Name: French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter; 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) milk, at 2% or whole milk; ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 pinch salt; ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (30g) almond meal; 2-3 cups (500-700 ml) cherries, pitted or unpitted; Confectioners’ sugar, for serving; Slivered almonds, for decoration (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 24 reviews

If you love the idea of a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, then this French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is going to win your heart. Imagine a luscious, custardy base baked with bursting cherries nestled all around, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hint of almond fragrance. This traditional French dessert is delightfully simple yet impressively delicious, transporting you straight to a sunlit Provençal kitchen with each bite. Whether for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, this cherry clafoutis never fails to impress.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round baked dish in a black cast iron pan resting on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth underneath. The dish has two main layers: the base is golden-brown and slightly crispy, topped evenly with halved dark red cherries that look juicy and soft. Scattered on top are thin white almond slices and a fine dusting of powdered sugar, adding texture and contrast. In the center, two whole cherries with green leaves serve as decoration. A silver spoon lies on the pan's edge. In the background, a black bowl filled with fresh red cherries and two silver spoons rest on the white marbled surface, along with a small white plate holding a single slice of the same cherry dish, topped with cherries and a green leaf. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that silky texture and familiar flavor, making the list as approachable as it is essential.

Unsalted butter (1 Tablespoon / 15g): For greasing the dish to give the clafoutis a beautiful golden edge and prevent sticking.

Milk (1 ¼ cup / 300 ml, 2% or whole): Adds richness and moisture, lending the custard its creamy softness.
Granulated sugar (⅔ cup / 130g): Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
Large eggs (3): Essential for structure and that classic custard-like texture.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and subtle complexity to the batter.
Almond extract (1 teaspoon): A special touch that complements the cherries beautifully; optional but highly encouraged.
Salt (a pinch): Enhances the overall flavor, bringing all the elements together.

All-purpose flour (¾ cup / 90g): Provides the structure needed for a light but sturdy clafoutis.
Almond meal (⅓ cup / 30g): Adds a delicate nutty flavor and tender crumb.
Cherries (2-3 cups / 500-700 ml, pitted or unpitted): The star ingredient, juicy and vibrant, for that classic summery taste.

Confectioners’ sugar (for serving): For that final dusting to make everything look as heavenly as it tastes.
Slivered almonds (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and pretty finish on top.

How to Make French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously butter a 9-inch (23 cm) round pie dish or a skillet. If you prefer individual servings, eight ramequins work beautifully too. This step ensures your clafoutis will release cleanly and brown to perfection on the edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts. Whisk these together until smooth and well incorporated. Next, sift in the flour along with the almond meal and a pinch of salt, then whisk again until the batter becomes silky and lump-free. This simple batter is the heart of your clafoutis, light yet rich enough to cradle the cherries.

Step 3: Assemble the Clafoutis

Place the cherries evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can choose to pit them or keep them whole—the tiny challenge of a cherry pit is part of the traditional charm! Pour the smooth batter gently over the cherries, making sure they’re well distributed but not overcrowded.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake for about 45 minutes if you’re using a large dish, or 25–30 minutes for individual clafoutis. You’ll know it’s done when the clafoutis has puffed up, golden edges appear, and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remember, it will deflate slightly as it cools, which is completely normal and adds to the rustic appeal.

How to Serve French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

A round cherry clafoutis in a black skillet shows a golden-brown baked surface dotted with deep red cherry halves and sprinkled with white almond slices and powdered sugar. Two silver spoons rest on top, one scooping out a piece, revealing a creamy, custard-like interior with embedded cherries. A small bunch of cherries with green leaves decorates the center. Next to the pan, a smaller white dish holds a similar mini clafoutis garnished with cherries and a green leaf. Bright red cherries and an egg are scattered on a white marbled surface around, with a striped cloth partially under the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once cooled just a bit, dust your clafoutis generously with confectioners’ sugar for a classic and beautiful finish. If you like, sprinkle some toasted slivered almonds on top to add a lovely crunch and an elegant touch to this homestyle dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve your clafoutis warm on its own or pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra indulgence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the warm flavors and fruitiness superbly—perfect for a summer evening treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, plate individual clafoutis in rustic ramequins topped with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. Alternatively, drizzle a light sauce—like a raspberry coulis or a honey glaze—to add a pop of color and extra sweetness, inviting both the eyes and palate to rejoice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any clafoutis left (and that might be rare!), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining the moist custard texture and fresh cherry goodness.

Freezing

While clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month, but expect a slight change in texture once thawed, so it’s ideal for freezing only when necessary.

Reheating

To bring your leftover clafoutis back to life, warm slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the custard’s delicate texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter's consistency.

Is it necessary to use almond extract?

Not mandatory but highly recommended. Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds a lovely nutty aroma, making the dish even more special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check your almond meal is gluten-free too. The clafoutis will still be wonderfully tender.

Why does the clafoutis deflate after baking?

This is completely normal because the custard sets as it cools, causing it to gently sink back down from its puffed state when hot. It doesn't affect the taste or texture.

Can I add other fruits besides cherries?

Definitely! While cherries are traditional, you can experiment with berries, plums, or peaches to create your own twist on this classic French dessert.

Final Thoughts

Making this French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is like inviting a piece of France into your kitchen. It’s effortless, charming, and packed with nostalgic sunshine in every bite. Whether you're a baking novice or an experienced enthusiast, this clafoutis is a treasure to add to your routine. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and share the joy it brings with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need