Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti

🍏🍽️🍰 Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti 🍏🍽️🍰

What is it?
Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti is a delightful French dessert that combines the sweetness of baked apples with a custardy, pancake-like batter infused with warm cinnamon. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall and winter.

History:
While Clafouti is traditionally made with cherries (known as Clafoutis), variations like this one with apples have become popular. Clafouti itself has its origins in the Limousin region of France and was originally made with black cherries. Over time, it has evolved to include various fruits.

Components:

• 🍏 Apples: Typically, you’ll need about 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced.
• 🥚 Eggs: You’ll need 3-4 eggs for the custard base.
• 🥛 Milk: 1 cup of milk (whole milk or half-and-half) is used for creaminess.
• 🍯 Sugar: 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness.
• 🍚 Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for structure.
• 🧈 Butter: 2 tablespoons of melted butter for flavor.
• 🍂 Cinnamon: 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for that warm, spicy flavor.
• 🧂 Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• 🍽️ Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for aroma.
• 🍋 Lemon zest (optional): For a hint of citrusy freshness.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (usually a pie dish) with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, flour, milk, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until the batter is smooth.

4. Layer the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in the greased baking dish.

5. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter over the apples, making sure they are evenly coated.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the clafouti is puffed, set in the center, and golden brown on top.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Clafouti is often served warm. You can dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Preparation Time:

• Preparing the apples and batter: 15-20 minutes
• Baking time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 60-65 minutes

Enjoy your homemade Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti! 🍏🍰 It’s a wonderful dessert to savor with family and friends, especially during the colder months. 😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 200-250 calories
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 85-100 mg
• Sodium: 100-150 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 5-6 grams
• Vitamin C: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
• Iron: 6-8% of daily recommended intake

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calorie Dessert: Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti provides a moderate amount of calories, making it a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation.

2. Moderate Fat Content: It contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the eggs and butter. The fat content contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the dessert.

3. Protein: There is a small amount of protein in Clafouti, which comes from the eggs and milk in the recipe.

4. Moderate Sugar: The dessert contains sugars from both the apples and added sugar. While it’s a sweet treat, it’s important to consume sugary desserts in moderation.

5. Fiber: The dessert offers a modest amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the apples used in the recipe.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: It provides some vitamin C, calcium, and iron, thanks to the apples and other ingredients. However, it’s not a significant source of these nutrients.

7. Serving Size Matters: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie and sugar intake. Smaller servings can help keep the overall nutritional impact in check.

8. Enjoy Occasionally: Apple and Cinnamon Clafouti is a delightful indulgence best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its sugar and calorie content. Pairing it with a side of fresh fruit can add some extra nutrients to your dessert.

Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. It’s always a good idea to refer to the nutritional information on specific product packaging or use a nutrition calculator for precise details based on your recipe and portion size.