Decadent Cherry Almond Clafouti
Indulge in this delightful Cherry Almond Clafouti, a classic French dessert that beautifully doubles as a brunch dish. Featuring juicy, fresh cherries baked in a delicate custard, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The option to leave the pits in the cherries adds an unexpected almond flavor that complements the tart sweetness of the fruit, but be mindful of the pits while enjoying this treat. Perfect for brunch or a light dessert, serve it warm, dusted with icing sugar for an elegant touch.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (measured)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Eggs
2 large (beaten)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
Milk
3/4 cup (measured)
Pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Cherries
1 lb (washed, stems and pits removed)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (measured for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
2
Thoroughly wash the cherries, then remove the stems and pits, setting them aside for later use.
3
In a food processor or blender, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is completely smooth. Allow the batter to rest while you prepare the cherries.
4
In a large, ovenproof nonstick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the melted butter coats the bottom and sides evenly.
5
Once the butter is bubbling, add the prepared cherries to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the cherries soften slightly and become coated in the melted butter.
6
Sprinkle the cherries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves and creates a lovely syrup around the cherries.
7
Carefully pour the rested batter over the caramelized cherries in the skillet, ensuring even coverage.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the clafouti is puffed, golden brown around the edges, and set in the center. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent collapse.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar before slicing.
10
Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
3.67g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Cherry Almond Clafouti?
It is a classic French dessert featuring fresh cherries baked in a delicate, custard-like batter.
Can I serve this dish for brunch?
Yes, its light custard texture and fruit content make it an excellent choice for both brunch and dessert.
Should I leave the pits in the cherries?
Leaving pits in can add a subtle almond flavor, but for safety and ease of eating, this recipe recommends removing them.
What is the best way to prepare the cherries?
You should thoroughly wash the cherries, remove the stems, and remove the pits before cooking.
What is the ideal oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How do I ensure the batter is smooth?
Using a food processor or blender to combine the ingredients will ensure the batter is completely smooth.
Do I need to rest the batter?
Yes, allowing the batter to rest while you prepare the cherries helps improve the final texture.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large, ovenproof nonstick skillet is recommended for even cooking and easy serving.
How do I caramelize the cherries?
Melt butter in a skillet, add cherries for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with sugar and cook until a syrup forms.
How long does the clafouti take to bake?
It typically takes about 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the clafouti is finished baking?
It should be puffed, golden brown around the edges, and set in the center.
Why shouldn't I open the oven door during baking?
Opening the door can cause the delicate custard to collapse before it is fully set.
How should I serve the clafouti?
Serve it warm, ideally dusted with icing sugar for an elegant presentation.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the custard.
Is there almond extract in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses vanilla extract, but the almond flavor traditionally comes from the cherry pits or the fruit itself.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories, 5g of fat, and 17.5g of carbohydrates.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to control the salt levels, but salted can be used if you reduce the added salt.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are approximately 3.67g of protein per serving.
What type of flour is used?
All-purpose flour is used to provide the structure for the custard.
Can I substitute the milk?
Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use lower-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives with varying results.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the sugar used for the topping.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What happens if I don't use a blender?
If mixing by hand, ensure you whisk vigorously to prevent any flour lumps in the custard.
Can I add extra sugar?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons total; adding more may make the dish overly sweet and affect the caramelization.
What does the icing sugar do?
It adds a touch of sweetness and provides a professional, decorative finish.
What is the texture of a clafouti?
It has a unique texture that is somewhere between a thick crepe, a pancake, and a firm flan.
Is this a traditional French recipe?
Yes, clafouti is a classic dessert originating from the Limousin region of France.
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, though it is technically called a flognarde when made with other fruits like pears or plums.
Should I use fresh or bottled vanilla?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor profile.