| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 318 | 10g | 5g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 2g | 9g | 0.12g |
As someone raised surrounded by the warmth and richness of family recipes passed down for generations, I hold a particular fondness for dishes that warm the heart as well as the palate. One such dish is the ever-delightful Cherry Clafoutis. This delightful, feather-light dessert hailing from the Limousin region in France, has secured a place in my heart and recipe book, sharing the love akin to my Boston seafood favorites and cherished Irish comfort food dishes.
A Nod to the Past with a Twist of the Present
The underlying beauty of the Cherry Clafoutis, beyond its delicate, savory sweetness, is its ability to bridge the old with the new. This is a humble dessert, laden with the robust fruitiness of fresh cherries, rich milk, the comforting embrace of eggs and butter, and all brought together by a light dusting of powdered sugar. It can remind one of a bread and butter pudding, with its baked creamy sweetness. Yet, its unique French touch arguably takes it to another level of culinary pleasure.
Let’s Talk Health and Happiness
While Cherry Clafoutis is undoubtedly an indulgence, I’m also a firm believer that food should feed both our bodies and souls. And yes, this dish certainly does both. Let’s start with the stars of the show – cherries. We all know that fruits are good for us, but cherries especially pack a nutritional punch. They are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, potentially supporting better sleep and aiding post-workout recovery.
Not only this, but eggs in the recipe provide a great source of protein, and the whole milk supplies essential Vitamins D and K. So, while a Cherry Clafoutis may not feature in your everyday diet, it certainly contains elements that can contribute to our overall health.
Bringing People Together
For Laura, our darling baby boy, and me, eating is more than just fuel. It’s a time to connect, share stories, build memories, and delight in the sheer joy of food. A dish of Cherry Clafoutis, warm from the oven, and ceremoniously brought to the table does just that. As a bonus, it pairs beautifully with other dishes, my personal favorite being a classic roasted chicken, a nod to the clafoutis’ French roots.
No matter where or when you decide to enjoy this beautiful dessert, I can promise you that a slice of Cherry Clafoutis, with its cloud-like texture and bursts of cherry sweetness, will transport you to a place of comfort, warmth, and sheer satisfaction – just like every cherished family recipe should.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly brushing it with some of the melted butter.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and effectively mix together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Step Three
In another bowl, whisk together the four large eggs, followed by adding the whole milk and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk this mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step Four
Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) into your egg and milk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Afterward, mix in the remaining melted butter to this batter.
Step Five
Arrange the pitted cherries at the base of your prepared baking dish. Then pour the prepared batter over them evenly.
Step Six
Place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for around 35 to 45 minutes or until your Cherry Clafoutis becomes puffed, and is golden brown around the edges.
Step Seven
Remove your Clafoutis from the oven and let it cool slightly. During this time, it will naturally deflate – this is a part of the process.
Step Eight
Before serving, dust the top of your Clafoutis with powdered sugar for a sweet, aesthetic touch.
