Cherry Clafoutis Recipe – Easy French Dessert with Juicy Cherries

When summer rolled in, my mom would bring home baskets of cherries so ripe they stained our fingers deep red. That’s how I first tasted cherry clafoutis—warm, golden, and eggy-soft with pockets of juicy fruit. It’s a humble French dessert, but it’s the one I go back to when I want something unfussy and comforting, like a sweet memory in a baking dish.

What Is Cherry Clafoutis?

Cherry clafoutis (pronounced kla-foo-TEE) is a rustic French dessert hailing from the Limousin region. Traditionally made with black cherries, it features whole fruit baked in a light, flan-like batter that’s somewhere between a pancake and custard. Think creamy texture with pops of sweet-tart cherries in every bite.

The batter comes together with simple ingredients—eggs, flour, sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla and almond extract. Once baked, the top turns golden while the center stays soft and silky. It’s one of those dishes that’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. During cherry season, it’s a no-brainer for showcasing fresh fruit, though canned or frozen cherries work too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible cherry clafoutis:

• Cherries: Fresh, sweet cherries are best, but canned (drained) or frozen (thawed and dried) work well too. Traditionally, unpitted cherries are used, but I prefer them pitted—your teeth will thank you.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives just enough structure without making the dish too cakey.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard and gets sprinkled on top for a subtle caramelized finish.
• Milk: Whole milk or half and half adds richness. You can also sub with a dairy-free alternative, though texture may vary slightly.
• Vanilla + Almond Extract: This duo gives the batter its signature bakery-like aroma.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): For a pretty dusting just before serving.

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis

Step 1 – Prepare the Cherries and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9- or 10-inch baking dish generously. If you want a little extra texture, dust the buttered dish with sugar, tapping out the excess. Arrange your pitted cherries evenly across the bottom.

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Step 2 – Make the Batter

In a blender (or a large bowl with a whisk), combine the eggs, ½ cup of sugar, milk, flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth. The batter should be pourable, like thin pancake batter.

Step 3 – Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter gently over the cherries.

Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar across the top. This will help create a golden, slightly crisp surface. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning. When done, the clafoutis will be puffed, golden, and just set in the center.

Let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. It will deflate slightly as it settles—totally normal!

Tips for Perfect Clafoutis Every Time

• Use fresh cherries when available for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly.
• Don’t skip the resting time. Letting it cool helps the custard firm up and makes slicing easier.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving, or add a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
• Bake uncovered for the first 30 minutes, then cover to avoid over-browning without undercooking.

How to Store and Reheat Clafoutis

Leftovers? Lucky you. Let the clafoutis cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, though it’s best eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture.

To reheat, microwave individual slices in 15-second bursts or warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. The custard will firm up slightly in the fridge but still tastes fantastic chilled or reheated.

More Fruit-Based Desserts to Try

If you loved this cherry clafoutis, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite fruity bakes:

• This Sweet and Soft Cherry Bread with Cherry-Almond Glaze is packed with flavor and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Try this cozy Easy Cherry Syrup for French desserts—great for drizzling over pancakes, ice cream, or even clafoutis!
• Don’t miss The Best Cherry Pie Recipe with Homemade Crust if you’re craving something classic and sliceable.

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