This Cherry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that combines juicy sweet cherries with a light, custard-like batter, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Simple yet elegant, this easy cherry dessert is baked to a golden brown and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream for the ultimate treat. Perfect for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions, this cherry dessert recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or French pastries, this easy-to-make clafoutis with cherries will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Cherry Clafoutis:

1 Tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
3 cups sweet cherries (1 lb before pitting), stemmed and pitted
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp rum, kirsch, or Cognac (optional), or an extra 1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/8 tsp fine sea salt
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) with a rack in the center. Grease a 9-inch pie pan generously with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Pit the Cherries: Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits from the cherries. Once pitted, spread the cherries evenly in the prepared pan.
Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, rum (if using), vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth and well combined.
Pour and Settle: Pour the batter over the cherries in the pan. Give the pan a gentle jolt to ensure the batter fills in around the cherries.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes or until the clafoutis is puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the clafoutis to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve with generous dollops of homemade whipped cream.

For the Whipped Cream:
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form. Serve immediately with the cherry clafoutis.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that’s both elegant and simple to make. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, juicy cherries and a light, custard-like batter that puffs up beautifully while baking. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as an indulgent treat, the whipped cream adds the perfect finishing touch to this delicious dessert. It’s the ideal way to showcase fresh cherries, and it’s sure to impress your guests!

Tips

Use Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh sweet cherries. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries will also work, though the texture may be slightly different.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When blending the ingredients, avoid overmixing, as this could lead to a dense clafoutis. Blend just until smooth.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or liquors. If you don’t want to use alcohol, extra vanilla extract works wonderfully in place of rum or kirsch.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Different Fruits: Try making clafoutis with other fruits such as plums, raspberries, or blackberries. You can even combine various fruits for a more complex flavor.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free butter for the batter and whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the clafoutis ahead of time. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
What if I don’t have a cherry pitter? If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a small knife or a straw to remove the pits from the cherries.

Serving

Cherry clafoutis is best served warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving and enjoy with a generous spoonful of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a light dessert wine or a cup of coffee.

Suggestions

Top with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle slivered almonds or toasted hazelnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Serve with Berries: Fresh berries on the side will complement the cherries and add an extra burst of flavor.