Grandma's Classic French Clafouti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of France with my grandma's classic clafouti recipe. This delightful dish is a unique take on a fruit custard, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat at any time of day. While many recipes call for little milk and a heavy hand with flour, this version embraces a creamy texture thanks to a generous amount of milk, balanced with just enough flour for structure. You can customize your clafouti with your favorite fruits, such as canned peaches, fresh cherries, or sliced apples, making it versatile for any season. Not overly sweet, it invites personal tweaks with added sugar to suit your taste. Serve warm, and consider pairing it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful start to your day or a cozy dessert. This clafouti is a cherished family recipe that brings a taste of Paris right to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned fruit
20 ounces (drained (peaches, pears, fresh cherries, or apples))
Large eggs
4-5 (beaten)
Flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Sugar
4 tablespoons (granulated (adjust to taste))
Milk
2 cups (low-fat or whole)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Rum or Cognac
1 tablespoon (optional, added after the batter is poured over the fruit)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Grease a large, circular deep-dish glass pie plate with butter and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
3
In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and flour until well combined and smooth.
4
Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract to the mixture, whisking constantly until the batter is homogenous.
5
Arrange the fruit of your choice evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate, ensuring the bottom is well-covered.
6
Pour the batter mixture gently over the arranged fruit.
7
For added richness, you may sprinkle small dots of unsalted butter on top of the batter halfway through the baking time.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the clafouti is puffed up and golden brown at the edges.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of yogurt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Classic French Clafouti?
It is a unique French fruit custard that is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat at any time of day.
What is the texture of this clafouti?
This version has a creamy texture thanks to a generous amount of milk and a smaller amount of flour.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A large, circular deep-dish glass pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the clafouti from sticking to the dish?
Grease the pie plate with butter and dust it lightly with flour before adding the ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients for the batter?
The batter consists of eggs, sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 large beaten eggs.
What type of flour is used?
Use 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of milk, which can be either low-fat or whole milk.
Can I use different types of fruit?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, pears, fresh cherries, or sliced apples.
How much fruit is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires approximately 20 ounces of drained fruit.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is not overly sweet, containing 4 tablespoons of sugar, which you can adjust to your preference.
Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 tablespoon of Rum or Cognac after the batter is poured over the fruit.
How do I prepare the batter?
Beat eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract.
How should I arrange the fruit?
Arrange the fruit of your choice evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate.
How long does the clafouti need to bake?
Bake it for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the clafouti is done?
It is ready when it has puffed up and is golden brown at the edges.
Can I add butter during the baking process?
For added richness, you can sprinkle small dots of unsalted butter on top halfway through baking.
How should the clafouti be served?
Allow it to cool slightly and serve it warm, optionally with powdered sugar or yogurt.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, its custard-like consistency makes it a delightful breakfast option.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Do I need to drain the canned fruit?
Yes, ensure any canned fruit used is well-drained before placing it in the dish.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cherries or apples are excellent alternatives to canned fruit.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a cherished family recipe inspired by traditional French cooking from the author's grandma.
Is clafouti a type of cake?
It is more of a fruit custard than a cake, focusing on a creamy texture rather than a bready one.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either low-fat or whole milk.
How many servings does this make?
While not specified, a large circular pie plate typically serves 6 to 8 people.
What toppings go well with clafouti?
A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of yogurt are recommended toppings.
Is the batter supposed to be thin?
Yes, the mixture should be whisked until it is a homogenous, pourable liquid batter.
Can I use pears in this recipe?
Yes, pears are one of the suggested fruits for this versatile clafouti.