If you crave a dessert that’s both invitingly simple and unexpectedly elegant, you’ll fall for this Easy Cherry Clafoutis. Combining the sweet-tart flavor of juicy cherries with a mildly custardy, crepe-like batter, this French classic bakes up golden and gorgeous with hardly any fuss. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or at room temperature, Easy Cherry Clafoutis is the kind of dish that always charms guests—yet it’s totally doable on a weeknight. Get ready to discover why this dessert belongs in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday staples turn into something so delightful. Each carefully chosen ingredient in Easy Cherry Clafoutis plays a part in creating its creamy base, lovely rise, and unforgettable flavor.
- Whole Milk: Gives the clafoutis its silky, custard-like texture—use whole for the richest results.
- Large Eggs: Essential for structure and that soufflé-like puff straight from the oven.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps highlight the natural flavor of the cherries.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds body, transforming the mixture from a liquid to a beautifully set dessert.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and a classic French aroma to your clafoutis.
- Almond Extract (optional): Just a hint gives everything a delicate, cherry-friendly nuttiness.
- Fresh or Frozen Pitted Cherries: The star—choose ripe and juicy for maximum flavor; thaw and drain well if using frozen.
- Unsalted Butter: For greasing, ensures a golden, easy-to-release crust.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds a touch of elegance when dusted on top, but completely optional for serving.
How to Make Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan, making sure to get into all the edges. This not only prevents sticking but also encourages that beautiful golden-brown bottom and sides that really showcase your Easy Cherry Clafoutis.
Step 2: Spread the Cherries
Scatter the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of your buttered dish. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re completely thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid a soggy batter. The layer of cherries should look abundant and jewel-toned—this way, you’ll get cherries in every bite!
Step 3: Blend the Batter
Add the milk, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) into a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds, until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy. Try not to overmix—just enough to get everything well combined. The batter will be quite runny, and that’s exactly right for this Easy Cherry Clafoutis.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour your blended batter over the cherries, letting it gently flood the dish. Slide into the middle of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the clafoutis is puffed, deeply golden around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Rest and Finish
Let your Easy Cherry Clafoutis cool for about 10 minutes before serving. As it cools, the clafoutis will settle a bit, which is totally normal. For a spectacular finish, sift powdered sugar over the top just before serving—this creates a lovely, café-style look.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Clafoutis
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for authenticity, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns Easy Cherry Clafoutis into a showstopper. If you want to lean into the almond notes, a few toasted sliced almonds sprinkled across the top add wonderful crunch.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines alongside a cup of strong coffee, an espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine. To round out a French-inspired plate, try serving Easy Cherry Clafoutis with fresh berries or a colorful fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins make adorable single servings for dinner parties. You could also prepare Easy Cherry Clafoutis in a rectangular baking pan, then cut into neat squares for a more casual, picnic-style snack. For a rustic touch, offer directly from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cooled clafoutis tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture will become denser as it chills, but the flavor stays phenomenal!
Freezing
While clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover slices for up to 1 month. Wrap them well in plastic and place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reawaken that just-baked flavor, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or briefly microwave individual portions. Serve warm or let cool to room temperature—both ways are delightful.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Cherry Clafoutis with other fruits?
Absolutely! While classic clafoutis uses cherries, you can swap in sliced plums, apricots, peaches, or even berries. Whatever you choose, make sure the fruit is ripe and not too juicy—otherwise the batter can become watery.
Is it okay to use canned cherries?
Canned cherries (preferably packed in juice, not syrup) work well in a pinch. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture in your Easy Cherry Clafoutis.
Why did my clafoutis deflate after cooling?
It’s completely normal! Clafoutis puffs up impressively in the oven and, like a soufflé, gently settles as it cools. This doesn’t mean anything went wrong—it’s just part of the magic.
Can I make Easy Cherry Clafoutis gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it’s a 1:1 replacement and doesn’t contain strong flavors that might overpower the cherries.
How do I know when the clafoutis is done?
Your Easy Cherry Clafoutis is ready when it’s beautifully golden brown at the edges and the center is set—you can check by inserting a toothpick, which should come out mostly clean. It should still have a very slight wobble when first removed from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an effortlessly charming dessert that brings a taste of France right to your table, don’t wait another moment to make Easy Cherry Clafoutis. Its tender custard and bursts of juicy cherry make every bite memorable—perfect for both cozy family dinners and special occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a cherished favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Easy Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Easy Cherry Clafoutis, a classic French dessert that combines sweet cherries with a light custard-like batter. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for showcasing fresh summer fruits.
Ingredients
For the Clafoutis:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
For Serving:
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan. Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine milk, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.
- Bake: Pour the batter over the cherries. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use frozen cherries, but make sure they are thawed and well-drained.
- This dessert is best served the day it’s made but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
