Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that is loved around the world. It’s a delicious blend of fresh dark, sweet cherries in a rich, dense custard. And the best surprise? It’s super easy to make and tastes amazing whether it’s served warm or at room temperature. Perfect treat for any day.

This recipe is sponsored by Northwest Cherries.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Clafoutis

• Simple ingredients: Cherry Clafoutis requires very few, easily accessible ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry.
• Minimal prep time: This dessert can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or a sweet craving fix.
• Elegant presentation: Despite its simplicity to make, Cherry Clafoutis has a sophisticated appearance that makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
• Comforting flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and custard creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Northwest Cherries (pitted)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Half and half
• Powdered sugar
• Butter

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis

Prep the cherries: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Remove the stems from the cherries. Wash and dry the cherries. Pit the cherries using a cherry pitter (recommended) or a knife.

Make the batter: Boil the half and half, then remove from the heat. Let the half and half cool for about 5 minutes. Blend the batter with a blender or hand mixer until it is smooth. Add cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt to a bowl or blender. Mix until smooth with no lumps.

Assemble and bake the clafoutis: Butter the skillet. Arrange the cherries in the skillet. Pour the batter over the cherries. Bake for about 45 minutes or until it is fully cooked.

Finish: Dust with powdered sugar. Serve.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure your Cherry Clafoutis is as delightful as possible, consider these tips and tricks from our kitchen to yours:

• Do not overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the clafoutis light and tender.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly and ensures more even cooking.
• Properly check for doneness: Insert a knife or a toothpick in the center of the clafoutis. If it comes out clean, your dessert is ready.
• Resting is key: Allow the clafoutis to cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. This resting period helps the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry Clafoutis can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dessert for any season. For an added touch of elegance and flavor, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The rich and creamy textures complement the soft, fruity cherries beautifully, creating a truly indulgent experience.

To balance the sweetness, you can pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of your favorite dessert wine.

Variations

Cherry Clafoutis is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for an array of variations to suit your taste:

• Fruit substitutions: While cherries are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, or apples. Just ensure that the fruit is not too juicy to prevent making the batter soggy.
• Flavor additions: Enhance the batter with different flavors by adding a hint of almond extract, citrus zest (lemon or orange), or a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as kirsch, which pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, replace the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, which adds a lovely fragrance and texture to the clafoutis.
• Savory twist: For a savory version, skip the sugar and vanilla. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary and use savory ingredients such as cheese and vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container; it will keep for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can serve it chilled straight from the fridge, or gently reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through.

However, it’s worth noting that the texture is best when fresh, as the clafoutis tends to become denser over time.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cherry Clafoutis?

While freezing Cherry Clafoutis is possible, it’s important to note that doing so may slightly alter its texture upon thawing.

To freeze, first allow the clafoutis to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to help prevent freezer burn.

Clafoutis can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven.

Keep in mind that for the best flavor and texture, enjoying fresh is highly recommended.

Can I use canned or frozen cherries?

Yes, you certainly can use canned or frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available. If using canned cherries, be sure to drain them well to remove excess liquid.

For frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before baking. Just bear in mind that both canned and frozen cherries may release more juice than fresh ones, which could slightly affect the texture of your clafoutis.

Adjusting the baking time slightly might be necessary to ensure the clafoutis sets properly.

Why We Love & Trust Northwest Cherries

Founded in 1947, the Northwest Cherry Growers is a growers’ organization used to increase awareness and consumption. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development and research of cherries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana orchards.

Their passion and commitment to their cherry growers allows them to collectively spread awareness of seasonality, health benefits, and the importance of consumption. They truly believe that cherries are more than a treat. They boast an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals making them a true superfruit. To learn more, visit nwcherries.com.

More Great Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Limeade
• Cherry Yogurt Bark
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Cherry & Lime Slushie
• Cherry Danish