Cherry Clafoutis: A Simple Delight

Finding a dessert that is both impressive and easy to make can be challenging. Many recipes require extensive preparation or hard-to-find ingredients, making them less accessible for beginners.

Imagine wanting to serve a delightful dessert but being deterred by complicated instructions or unfamiliar techniques. The stress of creating a sophisticated dish can overshadow the joy of sharing it with loved ones.

Cherry Clafoutis offers a perfect solution with its simple preparation and elegant presentation. This classic French dessert combines a custard-like filling with sweet cherries, making it an accessible yet impressive choice for any occasion.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound sweet, ripe cherries
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon golden rum (optional)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Butter for greasing the pan
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Fresh whipped cream (optional)

How to Make It

Prepare the Cherries

1. Pit the Cherries: Start by removing the stems and pits from your cherries. Using a cherry pitter can make this much easier and less messy.
2. Butter the Pan: Generously butter a 9-inch deep pie pan or any similar oven-safe dish. This helps keep the Clafoutis from sticking.

Make the Batter

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of golden rum (if you’re using it), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and frothy.
2. No Blender? You can use a food processor or an electric mixer if a blender isn’t available.

Put It All Together

1. Arrange the Cherries: Spread your pitted cherries evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the cherries. The cherries should still peek out from the batter.
3. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and puffed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Finish and Serve

1. Cool: Let the Clafoutis cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. It will puff up during baking but will settle as it cools.
2. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if you like, and consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Try Different Fruits

Feel free to switch up the cherries with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or apricots. Each variation offers a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Clafoutis is a wonderfully simple dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!