Imagine a dessert so divine, it transports you straight to the charming countryside of France with just one bite! Clafouti is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that combines the simplicity of rustic baking with the elegance of French cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this plum or cherry clafouti will revolutionize your dessert game, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tender fruit nestled in a cloud-like custard that's both impressive and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted plums or dark cherries
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your clafouti will bake evenly and achieve a lovely golden color.
- Prepare your fruit by washing and pitting the plums or dark cherries. If using plums, slice them into wedges. If using cherries, you can leave them whole after pitting.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, giving your clafouti a light texture.
- Add the 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the eggs. Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Gradually sift in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour while continuing to whisk. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth batter. Whisk until the batter is well combined and has a pourable consistency.
- Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the clafouti from sticking to the dish.
- Arrange the prepared plums or dark cherries evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. You can create a decorative pattern if desired, as this will be the top of your clafouti once baked.
- Pour the batter over the arranged fruit, ensuring that it covers the fruit evenly. The batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes, creating a beautiful presentation.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the clafouti is puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the clafouti from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. It will deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal.
- Serve the clafouti warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, flavorful fruits for the best results. Fresh, seasonal plums or dark cherries work wonderfully. • Don't overmix the batter - gentle whisking ensures a light, airy texture. • Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother incorporation. • For a professional touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. • Serve immediately after baking for the most impressive puffed-up presentation. • If using frozen fruit, thaw and pat dry to prevent excess moisture. • A cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish works best for even heat distribution. • Let the clafouti rest for 10-15 minutes after baking - it will continue to set and develop flavor. • Experiment with different fruits like apricots or berries for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
