Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear Clafoutis
A delicate French dessert featuring tender pears soaked in brandy and baked within a rich custard batter. This French-inspired recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, layers ripe pears, brandy, eggs 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 220 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
- 3 medium, peeled, cored, sliced ripe pears
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp, melted butter
- for dusting powdered sugar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, soak 3 sliced pears with 1/4 cup brandy for 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Gradually sift in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour while whisking to avoid lumps, then slowly add 1 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp melted butter, then fold in the brandy-soaked pears along with any remaining liquid.
- Step 5: Butter a 9-inch pie dish and pour the batter with pears evenly inside. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Step 6: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear Clafoutis take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear 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 Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear 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 Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear 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 Classic French Brandy-Soaked Pear 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.
