Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis
A luscious French dessert featuring tart sour cherries baked in a silky, custard-like batter with caramelized sugar topping. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers pitted fresh sour cherries, divided granulated sugar, 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 230 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
- 2 cups, pitted fresh sour cherries
- 1/2 cup, divided granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- for dusting powdered sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch round baking dish and sprinkle 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly across the bottom.
- Step 2: Arrange 2 cups pitted fresh sour cherries evenly in the dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar over the cherries to encourage caramelization.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 4: Gradually add 1 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the flour and eggs mixture, whisking until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, then pour the batter gently over the sugared cherries.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the clafoutis is puffed, golden around the edges, and set in the center.
- Step 7: Allow to cool slightly, then dust the top with powdered sugar before serving warm to enjoy the contrast of the sour cherry brightness and caramelized sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis?
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 Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis?
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 Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis 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 Caramelized Sour Cherry Clafoutis?
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.
