Bing cherries have such a short season depending on the location. Take advantage of this opportunity, and make fresh Cherry Pie and Cherry Cheesecake when these luscious cherries are ripe and in season. Try adding fresh cherries to this Peach Galette Recipe for another seasonal summer dessert.
What is a Clafouti?
The Wise Geek says the "Clafouti (kla-foo-TEE), also known as clafoutis, is a classic French dessert which resembles a fruit filled custard or sweet frittata. While native to the Limousin region of France, clafouti is made in many other locations as well, and it is a popular dessert food."
According to Cookthink, "Clafoutis is traditionally made with unpitted cherries—purists believe the pits impart an extra almond-ish flavor—though modern cooks often pit the fruit before cooking. Don't make extra; clafoutis becomes simultaneously soggy and rubbery when refrigerated."
Substitute various fruits like plums, peaches, blueberries, raspberries or cranberries for a totally different taste treat. The clafouti is best when served warm and dusted with powdered sugar.
Cherry Clafouti Recipe
- 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
- 2 cups fresh bing cherries, pitted and cut in quarters
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 Tablespoon butter, softened
How to Make a Cherry Clafouti
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8' X 8" baking dish or similar size pan with vegetable spray.
- Scrape seeds out of the vanilla bean and set seeds aside. Discard pod.
- Pit the cherries. If the cherries are too large, chop them in quarters. Mix with almonds and sprinkle on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, with a hand whisk or electric mixer, whip eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, flour and salt together until light and frothy.
- Add milk, vanilla bean seeds and extracts, and mix well.
- Pour gently over the cherries and almonds, being careful not to disturb fruit, and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the cherry clafouti is baking, mix 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, flour and butter together to make a streusel.
- Remove clafouti from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until knife comes out clean and clafouti is light brown and slightly puffed. It will fall during cooling time and is normal.
- Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh whipped cream.
- Serves 6.
Donna Diegel - Donna Diegel is an experienced baker and published author with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry.
