Quick Description
This Cherry Custard Bake, also known as Cherry Clafoutis, is a French-inspired dessert that combines juicy cherries with a rich, custard-like batter. Baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and flavor.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Butter for greasing the dish
- Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. -
Prepare the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, pit them and slice in half. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain any excess liquid. -
Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the milk, flour, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter. Whisk until the batter is well-combined and smooth. -
Assemble the Clafoutis
Pour the batter into the prepared greased baking dish. Evenly distribute the cherries over the top of the batter. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean. -
Cool & Serve
Let the Cherry Clafoutis cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish.
Nutrition (per serving – approximate)
Calories: 250
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 22g
Benefits
- High-Protein Dessert: Eggs and milk provide a good amount of protein to help balance the sweetness.
- Low-Maintenance Recipe: Easy to prepare and bake with minimal effort and ingredients.
- Customizable: Use other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or apples to create different variations.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Additional Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of dairy milk, and opt for a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Fruit Variations: While cherries are traditional, you can also use a mix of berries or stone fruits for variety.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Dietary Info
High-Protein: Yes
Gluten-Free Option: Yes (with flour substitution)
Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
Vegetarian: Yes
Brief Introduction
This Cherry Custard Bake (Cherry Clafoutis) is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s a hit at any gathering. The combination of sweet cherries and creamy custard baked together is pure comfort in a dish. It’s easy to make, and the results are always delicious.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat the oven and grease the dish
- Prepare cherries and set aside
- Make the custard batter
- Pour batter into dish and add cherries
- Bake until golden and set
- Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen cherries can be used if fresh is not available.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Butter: Dairy-free butter can be used for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Topping: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Flavor Twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the batter for an extra flavor kick.
- Serve with Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad for added freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute with stevia, monk fruit, or other low-calorie sweeteners to reduce sugar content.
Optional Personal Story
I created this Cherry Clafoutis when I wanted a simple yet impressive dessert to serve at a family gathering. It quickly became a favorite because of its easy preparation and comforting flavor. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes for a quick dessert that everyone enjoys!
Call-to-Action
Give this Cherry Custard Bake a try next time you’re craving a comforting, sweet treat! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Save the recipe, and enjoy every delicious bite! 🍒🍰
