There’s something magical about a dessert that feels both fancy and effortless. That’s where my Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis comes in. This delightful French treat is perfect for those busy evenings when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, cherry-filled masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this clafoutis is sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis
This Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis is a game-changer for dessert lovers. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few ingredients. The creamy texture combined with the burst of sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite fruits or add a twist with spices. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis. Here’s what you’ll need:
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess and richness to the batter, making it smooth and delightful.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious texture, heavy cream elevates the clafoutis to a whole new level.
Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help bind everything together, ensuring a fluffy result.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This balances the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to elevate the sweetness and round out the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your batter, giving it the right consistency.
Pitted Cherries: Fresh or frozen, cherries are the star of this dish, providing juicy bursts of flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Optional for dusting, it adds a touch of elegance when serving.
Feel free to get creative! You can swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a delightful twist. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis
Creating your own Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis is a delightful journey. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect clafoutis texture. While the oven warms up, grab a 9-inch round pie dish and grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your clafoutis slides out easily when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key for a luscious batter that will envelop the cherries beautifully.
Step 3: Add Flour
Now, it’s time to incorporate the all-purpose flour. Gradually add it to the mixture while whisking. This helps prevent lumps, which is essential for a light and airy clafoutis. Keep whisking until the batter is silky and well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Base
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake creates a solid base for the cherries, ensuring they don’t sink to the bottom.
Step 5: Prepare the Cherries
While the base is baking, it’s time to prepare the cherries. If you’re using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. For frozen cherries, simply thaw and drain any excess liquid. This step enhances the flavor and ensures your clafoutis is bursting with juicy goodness.
Step 6: Add Cherries and Remaining Batter
Once the base is ready, take it out of the oven. Evenly distribute the prepared cherries over the baked batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, making sure the cherries are well covered. This layering creates a beautiful blend of flavors.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the clafoutis is puffed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This is when the magic happens, and your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly aroma!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the initial baking step; it helps the cherries stay suspended.
Experiment with different fruits for unique flavors.
Let the clafoutis cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Equipment Needed
9-inch Round Pie Dish: A classic choice, but any similar-sized baking dish works.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients; a whisk or electric mixer can speed things up.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the batter smoothly; a fork can work in a pinch.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements; a kitchen scale is a great alternative.
Variations
Berry Medley: Swap cherries for a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a colorful twist.
Peach Perfection: Use sliced peaches for a summery flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy batter.
Nutty Delight: Add a splash of almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor that complements the fruit.
Spiced Up: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking for a warm, cozy aroma.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to each slice.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm clafoutis with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Fruit Garnish: Top with extra cherries or berries for a pop of color and freshness.
Pair with Coffee: A cup of strong coffee or espresso complements the sweetness perfectly.
FAQs about Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis
Can I use frozen cherries for this clafoutis recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. This ensures your dessert doesn’t become too watery.
How do I store leftover clafoutis?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste.
Can I make clafoutis ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pour it over the cherries and bake when you’re ready to enjoy your cherry clafoutis.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that the texture may be less rich than the original recipe.
Is clafoutis gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make a delicious gluten-free clafoutis.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Easy Homemade Cream Clafoutis is more than just baking; it’s about crafting sweet memories. The joy of pulling a golden, puffed dessert from the oven, the aroma wafting through your kitchen, and the smiles it brings to your loved ones are truly priceless. Each slice is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and juicy cherries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this clafoutis is sure to become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire.
A simple and delightful recipe for homemade cream clafoutis featuring cherries.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
While the batter is baking, prepare the cherries. If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid.
After 10 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and evenly distribute the cherries over the partially baked batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the cherries, making sure they are covered.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Allow the clafoutis to cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a twist, try using other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches instead of cherries.
Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor or sprinkle some cinnamon on top before baking for added warmth.
