Clafoutis Aux Cerises
Pâtisserie • France
À propos de Clafoutis aux Cerises
Baked cherry flan from Limousin — custardy and fruity
How to Make Clafoutis aux Cerises (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Clafoutis aux Cerises is a cherished dessert from the heart of France, particularly the Limousin region. This classic French cherry clafoutis recipe is a delightful baked custard, traditionally made with ripe, juicy cherries suspended in a light, egg-rich batter. It’s a dish that captures the essence of French countryside cooking: simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. The contrast between the sweet-tart cherries and the subtly vanilla-flavored batter creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. In France, Clafoutis aux Cerises is often served during cherry season, making it a celebration of the region’s abundant fruit harvests. Its rustic charm and versatility have made it a staple in French homes, where families gather to savor this homestyle dessert fresh from the oven. For those seeking a healthy, vegetarian dessert, clafoutis offers a naturally lighter alternative to heavier pastries, with its minimal butter and sugar content. Perfect for an international audience, this recipe brings a taste of French tradition to your kitchen with accessible, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients(for 1 moderate slice (approx. 120g), typical of French dessert portions)
- 1.5 cups Fresh cherries (Cerises; traditionally unpitted)
- 2 large Eggs (Oeufs)
- 3/4 cup Low-fat milk (Lait écrémé)
- 1/3 cup Whole wheat flour (Farine complète)
- 2 tbsp Honey (Miel; natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Extrait de vanille)
- 1 pinch Salt (Sel)
- 1 tsp Unsalted butter (Beurre; for greasing)
- 1 tsp Powdered sugar (Sucre glace; optional topping) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 18cm) with unsalted butter.
5 minutes
A ceramic or glass dish works best for even baking.
- 2
Wash and dry the cherries. Arrange them evenly in the prepared dish. Traditionally, cherries are left unpitted for extra flavor.
3 minutes
Leaving pits in enhances almond notes; remove pits for easier eating.
- 3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3 minutes
Mix until the egg mixture is pale and slightly frothy.
- 4
Add flour to the egg mixture, whisking gently to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the milk and continue to blend until a smooth batter forms.
4 minutes
Sift flour before adding for a lighter texture.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy Clafoutis aux Cerises recipe is a smart dessert choice thanks to its reduced sugar content and use of whole wheat flour. It’s vegetarian-friendly, offers a balance of protein and carbohydrates, and minimizes processed ingredients. By relying on fresh fruit and low-fat dairy, it delivers nutrients without excess calories or fat, ideal for those tracking macros or seeking lighter sweet treats.
Clafoutis aux Cerises is rich in antioxidants from fresh cherries, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. The recipe uses low-fat milk and whole wheat flour, increasing fiber and lowering saturated fat compared to traditional versions. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Honey adds natural sweetness without the spikes of refined sugar. This dessert is relatively low in calories, especially when made with whole ingredients, making it suitable for calorie-conscious diets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh, ripe cherries for best flavor and texture.
- 💡Tip 2: Sift flour to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- 💡Tip 3: For a more traditional taste, leave cherries unpitted.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or gently reheat in the oven. Avoid freezing, as the custard can separate.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 175.0 kcal |
| Protein | 5.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
