Cherry clafoutis

Cherry clafoutis is a delightful, rustic French dessert that warms my heart with every bite! Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and I’m sitting with friends in my backyard, the sun setting and the smell of sweet, ripe cherries wafting through the air. This charming custard-like treat becomes the star of the show, and it’s not just because it’s delicious, but also because it’s so easy to whip up!

I remember the first time I tried making clafoutis; I thought I was channeling my inner Julia Child, and let’s just say, I had a blast! The joy of mixing the batter, pouring it over those plump cherries, and baking it until puffed and golden is an experience everyone should indulge in. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or even when you have unexpected guests; it seems fancy, but trust me, it’s a total breeze.

What’s in Cherry Clafoutis?

Cherries: The star fruit of this dish! I prefer using fresh, pitted sweet cherries, but if they’re out of season, frozen ones will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well.

Milk: This is the base of the clafoutis batter. I like to use whole milk for that creamy richness, but you could easily substitute it with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

Eggs: These are the binding agents that hold everything together. They also add that lovely custard-like texture we all love.

Flour: Just a bit of all-purpose flour gives the clafoutis its structure.

Sugar: I use granulated sugar to sweeten the batter. You can adjust it to your liking based on the sweetness of your cherries.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors beautifully. Trust me on this one!

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Butter: Not only do we use it to grease the baking dish, but a small amount melted into the batter adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Is Cherry Clafoutis Good for You?

Cherry clafoutis has its perks! For starters, it’s packed with cherries which are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that are great for overall health! However, it’s still a dessert, so moderation is key here. The sugar and flour do add calories, but hey, life is about balance, right?

Cherries: As mentioned, they are a superfood! Not only are they delicious, but they can also promote a healthy sleep cycle and combat inflammation.

Dairy: If you opt for whole milk, it’ll give you some calcium, which is great for bones, but those watching their fat intake might want to consider alternatives.

So while this clafoutis isn’t exactly a salad, it does offer some health benefits thanks to those lovely cherries!

Ingredients

– 2 cups sweet cherries, pitted
– 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– 2 tbsp butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

*This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for sharing!*

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis?

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle just a little bit of flour to coat it.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth; the batter will be a bit thin.

3. Scatter the pitted cherries evenly into the greased baking dish.

4. Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring they are covered.

5. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed, set, and lightly golden on top.

6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!