CLAFOUTI pronounced as kla-fu-te is a French Country dessert and is very easy to prepare. Since Bing cherries were in season, I couldn’t think of anything other than “Cherry Clafoutis”.
Oh boy working with the cherries was a nightmare; I am talking about pitting it. I don’t know if its just me or is it something common for everyone.The right approach is usually to relieve the cherry from its pit without completely mangling the flesh. I wanted to keep the cherry whole but removing the pit was quite a task. So I took the easier way out. Simply cut it open and removed the pit!!
I was watching an old episode of Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa in which she was baking Pear Clafoutis. She mentioned that clafoutis are like “ pancake batter over fruits” and followed a recipe of her own with flour, eggs and milk. What she said sounded simple and therefore I went about using my readily available pan cake mix. I did add couple of eggs and milk to make the batter. I filled the batter upto the end ie to the rim, and there you go-while baking it began to flow all over the sides. Luckily I had placed the tart pan on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once baked, all the cherries settled in the bottom and looked as though a sponge cake was covering it. It tasted OK but definitely nothing to write home about. So I tried something on my own.
Ceramic pans work the best for this one, I used the one that I picked up at Daiso in SFO. All it requires is six easy ingredients.It took me about ten minutes to put everything together.The most time intensive part was pitting the cherries. Here is how I made it:
CHERRY CLAFOUTIS
Makes two 8” pan
Time – 1 hour(including baking)Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups bing cherries, washed, pitted and cut into half
2 eggs
3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoon milk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon powdered sugarPreheat oven at 350F. Grease a quiche or tart pan. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add eggs and 3/4 cup of sugar; whisk until light and yellow. With the motor running, add in the vanilla extract and milk. Gradually add in the flour. You will end up with a smooth batter.
Toss cherries with a tablespoon sugar and spread it on the greased pan. Slowly pour the batter over the cherries and place it in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Just before serving garnish with powdered sugar. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Do not over bake it.
The Clafoutis tastes like a cross between custard and a pancake. If you have sweet tooth do add a little more sugar.We loved this dessert,it was delicious.
*updated - My husband remarked that there were too many cherries in the clafoutis. The next time I would reduce it to 1 cup.
Bon Appetit!
I have scrolled up and down a few times to indulge myself in those fantastic clicks….I am drooling…
Tweeted it!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Cakey Chocolate Splet Cookies
Aww thanks so much Angie:)
Nina, this looks so good!! I was thinking of making a cherry clafoutis last week but the only thing that kept me from buying some cherries was that I had already bought too much fruit and didn’t have the time to pit them. Next week if they are still cheap, I will definitely make some.
Ivy recently posted..Jammin again… Marmelada Rodakino & Nektarinia (Spicy Peach and Nectarine Jam)
Oh i justhope you find them the next time:-)
I realy really really hate pitting cherries. But this clafouti looks so worth all the juice stains!
Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto
Yeah Joanne…i must admit the end result was worth all the time i spent pitting them:-)
I’ve never pitted cherries before, but when I do I’ll follow your easier way. hehe. Great recipe, it got me in the mood for something sweet. Sorry I’ve been quiet lately, but work and life have been crazy. But here I am again drooling over your pictures and recipes.
Ben recently posted..Feliz Cumpleaños a mi!
Thanks much Ben. I thought as much, wen I dint see much post from you.
Irresistible! Clafoutis are divine and this one looks just amazing.
Cheers,
Rosa
thank you Rosa.
YUM! this is such a gorgeous and delicious dessert!
Jenn and Seth (@HomeSkilletCook) recently posted.."Be Quiet" Baby Fudge
I’m going to pick cherries this weekend! I made my first cherry clafoutis last year and bought a cherry pitter that time. It is a great investment! Not only I used for baking, I pitted every single cherries for the kids, so they can just eat it. I can’t wait to try your recipe next time!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Beef Short Ribs
Yes I have been thinking of buying a cherry pitter as well. Thats gona be very useful. Thanks Nami.
On of my very favorite desserts form childhood, just beautiful!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash with Yogurt Cumin Sauce
Oh Sylvie, its an honor to see your comments on my blog. You are an inspiration to me. Thanks so much:)
Hey Nina, first time here and really liked your space…I am not at all good in baking and still learning coz my kids just want to eat all the cakes,cupcakes,tarts,donuts of this world and poor me struggling to simply learn all this….your space will surely help me be a good mommy !
Anamika@madcookingfusions recently posted..Eggless Mango Cake – Vegan Recipe
thats so sweet of you….thanks for the lovely comment Anamika. Am happy to find your blog as well:)
This looks amazing! I have several pounds of cherries from my Bountiful Baskets haul this past weekend. I will absolutely make this.
Quick question-at the beginning of the recipe it says it makes 2 8″ pans, but the remainder of the instructions make no further reference to 2 pans, and the amount of the ingredients seem more suited to one cake. Could you please clarify? Thanks!
Thanks Jan. The recipe is for 2 pans only. If you wish to make one,just half the recipe.