Clafoutis (French Baked Cherry Custard Dessert)

Baked dessert with fruit (traditionally cherries) in a flan-like batter.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 500 g fresh cherries, pitted

• 3 large eggs

• 100 g granulated sugar

• 100 g all-purpose flour

• 300 ml milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation

1. Preheat oven:

   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

   • Butter a baking dish generously.

2. Prepare cherries:

   • Wash and pit cherries. Spread them evenly in the prepared dish.

3. Make custard batter:

   • In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.

   • Add flour and salt, mixing until incorporated.

   • Gradually whisk in milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth batter.

4. Assemble and bake:

   • Pour custard batter over cherries in the dish.

   • Bake 35–40 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

5. Cool and serve:

   • Allow to cool slightly; clafoutis will deflate a bit.

   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature.

• Pair with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Enjoy with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

Cooking Tips

• Traditionally, unpitted cherries are used for extra flavor, but pitting is optional.

• Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best taste; other stone fruits can be substituted seasonally.

• Don’t overbake to keep the custard soft and tender.