Are you ready to impress your friends with a simple yet delicious dessert? Cherry Almond Clafoutis is not only easy to make, but it also bursts with flavor. Imagine fresh cherries and crunchy almonds baked in a light batter, creating a treat that's perfect for any occasion. In this post, I’ll share my favorite recipe, along with tips and tricks for the best results. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This clafoutis recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously Unique: The combination of cherries and almond extract creates a delightful flavor profile that sets this dessert apart from traditional cakes and puddings.
- Versatile Serving Options: This clafoutis can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent choice for any season or occasion.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its puffed, golden brown top and optional dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert looks as good as it tastes, impressing guests without much effort.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Pantry Staples
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
You need fresh ingredients for the best taste. Start with one cup of cherries. Make sure they are pitted and cut in half. This way, they mix well with the batter. The cherries give clafoutis its sweet and fruity flavor.
Next, use sliced almonds. You need one-fourth cup of them. They add a nice crunch and a nutty taste.
Now, let’s talk about pantry staples. You will need one cup of whole milk. It helps make the batter creamy. Then, grab three large eggs. They help the clafoutis rise and hold everything together.
You will also need three-fourths cup of granulated sugar. This gives sweetness to the dish. Use half a cup of all-purpose flour to create a smooth batter. Don't forget one-fourth teaspoon of salt. Salt enhances the flavors.
Finally, you need one teaspoon of almond extract. This adds a lovely almond flavor that pairs well with cherries. Powdered sugar is optional for dusting at the end. It gives a nice touch when serving.
With these ingredients, you can make a delightful Cherry Almond Clafoutis that everyone will enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round pie dish with butter or cooking spray.
Start by warming up your oven. This step helps your clafoutis cook evenly. While the oven heats, grab your pie dish. Greasing it will keep the dessert from sticking later.
Mixing the Batter
- Whisk together eggs and sugar.
- Add milk and almond extract, then sift in flour and salt.
Next, take a medium bowl. Crack in three large eggs and add three-fourths cup of sugar. Whisk them together until they look frothy. Then, pour in one cup of milk and one teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until smooth. Now, sift in half a cup of flour and a pinch of salt. Stir gently. Remember, don’t overmix. The batter should be thin.
Assembling the Clafoutis
- Scatter cherries in the dish, pour batter over, and sprinkle almonds.
- Bake and cool before serving.
Now, it’s time to assemble. Scatter one cup of pitted and halved cherries evenly in the dish. Pour the batter over the cherries, making sure they’re covered. Finally, sprinkle a quarter cup of sliced almonds on top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your clafoutis is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful treat warm or at room temperature!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make the best cherry almond clafoutis, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the clafoutis can turn out dense rather than light. Just stir until the flour disappears.
Using fresh cherries is key to great flavor. Look for cherries that are firm and shiny. They should smell sweet. Ripe cherries add natural sweetness and a burst of juice to each bite. If you can, pit and halve them right before you bake.
Presentation Tips
Dusting with powdered sugar adds a nice touch. To do this, use a fine sieve. Hold it over the clafoutis and gently shake the sugar. This creates a light, even layer on top.
For serving, cut the clafoutis into wedges. Place them on pretty plates. You can add a few extra cherries on the side. A sprig of mint can also brighten the look. Serve warm for a cozy dining experience.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Cherries: The quality of cherries significantly affects the flavor of your clafoutis. Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and airy clafoutis.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of orange zest to the batter for a unique twist on the classic clafoutis.
- Serve Warm: Clafoutis is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Reheat gently in the oven if needed for the perfect texture.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can change up the nuts in this recipe. Try using hazelnuts or walnuts. Each nut brings a unique flavor. Hazelnuts add a rich, earthy taste. Walnuts give a slight bitterness that pairs well with sweet fruit.
You can also add vanilla or citrus zest. Vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet aroma. A touch of lemon or orange zest brightens the dish. Just a little zest enhances the clafoutis without overpowering it.
Fruit Alternatives
If you want to swap cherries, blueberries or raspberries work well too. Blueberries offer a burst of sweetness. Raspberries add a tangy note that balances the dish.
Creating a mixed berry clafoutis is another fun idea. Use equal parts of cherries, blueberries, and raspberries. This mix gives a beautiful color and diverse flavor. You can enjoy a new twist on the classic clafoutis.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your cherry almond clafoutis fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
If you want to save some for later, freezing is great too. Cut the clafoutis into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag. This method allows you to enjoy clafoutis even after a few weeks.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat clafoutis, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and fluffy.
You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30 seconds, then check it. If it needs more time, heat in 10-second bursts. Enjoy your clafoutis warm!
FAQs
What is Clafoutis?
Clafoutis is a classic French dessert. It features fruit baked in a thick batter. Traditionally, people use black cherries, but you can use other fruits too. This dish is like a mix between a pancake and a custard. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. The soft, sweet fruit pairs well with the creamy batter, creating a delightful treat.
How do I know when the clafoutis is done baking?
You can tell the clafoutis is ready when it puffs up and turns golden brown. A toothpick test works well too. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary slightly.
Can I make clafoutis ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare clafoutis ahead of time! You can mix the batter and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the fruit right before baking. This helps keep the cherries fresh and firm. You can also bake it a day early and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.
We explored the tasty recipe for clafoutis, highlighting key ingredients, steps, and tips. Fresh cherries and pantry staples come together for a delightful dish. Remember to avoid overmixing the batter for the right texture. You can also try different nuts or fruits to mix it up. Proper storage ensures your clafoutis stays fresh. This French dessert is not only simple to make but also rewarding. Enjoy making and sharing it with friends and famil
Cherry Almond Clafoutis
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- to taste optional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the milk and almond extract to the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and salt, and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing. The batter will be thin.
- Scatter the pitted and halved cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour the batter over the cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, slicing into wedges for serving.
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