Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that combines juicy cherries with a creamy, custard-like batter for a simple yet elegant treat. This easy-to-make dish brings together the sweetness of fresh or canned cherries with a delicate, lightly sweetened base that bakes up beautifully golden. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a delightful weeknight dessert, this Cherry Clafoutis recipe is sure to impress. Best of all, it requires minimal prep work and just a handful of pantry staples, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Clafoutis
This Cherry Clafoutis stands out for its effortless charm and refined flavors. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy custard and juicy fruit, elevated with hints of vanilla and almond. The preparation couldn’t be simpler—blend the ingredients, pour them over the cherries, and bake. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or thawed frozen cherries, this dessert is versatile enough to enjoy any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted (or 1 can canned cherries, drained)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar, with an additional 2 tablespoons for topping
- 1 cup whole milk (or half and half)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Clafoutis
- Prepare the Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9- or 10-inch baking dish or pie plate.
- Add the Cherries – Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Blend the Batter – In a blender, combine eggs, sugar (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), milk, flour, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour and Sprinkle – Pour the blended batter over the cherries, then sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve – Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor.
- To prevent sogginess, ensure canned or frozen cherries are well-drained.
- Blend the batter until fully smooth to achieve the perfect custard texture.
- For a more traditional French version, you can leave the cherries unpitted, but be sure to warn guests.
Substitutions and Variations
- Fruit swaps: Experiment with plums, apples, pears, blackberries, or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra depth.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftover Cherry Clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 15-second intervals or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. It’s just as delicious cold!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 92 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Potassium: 102 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Vitamin A: 112 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 34 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Clafoutis with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair it with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly French-inspired experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Clafoutis
Can I make Cherry Clafoutis ahead of time? Yes! It tastes great when made a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and serve chilled or gently reheated.
Can I use frozen cherries? Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the batter.
Why did my Clafoutis sink in the middle? This is normal as it cools. Clafoutis naturally deflates a bit after baking.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Is Cherry Clafoutis served warm or cold? Either works! It’s delicious at any temperature.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my love for this delightful Cherry Clafoutis recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. I hope you enjoy every creamy, cherry-filled bite as much as I do. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert made with juicy cherries baked in a creamy, custard-like batter. Simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted (or 1 can canned cherries, drained)
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1 cup whole milk (or half and half)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9- or 10-inch baking dish or pie plate.
- Add the Cherries – Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Blend the Batter – In a blender, combine eggs, sugar (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), milk, flour, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour and Sprinkle – Pour the blended batter over the cherries, then sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve – Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen cherries. Ensure canned or frozen cherries are well-drained.
Traditionally made with unpitted cherries, but pitted cherries make for easier eating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 92
- Sugar: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 3 g