Dessert · Baking · French

Cherry Clafoutis With Toasted Almond Flour

Celebrate stone fruit season with this cherry clafoutis, a custard-like French dessert enhanced with the nutty depth of toasted almond flour.

4.8(69 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Cherry Clafoutis With Toasted Almond Flour — French Dessert served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prep the Kitchen

  1. 1

    Oven and Dish

    Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Generously butter a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish or cast-iron skillet and dust with 1 tablespoon of sugar.

    Tip: Toasting the almond flour in a dry pan for 3 minutes before measuring adds significant depth.

How to Make Cherry Clafoutis With Toasted Almond Flour

Total time: 55 min · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Arrange the Cherries

    Spread the pitted cherries in a single, even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. If using unpitted cherries, warn your guests about the stones before serving.

  2. 2

    Whisk the Batter

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and 100g of sugar until pale and slightly frothy. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, toasted almond flour, and salt until no lumps remain.

  3. 3

    Incorporate Liquids

    Slowly pour in the whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth and resembles a thin pancake batter.

  4. 4

    Pour and Bake

    Carefully pour the batter over the cherries in the dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and puffed, and the center is just set but still has a slight wobble.

  5. 5

    Cool and Dust

    Remove from the oven and let the clafoutis cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. The center will deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal for this style of custard.

Chef's Tips

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure the batter emulsifies perfectly.
  • Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet Bing and slightly tart Rainier cherries.

What to Serve with Cherry Clafoutis With Toasted Almond Flour

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche.
  • Pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled dessert wine.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Apricot Clafoutis: Replace cherries with halved, pitted apricots.

Variation

Boozy Version: Soak the cherries in 2 tablespoons of Kirsch or Amaretto for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage & Reheating

Best eaten within a few hours of baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a low oven.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Should I pit the cherries for cherry clafoutis?

While traditional French recipes often leave the pits in to impart a subtle almond flavor, pitting them is much safer and more convenient for modern dining.

Why did my cherry clafoutis sink in the middle?

It is completely normal for a clafoutis to puff up in the oven and sink as it cools. The structure is custard-based, not cake-based.

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first, otherwise the excess moisture will make the custard soggy.

What is the texture of a perfect cherry clafoutis?

It should be between a thick crepe batter and a firm flan. It is creamy, soft, and moist, not light and airy like a sponge cake.

Is clafoutis served hot or cold?

It is traditionally served lukewarm (tepid), which allows the custard to set properly while keeping the fruit flavors vibrant.

You might also love

Browse all recipes

Explore more from TastyFood

Looking for something different? Browse by category.