with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Freezing

While clafoutis is meant to be enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Wrap slices tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge—just note the custard may slightly change texture but the flavor remains delightful.

Reheating

Reheat chilled slices gently, covered with foil, in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave for short bursts. Serve warm and refresh with another dusting of sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a just-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you serve it as a cozy family treat or the grand finale to a summer dinner, this Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is always a hit. It’s so simple, so welcoming, and every cherry-studded bite is pure happiness—I hope you’ll give it a try soon and fall in love with its old-world magic!

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