Clafoutis cerise is a scrumptious French cherry dessert that you'll absolutely love! This treat combines juicy cherries with a creamy batter, baked until golden brown and puffed up. To make it, you just need fresh cherries, eggs, milk, sugar, and flour. You'll start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, mix the batter until smooth, pour it into a greased dish, and sprinkle the cherries on top. After baking for about 35 minutes, you'll have a delightful dessert to share with family and friends. Want to discover some fun serving ideas and tips? Keep on exploring!
Key Takeaways
- Clafoutis cerise is a traditional French dessert made with fresh cherries, originating from Limousin in the 19th century.
- The dish features a creamy batter made from eggs, milk, sugar, and flour, creating a custardy texture.
- Fresh cherries are prepared by washing, pitting, and either halving or leaving them whole for even distribution in the batter.
- Bake the clafoutis at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes until the edges are golden brown and puffed.
- This delightful dessert can be served warm, paired with whipped cream, and garnished with mint or cinnamon for added flavor.
History
The history of French cherry dessert is as rich and vibrant as the fruit itself. You might be surprised to learn that one of the most famous cherry desserts, clafoutis, dates back to the 19th century in the Limousin region of France. People would gather to enjoy this delicious treat made with fresh cherries, eggs, and milk. They often used local, juicy cherries, and that's what made it special!
Originally, clafoutis was made with black cherries, but over time, chefs began to experiment with different types of cherries and fruits, which made the dessert even more popular. It became a staple in French homes, shared during family gatherings and celebrations. As you bite into a warm piece of clafoutis, you can almost feel the history wrapping around you.
French cherry desserts haven't just stayed in France, either! They've traveled around the world, delighting taste buds everywhere.
French Cherry Dessert Recipe
Indulging in a French Cherry Dessert is like taking a sweet mini-vacation to the countryside of France. This delightful treat showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh cherries, complemented by a rich, buttery pastry. The creamy texture of butter enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a key ingredient in this recipe.
Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in, this dessert isn't only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. With its crisp crust and juicy filling, each bite offers a delicious combination of textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
To create this French Cherry Dessert, you'll want to ensure you use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. The preparation involves making a simple pastry dough that cradles the cherry filling, which can be enhanced with a touch of almond extract for added depth. Butter enhances flavor in baked goods, making it a crucial component in this recipe.
Whether you choose to serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and make any occasion feel special.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and lemon juice, tossing gently to coat the cherries evenly.
Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, add the cherry filling, and dot the top with small pieces of butter. Cover with another layer of pie crust or create a lattice top for a beautiful presentation.
Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish, then bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Extra Tips
For the best results, be sure to use high-quality, fresh cherries that are sweet and ripe, as they'll significantly enhance the dessert's flavor.
You can also experiment with other fruits or a combination of cherries and berries, adjusting the sugar as needed. To prevent a soggy bottom, consider pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Cooking Steps
To create a delightful French cherry dessert, you'll start by preparing the cherry filling. First, wash about two cups of fresh cherries and remove their pits. You can use a cherry pitter or just slice them in half and take out the pit with a knife.
Next, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the cherries and let them sit for about 15 minutes to create a sweet juice.
While the cherries are resting, it's time to make the batter. In a bowl, whisk together one cup of milk, two eggs, and half a cup of sugar until it's well blended.
Then, add one cup of flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
Now, pour half of the batter into a greased baking dish, then carefully layer in your cherries.
Finally, pour the remaining batter over the top. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until it's golden and set.
Let it cool a bit before serving, and enjoy your delicious clafoutis cerise!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Before diving into the delicious world of French cherry dessert, preheating your oven to 350°F is essential. This step might seem simple, but it's super important for making sure your clafoutis turns out perfectly.
When you preheat your oven, you're getting it nice and warm, just like a cozy blanket, so your dessert cooks evenly and rises beautifully.
To preheat your oven, first, locate the temperature dial or buttons on your oven. Turn it to 350°F, and you might even hear a little beep or see a light come on. This tells you that your oven is working hard to reach the right temperature.
While you're waiting, you can gather your ingredients and prepare your batter. It's a great time to get excited about all the yummy flavors you're about to create!
Step 2. Add Cherries to Batter
With the batter ready and your oven preheated, it's time to add the star of the show: the cherries. Grab those fresh cherries, and if you haven't done so already, wash them gently under cold water. You want them nice and clean!
Next, remove the stems and pit them. If you don't have a cherry pitter, you can use a small knife to carefully cut around the pit and pull it out.
Once your cherries are prepped, you can slice them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Whole cherries will give you delightful bursts of flavor in every bite!
Now, gently fold the cherries into your batter. You want to distribute them evenly, so each slice of your clafoutis has that sweet cherry goodness. Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix; we don't want to break up the cherries too much.
When you see those vibrant red cherries nestled in the batter, it's like magic! Don't you just love how colorful and inviting it looks?
Now you're ready for the next step, where we'll blend everything until smooth!
Step 3. Blend Batter Until Smooth
Now that your cherries are folded into the batter, it's time to blend everything until smooth. You want your clafoutis to have a delightful, creamy texture, so let's get mixing! Grab your blender or whisk, whichever you prefer, and start blending the batter.
If you're using a blender, it's best to pulse it a few times before blending continuously. This helps to combine everything without splattering. As you blend, watch how the ingredients come together. The flour, eggs, milk, and sugar will transform into a lovely, silky mixture.
If you're whisking by hand, use a strong, steady motion to ensure no lumps remain. It might take a little effort, but don't worry! You'll get a great workout and have a delicious batter in no time.
Once everything's well combined, give it a quick taste. If you want, you can add a pinch more sugar or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. Just remember, the cherries will add sweetness too!
When your batter is smooth and ready, you're one step closer to baking a delightful cherry dessert that'll impress everyone. Enjoy this exciting part of the process!
Step 4. Pour Batter Into Dish
After blending your batter to a silky smooth consistency, it's time to pour it into your prepared baking dish. Grab your bowl and hold it over the dish, then gently tilt it. Let the batter flow steadily and evenly. You want to cover the entire bottom of the dish, so take your time. It's like painting a canvas, but with deliciousness!
As you pour, make sure you're using a dish that's been greased or lined, so the clafoutis won't stick. If you've sprinkled a little sugar or flour on the bottom, that'll give it an extra touch of flavor.
Once you've poured all that lovely batter in, take a moment to admire your work. It's almost magical how simple ingredients can become something so delightful!
If you've got cherries ready, now's the perfect time to sprinkle them on top of the batter. Just gently push them in a little, so they're nestled in nicely. This way, they'll be bursting with flavor once it's baked.
You're doing a fantastic job! The sweet treat is almost ready for the oven. Can you smell the cherry goodness already?
Step 5. Bake for 35 Minutes
Once your cherries are nestled in the batter, it's time to slide your dish into the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven't already done so. This step is super important because a hot oven helps your clafoutis rise and get that perfect golden color.
Carefully place your dish on the middle rack. It might smell a little sweet and fruity already, but just wait! Now, set a timer for 35 minutes. As it bakes, try not to peek too often, as you want to keep the heat inside.
You'll know it's ready when the edges puff up and turn a lovely golden brown.
While it's baking, you can take a moment to clean up your kitchen. Maybe even think about how you'll serve this delicious treat!
When the timer goes off, use oven mitts to pull your clafoutis out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. The smell will fill your home, making everyone excited for dessert.
Enjoy every bite of your homemade Clafoutis Cerise! It's a sweet treat that's sure to make you smile!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to creating a delightful French cherry dessert, your efforts will surely impress both family and friends. Clafoutis cerise isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's a wonderful way to share love and creativity in the kitchen.
As you gather your ingredients and mix them together, you're not just baking—you're making memories.
Once it's out of the oven, the warm aroma will fill your home, making everyone curious about what you've whipped up. Just imagine the smiles on their faces when they take the first bite! The juicy cherries and soft, custardy texture will have everyone asking for seconds.
Don't be afraid to experiment with variations, like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.
And remember, the best part of cooking is sharing your delicious creations.
[DIRECTIONS]:Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. They'll still provide a delicious flavor, and your dish will turn out great!
Is Clafoutis Gluten-Free?
Clafoutis isn't inherently gluten-free, as it traditionally uses flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Other Fruits in Clafoutis?
Absolutely, you can substitute other fruits in clafoutis! Try using berries, peaches, or apples. Just adjust the sweetness based on the fruit's natural flavors, and you'll create a delicious variation that you'll love.
How Should I Store Leftover Clafoutis?
To store leftover clafoutis, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator, where it'll stay fresh for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or warm!
What Beverages Pair Well With Clafoutis?
When you're enjoying this dessert, consider pairing it with a light, fruity white wine or a refreshing sparkling cider. You might also enjoy herbal tea or coffee, balancing the sweetness beautifully with your chosen drink.
Étienne is our French cuisine specialist who is passionate about elegant, timeless dishes. From rich coq au vin to delicate pastries, Étienne brings the sophistication of French cooking to Cook if Ya, helping you recreate the essence of France in your kitchen.
