Cherry Clafouti: A Delightful French Dessert
When the summer months arrive and fresh cherries are at their peak, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a warm Cherry Clafouti, a simple yet exquisite dessert that embodies the essence of rustic French cooking. This recipe is a cherished gem from a Mediterranean cookbook, showcasing the vibrant flavors of cherries, all wrapped in a tender, custardy batter that’s just delightful served with a drizzle of pouring cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla frozen yogurt. If fresh cherries aren’t available, fear not; two 15-ounce cans of stoned black cherries will work beautifully in their place. For an added touch of elegance, consider incorporating a splash of kirsch into the batter for that extra special finish.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Category | Dessert |
| Rating | 4 (based on 1 review) |
| Calories | 372.4 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 372.4 |
| Total Fat | 16.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 238.5 mg |
| Sodium | 179.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 31.6 g |
| Protein | 10.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 ½ cups | fresh cherries |
| ½ cup | plain flour |
| 1 tsp | salt |
| 4 | eggs |
| 2 cups | sugar |
| ½ cup | milk |
| 2 ½ tbsp | butter |
| ¼ cup | sugar (for dusting, optional) |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your clafouti bakes evenly and achieves that golden-brown finish.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a shallow ovenproof dish and lightly butter both the base and the sides. This will not only help prevent sticking but also contribute to the overall flavor of the clafouti.
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Prepare the Cherries: Stone the fresh cherries, removing their pits, and arrange them evenly in the buttered dish. If you’re using canned cherries, make sure they are thoroughly drained before placing them in the dish.
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Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and salt. This aeration helps create a lighter batter. Add the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar to the flour mixture, then pour in a little of the milk. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth batter.
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Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the rest of the milk and melted butter until fully combined. If you desire a hint of sophistication, this is the moment to add 3 tablespoons of kirsch to the batter, which infuses a subtle cherry flavor that beautifully complements the fresh fruit.
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Combine and Strain: Using a tight mesh strainer, carefully strain the batter over the arranged cherries in the baking dish. This technique ensures a silky texture by eliminating any lumps, resulting in a delicate clafouti.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the clafouti is golden and just set in the center. The top should puff up beautifully, creating a lovely contrast to the tender cherries below.
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Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the clafouti from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Dust the top with a little additional sugar, if desired, for a touch of sweetness, and serve it warm. Pair with pouring cream or a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt for a truly indulgent experience.
Enjoying Your Cherry Clafouti
As you dive into this warm, comforting dessert, you will find that each bite encapsulates the essence of summer, celebrating the juicy, sweet cherries that take center stage. Perfect for family gatherings, summer picnics, or simply as a special treat, this Cherry Clafouti is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
