If you’ve ever dreamt of a dessert that’s effortlessly impressive and bursting with juicy flavor, Easy Cherry Clafoutis is about to win your heart. This gorgeous French classic blends sweet, tender cherries in a creamy, custard-like batter that puffs up beautifully as it bakes. It’s luxurious yet entirely approachable, and you don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. With each bite, you’ll find a melding of rustic warmth and refined flavor that makes Easy Cherry Clafoutis the dessert you turn to when you want to make something truly special without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Cherry Clafoutis is in its simplicity—just a handful of basic ingredients join forces to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Every item here plays an important role, from the richness of the eggs to the burst of flavor from fresh cherries.
- Fresh cherries (2 cups, pitted): The star of the show, cherries provide sweetness, color, and a delightful tartness that balances the dessert.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and helps create the clafoutis’ signature custardy texture.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for binding the batter and creating a beautifully puffed, tender set.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps the top get those lovely golden spots.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives the clafoutis just enough structure while keeping it silky and light.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lends warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the dessert from tasting flat.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A fluttery finishing touch that makes this dessert look truly elegant.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, for greasing): Ensures the clafoutis doesn’t stick and adds lovely buttery depth.
How to Make Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Cherries
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9-inch pie dish or any similar baking dish. Give the sides and bottom a good coating so nothing sticks. Arrange the pitted cherries evenly in the dish—don’t worry if they bump into each other, their juices will mingle as they bake and turn into pockets of fruity magic.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This airy foundation is what gives your Easy Cherry Clafoutis its soft, custardy texture. Add the flour and salt next, whisking until everything is well incorporated. You don’t want clumps, so be thorough but gentle.
Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla
Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking as you go to keep the batter smooth. Add the vanilla extract, which brings a warm, aromatic undertone to the clafoutis. Keep whisking until the batter looks silky and everything is mingling happily together.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the prepared batter over the cherries, letting it flow around and in between the fruit. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is puffed and golden, and the very center no longer jiggles when you give the dish a gentle shake.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Remove your Easy Cherry Clafoutis from the oven and let it cool slightly—just until it’s warm and inviting, but not scorching hot. Right before serving, dust the whole thing generously with powdered sugar for a truly lovely finish.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar is classic and adds a pretty, snowy look. For a little something extra, try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast of cool cream with warm Easy Cherry Clafoutis is honestly irresistible. Add a sprig of mint for a touch of color if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Pairing your Easy Cherry Clafoutis with lightly sweetened crème fraîche or Greek yogurt can add a tangy note that plays beautifully with the cherries. For a brunch affair, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with toasted nuts, fresh berries, and perhaps some iced coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party vibe, or slice straight from the big dish for a casual family-style treat. You can even cut cooled clafoutis into cubes and skewer them with fresh fruit for a playful, modern dessert platter. No matter how you serve it, Easy Cherry Clafoutis always looks and tastes like a work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Cherry Clafoutis (a rare occurrence, but it happens), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor gets even deeper by the next day!
Freezing
While Easy Cherry Clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled slices by wrapping them individually in plastic and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To bring back that warm-from-the-oven bliss, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Be gentle with reheating to preserve the silky custard and juicy cherries.
FAQs
Do I need to pit the cherries for Easy Cherry Clafoutis?
Yes, pitting the cherries is highly recommended for easy eating and the best texture. While traditional French clafoutis sometimes leaves the pits in for extra almond-like flavor, removing them will keep your guests smiling and avoid any unwelcome biting surprises.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, just make sure they are thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the custard. Easy Cherry Clafoutis is wonderfully flexible and still tastes fantastic with frozen fruit.
Is Easy Cherry Clafoutis served warm or cold?
You can serve it warm from the oven, at room temperature, or even chilled. Each temperature brings its own unique charm, but slightly warm is particularly dreamy with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I substitute almond or oat milk for whole milk?
Yes, you can easily swap in almond or oat milk to make your Easy Cherry Clafoutis dairy-free. The result will be slightly different in texture but still beautifully tender and delicious.
What other fruits can I use for clafoutis?
Cherries are classic, but feel free to experiment with other fruits like plums, apricots, berries, or even thinly sliced apples or pears. Each brings its own twist to the recipe, making Easy Cherry Clafoutis an endlessly versatile treat!
Final Thoughts
If you want a foolproof dessert that wows with both looks and flavor, you absolutely have to give Easy Cherry Clafoutis a try. It’s generous, unfussy, and utterly delicious—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass on to friends and family. Treat yourself and enjoy every blissful bite!
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Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Easy Cherry Clafoutis, a classic French dessert featuring juicy cherries baked in a sweet custard-like batter. This simple recipe is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Clafoutis:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with butter.
- Prepare Cherries: Spread the pitted cherries evenly in the prepared dish.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth. Add flour and salt, whisk until combined. Gradually whisk in milk and vanilla extract until batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter over the cherries. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the clafoutis is puffed, golden, and set in the center.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries (if frozen, thaw and drain).
- Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
