Classic French Cherry Clafoutis
Indulge in the delightful flavors of France with this Classic French Cherry Clafoutis. This timeless dessert, adapted from Julia Child's iconic recipe, combines the rich taste of fresh cherries baked in a light, custard-like batter. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this clafoutis is incredibly easy to prepare and will impress with its elegant simplicity.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 1/4 cups
sugar
2/3 cup (divided)
eggs
3
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
cherries
3 cups (pitted)
powdered sugar
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a blender, combine the milk, 1/3 cup of the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Blend until smooth and lump-free.
3
Generously butter an 8-cup capacity baking dish. Pour a 1/4-inch layer of the blended batter into the bottom of the dish.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, until the batter has set slightly but is not fully cooked.
5
Remove the dish from the oven. Evenly distribute the pitted cherries over the set batter. Sprinkle the cherries with the remaining sugar.
6
Pour the rest of the batter over the cherries, ensuring they are evenly covered.
7
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the clafoutis is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic French Cherry Clafoutis?
A traditional French dessert featuring fresh cherries baked in a light, custard-like batter, known for its elegant simplicity.
Whose recipe is this version adapted from?
This recipe is adapted from Julia Child's iconic version of the classic clafoutis.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, all-purpose flour, and fresh cherries.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to use a blender?
Yes, a blender is used to combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
You should generously butter an 8-cup capacity baking dish before adding the batter.
Why do you bake a thin layer of batter first?
Baking a 1/4-inch layer of batter for 7-10 minutes creates a base that prevents the cherries from sinking to the bottom.
How many cherries are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of pitted cherries.
Should the cherries be pitted?
Yes, the instructions specify using pitted cherries for this version of the dessert.
How do I know when the clafoutis is done baking?
It is done when it is puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time ranges from 52 to 70 minutes including the initial setting of the base layer.
How is the sugar used in this recipe?
The 2/3 cup of sugar is divided: 1/3 cup goes into the blender with the batter, and the remaining portion is sprinkled over the cherries.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served warm, shortly after being removed from the oven.
What should I use for a garnish?
Dust the warm clafoutis generously with powdered sugar before serving.
What is the texture of a clafoutis?
The texture is a smooth, rich, flan-like custard that surrounds the fruit.
Can I eat clafoutis for breakfast?
Yes, it is considered a versatile dish that is perfect for both breakfast and dessert.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of milk.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I use vanilla extract?
Yes, one tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the batter for flavor.
Is there salt in the batter?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is added to the blender mix.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The custard batter requires 3 eggs.
What capacity should the baking dish be?
An 8-cup capacity baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as being incredibly easy to prepare despite its elegant appearance.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before garnishing and serving.
How do I ensure the batter is lump-free?
Blending the batter ingredients in a blender ensures a smooth and consistent texture.
Can I use other types of fruit?
While this is a cherry clafoutis, the same custard base can often be used with other seasonal fruits.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It falls under French cuisine, categorized as a dessert or breakfast custard.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is designed to impress with its timeless French flavors and elegant simplicity.
How many ingredients are there in total?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.