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Cherry Clafoutis

Cherry Clafoutis small

It’s July, and cherries have arrived. The big, plump ones we all eat too many of – if that’s possible – and a wee bowl for spitting pits (although it’s infinitely more satisfying to spit them into the grass) has been on my counter all week. My fingers are perpetually red.

Most people buy cherries (these come from BC) to eat them by the bag; rarely to bake with. I seek out those who own cherry pitters and make their own pies and try to become their best friend, but those people are few and far between. If you, like me, aspire to be a cherry pie baker but never quite get around to it, a clafoutis might make a good first step. (Or last step – who needs a pie when you have clafoutis?

cherries

If you’re not already acquainted, a clafoutis is a French country cross between puffed pancake and custardy pudding. It’s traditionally made with cherries, but virtually any kind of fruit will do – juicy stone fruits, like peaches and plums, work best. You serve it in wedges, for breakfast or dessert. I heartily endorse a slice with coffee, but it looks dazzling dusted with sugar at the end of a meal. And it’s simple to put together, despite its gorgeousness; the eggs do all the work, puffing up dramatically in the oven. You, of course, get all the credit.

Cherry clafoutis Collage

Cherry Clafoutis

AuthorJulie

Yields1 Serving

3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups cherries, pitted
Icing sugar, for dusting

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F and butter a pie plate, gratin dish, or 9-inch cast iron skillet. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, or combine in a blender and pulse until smooth. Add the flour and salt and blend again until smooth. Pour into the buttered dish and scatter with cherries.

2

Bake for 30 minutes, until slightly puffed and golden. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve warm, in wedges. Serves 6.

Ingredients

 3 large eggs
 1 cup milk
 1/2 cup sugar
 2 tsp vanilla
 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
 1/4 tsp salt
 2 cups cherries, pitted
 Icing sugar, for dusting

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F and butter a pie plate, gratin dish, or 9-inch cast iron skillet. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, or combine in a blender and pulse until smooth. Add the flour and salt and blend again until smooth. Pour into the buttered dish and scatter with cherries.

2

Bake for 30 minutes, until slightly puffed and golden. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve warm, in wedges. Serves 6.

Cherry Clafoutis
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17 comments on “Cherry Clafoutis

  1. Chris
    July 6, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    How did you know that was what I wanted to make tonight?! I was just going to search for a recipe! Thanks and Bon appétit!!

    • Anonymous
      July 6, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Hi Julie,

      Do you think I could make this GF and use an alternate flour?

      • Jolene
        July 6, 2016 at 9:29 pm

        I have made it with gluten free flour before and had no problems. I think I used the Cloud Nine type Costco had.

    • Chris
      July 7, 2016 at 9:00 am

      It was delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!!

  2. Brooke
    July 8, 2016 at 3:11 am

    We love cherries around here! I like them pitted, halved, and served with vanilla whipped cream. Yum!

  3. Vivian
    July 8, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    If you don’t have a cherry pitter, one alternative is to find a plastic straw (Hello McDonalds, Costco etc.) about the size of the pit, place your stemmed cherry at the mouth of a soda pop bottle and shove the pit through. Stable, no mess, cheap and efficient.This hint came off something video called “Genius Hacks” I think. This can also be used to hull strawberries from the pointy end. Works for me every time. The straw must be clipped several times to keep the edge sharp.

    The first time I had clafouti was near Caen in northern France. I was enchanted and make it often. Thanks for bringing back the memories. My Evans cherry is finally producing…could I use those cherries with a touch more sugar?

    • Julie
      July 11, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Absolutely! I love the tartness of Evans cherries.. wish I had room for a tree!

  4. Lisa
    July 11, 2016 at 10:33 am

    This was delicious. Thanks.

  5. Jolene
    July 11, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    Evans cherries are great in this. I don’t bother with extra sugar because I love their tartness.

  6. Carol S-B
    July 12, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Made this for the second time in two nights.
    Apricots alone the first time; apricots and cherries tonight. Brilliant for breakfast, too!
    Evans cherries? JVR, have I got a deal for you! I’ll let you know when they’re ripe.

    • Julie
      July 14, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      Love Evans cherries!!

  7. phi naturals
    July 29, 2016 at 11:56 am

    I love the tartness of Evans cherries..It was delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!!

    • Julie
      August 2, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      So glad it worked out!!

  8. Amy
    August 3, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Your version of this looks great! I am going to try this before cherries are out of season.

  9. ria
    September 18, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    I can’t believe how easy that was! Exactly what I needed for the end of a busy weekend. I had the cherries in the freezer and probably should have drained more of the cherry juice off but it’s still good.

    • Julie
      September 20, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Isn’t it crazy how easy it is? And sounds so complicated!

  10. Lynn
    August 26, 2021 at 9:04 am

    I’ve made this three times and it’s worked out great! Two times with fresh cherries but added 1/4 t of almond extract. The last time using blueberries and added 1/2 t lemon extract. It’s a simple dessert that I pop into the oven immediately after entrees are served so it comes out just in time for dessert. It definitely is a ‘go to’ dessert in this household.

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