Imagine a dessert so divine it transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of the French countryside with just one bite. The Bing Cherry Clafouti is not just a dessert; it's a magical culinary experience that marries the luscious sweetness of ripe cherries with a delicate, custardy batter that puffs up like a dreamy cloud. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh Bing cherries, pitted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the clafouti from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
- Add in the 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Prepare the Bing cherries by pitting them and then halving them if they are large. Evenly distribute the pitted cherries in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the batter over the cherries in the baking dish, ensuring that the cherries are mostly submerged in the batter.
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of sliced almonds evenly over the top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the clafouti is puffed up and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the clafouti from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- For the sweet almond cream, you can whip together some heavy cream with a touch of sugar and almond extract to taste, or serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream for a delightful complement to the clafouti.
- Slice into wedges, serve, and enjoy your Bing Cherry Clafouti with Sweet Almond Cream!
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe Bing cherries for the most intense flavor - look for deep, dark red cherries that are firm but not hard.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - gentle whisking prevents tough, dense results.
- For an extra luxurious touch, dust the finished clafouti with powdered sugar just before serving.
- If fresh Bing cherries aren't available, frozen cherries can be a good substitute - just thaw and pat them dry.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish for the most even heat distribution and beautiful presentation.
- Serve warm for the most authentic French experience, but it's equally delicious at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
