Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch
A delicate baked French dessert featuring Black Forest cherries soaked in kirsch and nestled in a tender almond-scented custard. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers pitted black forest cherries, tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy), all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted black forest cherries
- 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons for cherries sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons, softened butter
- for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 1 1/2 cups pitted black forest cherries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons kirsch in a small bowl. Set aside to macerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 3 large eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Step 3: Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon almond extract until the batter is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Step 4: Butter a 9-inch round baking dish with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Spread the macerated cherries evenly on the bottom.
- Step 5: Pour the batter gently over the cherries. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the clafoutis is puffed, golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Black Forest Cherry Clafoutis with Almond and Kirsch?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
