Oh, how I adore plum clafoutis! There’s something utterly enchanting about this rustic French dessert that warms my heart. As a child, I remember baking with my grandma in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of sweet plums wafting through the air as we whipped up her famous clafoutis. The tartness of the plums combined with the soft, custard-like batter made for a delightful treat that would disappear before you could say “bon appétit.”
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase summer’s bountiful plum harvest! It feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough to throw together for a weeknight dessert but impressive enough for dinner parties. So, let’s dive into this sweet, fruity goodness together!
What’s in Plum Clafoutis?
Plums: The star of the show! Juicy and sweet with a hint of tartness, plums lend a gorgeous color and flavor to this dish. I usually opt for ripe, fresh plums; if they’re in season, you can’t beat that flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect base for the batter, giving it just the right texture. Don’t forget to sift it for a lighter clafoutis!
Sugar: A touch of sugar not only sweetens the batter but also enhances the flavor of the plums. I like using granulated sugar, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and richness, making the clafoutis custardy and delicious. If you want a lighter version, you can use almond or oat milk.
Eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients and creating that luxurious texture. Fresh eggs are a must—so go for the good stuff!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, making everything smell heavenly while it bakes!
Butter: A bit of melted butter adds richness to the batter and helps create a golden crust. I always use unsalted butter to maintain control over the sweetness.
Is Plum Clafoutis Good for You?
This delightful dessert has its merits! The star ingredient, plums, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health. The moderate sugar content and the presence of milk and eggs means you get a delightful balance of carbohydrates and protein.
However, despite its perks, clafoutis is still a dessert. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by a quarter and swap in some whole-wheat flour for the all-purpose flour.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6 people.
– 4 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– A pinch of salt
How to Make Plum Clafoutis?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows for even baking and that golden crust we all love!
2. **Prepare the Plums:** Slice your plums into wedges and arrange them in a buttered pie dish or baking dish. Feel free to get creative with the arrangement!
3. **Make the Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth—you can even use a blender for this step to make it easier!
4. **Combine:** Pour the batter over the arranged plums in the baking dish. No need to worry about getting it perfect; it will spread while baking!
5. **Bake:** Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden. You can do the toothpick test—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let it cool slightly (if you can resist the temptation!), then slice and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or dusted with powdered sugar for that extra flair!
The Secret to Perfect Clafoutis
Here are a couple of tips and variations to elevate your plum clafoutis game:
– **Try Other Fruits:** While plums are fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Cherries are the traditional choice, but pears or peaches work beautifully too!
– **Spice it Up:** Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can take your clafoutis to the next level. A little almond extract instead of vanilla can also provide a delightful twist.
– **Serve it Right:** A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform your clafoutis into a truly decadent treat. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
I hope you’re inspired to try this plum clafoutis in your kitchen! It’s a lovely way to enjoy fresh plums and impress your friends at the same time. Don’t be shy about sharing your results or any variations you tried—I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Happy baking!