Can You Bake a Gourmet Almond and Cherry Clafoutis with Vanilla Bean?

April 7, 2024

Today, we’ll reveal the secrets behind a delightful French dessert that we’re sure you’ll fall in love with. It is a recipe that is simple yet elegant, common yet often unknown, and absolutely delightful for the taste buds. We’re referring to none other than the cherry clafoutis infused with vanilla bean and almond.

What is a Clafoutis, Anyway?

A clafoutis is a classic French dessert that is traditionally made with black cherries, sugar, and a custard-like batter. It is baked in an oven until the batter puffs up and turns golden, all the while basting the cherries in a sweet and creamy custard. Originally from the Limousin region, this dessert now enjoys popularity far beyond French borders due to its delightful taste and simplicity of preparation.

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However, our recipe today is going to shake up the traditional cherry clafoutis a bit. We are going to infuse it with delightful vanilla bean and crunchy almond. This addition will not only add depth to the sweetness but also introduce an understated sophistication that will leave your guests asking for more.

Here is Your Must-Try Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Get ready to be the star of your next dinner party! Here’s our step-by-step guide to preparing a stunning almond and cherry clafoutis with vanilla bean:

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
  • 1 vanilla bean, scraped
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After this, butter and lightly flour a 9-inch baking dish.

  2. Place your cherries in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over with slivered almonds.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until they are well combined. Then, add in the flour and whisk until you have a smooth batter.

  4. Gradually add in the heavy cream, whisking all the while to prevent lumps from forming.

  5. Finally, add the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean to your batter. Stir this well to ensure that the vanilla is evenly distributed.

  6. Pour this batter over your cherries and almonds in the baking dish.

  7. Place this in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The clafoutis is ready when it is puffed up and golden, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Do note that the clafoutis will deflate slightly as it cools.

How to Serve Your Cherry Clafoutis

Now that you have this beautiful cherry clafoutis sitting on your kitchen counter, it’s time to talk about how to serve it.

Traditionally, clafoutis is served warm, straight out of the oven. However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature, or even cold from the fridge. It’s entirely up to your personal preference. Our suggestion is to try it in all three ways and see which one you enjoy the most.

Before you serve it, don’t forget to dust it generously with powdered sugar. This final touch not only adds an extra touch of sweetness but also gives your clafoutis a rustic, home-baked appearance that is sure to impress.

Customizing Your Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Now that you’re a pro at baking the classic cherry clafoutis, it’s time to get creative. While cherries are traditional and delicious, this recipe can be adapted to use almost any kind of fruit. Peaches, apricots, or blueberries would all work wonderfully in a clafoutis.

In addition to swapping out the fruit, you could also experiment with adding different kinds of spices or flavorings to your batter. For instance, a touch of almond extract would complement the slivered almonds beautifully, or a sprinkle of cinnamon could add a warm and comforting note.

Remember, the key to a great recipe is not only following the instructions but also adding your personal touch. So feel free to experiment and make this cherry clafoutis recipe your own.

As you can see, baking a gourmet almond and cherry clafoutis with vanilla bean is not only possible but also quite straightforward. With a little bit of time and simple ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that is sure to impress. So go on, give it a try, and discover the delight of this wonderful French dessert for yourself.

Storing and Reheating Your Cherry Clafoutis

Once you have savoured a piece or two of your delicious cherry clafoutis, you might find yourself wondering what to do with the leftovers. Good news – this dessert stores beautifully and can even taste better after a day of resting.

To store it, simply let your cherry clafoutis cool down to room temperature. Once it has cooled, you may cover it with some plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It can then be stored in your refrigerator for up to three days.

When it comes to reheating your clafoutis, you have a couple of options. If you enjoy your dessert warm, you can reheat it in your oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is warmed through. Alternatively, you can also reheat individual slices in your microwave for a quick treat.

Pair your reheated clafoutis with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence. You can also simply dust it with a bit more powdered sugar.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Cherry Clafoutis Masterpiece

Baking a gourmet almond and cherry clafoutis with vanilla bean might sound complex, but as we have explored, it is truly a straightforward process. By following our guide, even a novice baker can produce this delightful French dessert that is sure to impress.

What makes this cherry clafoutis recipe truly special is its flexibility. You can easily substitute the cherries with other fruits like peaches or blueberries. You can also play around with the flavors by adding almond extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Experiment with these variations and find your personal favorite.

So whether you are preparing for a dinner party or simply craving a treat, this cherry clafoutis recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It strikes the perfect balance between delicate and hearty, sweet and tart, creamy and crispy. It is a dessert that is sure to earn a high average rating among your friends and family.

So get your apron on, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that Julia Child herself would have been proud of. After all, nothing says "I love you" quite like a homemade cherry clafoutis, puffed and golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar, and served straight from the oven. Bon appétit!