Name: Irresistible Clafoutis: Your New Favorite Fruit Festival
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Milk (substitute with any milk, including almond milk); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (swap with more almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter version); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (consider lower-sugar options like coconut sugar); 4 large Eggs (essential for structure and custard texture); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for the best results); 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (feel free to omit or swap for vanilla); 1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt (essential for flavor); 1/2 cup Flour (ensure it’s well combined with other batter ingredients); 2 cups Cherries/Berries/Seasonal Fruits (use fresh fruits; frozen must be thawed and drained)

There’s something magical about combining simple ingredients to create a delightful French dessert that feels like a warm hug—enter clafoutis! This beloved dish features a custard-like batter enveloping seasonal fruits like cherries or vibrant berries, transforming humble ingredients into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. The perks? It’s not only quick to prepare but also effortlessly adaptable for any fruit you have on hand, making it a go-to for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Whether you choose to serve it warm, chilled, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, each bite of this clafoutis brings a taste of sunshine to your table. Curious about how to make this crowd-pleaser shine in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is Clafoutis a must-try?

Versatile Treat: Clafoutis shines with any seasonal fruit, ensuring it stays fresh and exciting year-round.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up this gorgeous dessert.

Impressive Presentation: Its golden puffed surface and fruit-studded interior will dazzle guests at any gathering.

Life-Friendly Adaptations: Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, this recipe can be tailored to fit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Warm or Chilled: Enjoy it straight from the oven or refrigerated for a refreshing twist. It tastes delightful either way!

Your friends and family will be raving about this clafoutis, so get ready to make it the star of your next meal.

Clafoutis Ingredients

For the Batter
• Milk – Main liquid component; substitute with any milk, including almond milk.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness; for a lighter version, swap with more almond milk or coconut milk.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; consider lower-sugar options like coconut sugar or substitutes.
• Eggs – Essential for structure and custard texture; no suitable egg substitute noted.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• Almond Extract – Adds a unique nutty flavor; feel free to omit or swap for vanilla if desired.
• Fine Salt – Balances sweetness; it’s essential for flavor.
• Flour – Provides the structure for your clafoutis; ensure it’s well combined with the other batter ingredients.

For the Fruit
• Cherries/Berries/Seasonal Fruits – The main flavor component; any fresh fruits can be used, and frozen options are recommended to be thawed and drained for best results.

Your clafoutis is bound to become your go-to dessert, showcasing the seasonal fruit beautifully!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Clafoutis

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it sets the scene for your clafoutis to rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking dish. A 10-inch cast iron skillet or pie plate works perfectly here, ensuring even cooking and a delightful crisp around the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter
Once the oven is ready, melt butter in your chosen baking dish inside the oven for about 5 minutes. This will ensure it’s hot and bubbly, providing a non-stick surface while adding a rich flavor to your clafoutis. Carefully remove the dish with oven mitts, swirling the melted butter to coat both the bottom and sides evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the Fruit
Now it’s time to fill your beautifully buttered dish. Evenly distribute your chosen fruit—whether it’s fresh cherries, bright berries, or seasonal fruits—across the bottom of the skillet. Aim for a visually appealing layer, as this will create the stunning look of your clafoutis once baked. Ensure the fruit is spread out evenly for balanced sweetness.

Step 4: Mix the Batter
In a blender, combine the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extracts, fine salt, and flour. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter, about 30 seconds. This step is key to creating that luscious custard-like texture which is the hallmark of a perfect clafoutis.

Step 5: Pour and Sprinkle
Once the batter is ready, pour it gently over the arranged fruit, ensuring that it covers them completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle additional sugar on top of the batter. This will create a delightful crackled crust as your clafoutis bakes, enhancing both the presentation and flavor of this wonderful dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Your clafoutis is done once it is puffed, golden, and slightly set in the center. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—this is when that lovely golden hue develops, signaling that it’s ready to be taken out.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow your clafoutis to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it allows the dessert to set perfectly, and you’ll notice it may deflate slightly as it cools. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Clafoutis Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with clafoutis and let your taste buds guide you in making it uniquely yours!

Berries Galore: Substitute cherries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant burst of color and flavor.
Imagine the sweet-tartness of berries mingling with the creamy batter—it’s a feast for both the eyes and palate!
Peachy Bliss: Use ripe peaches instead of cherries for a sweet, summery flavor that sings of sunshine. The warm, fruity aroma alone will have you dreaming of lazy afternoons!
Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch that elevates the traditional clafoutis. Nutty textures creating harmony with fruit are simply irresistible!
Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy spice note that captivates the senses. This aromatic twist can transform your clafoutis into a comforting dessert for chilly evenings.
Gluten-Free Delight: Swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing deliciousness. A gluten-free clafoutis has never tasted so good or felt so light!
Vegan Variation: Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg and use plant-based milk and coconut cream for a fully vegan clafoutis. This version ensures everyone can join in on the tasting fun!
Frozen Fruit Fix: In a pinch, use frozen fruits like dark cherries or strawberries, ensuring they’re thawed and drained. Baked into the dish, they’ll still provide that pop of fruity goodness you adore.
Chocolate Indulgence: Consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a decadent twist. We all need a little chocolate love in our lives, don’t you think?

With these variations, your clafoutis will shine brightly, no matter the season. For more inspirations, don’t forget to explore my tips for perfect clafoutis or get more ideas on serving suggestions. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Expert Tips for Perfect Clafoutis

Fruit Choice Matters: Opt for ripe, flavorful seasonal fruits to enhance the sweetness and overall taste of your clafoutis.
Prevent Sogginess: If using frozen fruit, thoroughly thaw and drain it to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly baked dessert.
Blend Carefully: For a fluffy texture, blend your batter just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense clafoutis that loses its lightness.
Cooling Time: Allow the clafoutis to cool for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and avoids deflation when cutting.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap almond extract for vanilla, or add spices like cinnamon to create distinct flavor profiles in your clafoutis.

How to Store and Freeze Clafoutis

Fridge: Store leftover clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping it fresh.

Freezer: If you want to freeze clafoutis, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To enjoy clafoutis warm, place individual slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions: Clafoutis can be enjoyed cold or warmed, and it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or ice cream, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert experience.

Make Ahead Options

These delicious clafoutis are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extracts, salt, and flour in a blender. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this helps maintain its fabulous flavor and consistency. Additionally, you can arrange the fruit in the baking dish ahead of time, ensuring the fruit layers remain fresh by covering them with plastic wrap. When it’s time to serve, preheat your oven, pour the batter over the fruit, bake until puffed and golden, and it will be just as delicious as if made fresh!

What to Serve with Clafoutis?

Crafting a delightful meal isn’t complete without knowing what to complement this stunning dessert!

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that balances the clafoutis’ richness beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: A side of mixed fresh berries brings a burst of flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the seasonal fruit theme.
Crispy Bacon: For a savory twist, serve crispy bacon alongside clafoutis; the saltiness creates a delightful contrast with the sweet batter.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of chilled sparkling wine elevates the meal, offering a celebratory fizz that complements the dessert’s lightness.
Coffee: Rich, brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the clafoutis, making it an ideal pairing for brunch or dessert time.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti creates a lovely texture contrast, making every bite of clafoutis even more enjoyable.
Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream adds a tropical flair and pairs flawlessly with fruit flavors.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top introduces a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Clafoutis Recipe FAQs

What type of fruit works best for clafoutis?
Absolutely! While traditional clafoutis uses dark cherries, you can also experiment with a variety of seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, plums, and pears. Just ensure the fruits are ripe and flavorful for the best results. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid a soggy texture.

How should I store leftovers?
Very simple! Store any leftover clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain its flavor while keeping it fresh. To enjoy, simply serve it cold or warm it slightly in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze clafoutis?
Yes, you can! To freeze clafoutis, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For serving later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

What’s the best way to prevent my clafoutis from becoming soggy?
To ensure your clafoutis has the right texture, especially when using frozen fruit, thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the batter. This removes excess moisture and helps achieve that delightful custardy consistency. If using fresh fruit, choose ripe but not overly soft options to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

Are there any dietary considerations I should know about?
Definitely! If you’re looking to adapt the clafoutis recipe for dietary needs, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using a dairy-free butter alternative. However, eggs are essential for structure, and there isn’t a suitable substitute that maintains the custard’s texture. Always check for any allergies related to specific fruits or alternative ingredients used!