Indulge in the enchanting flavors of France with our "On April Snowstorms Brandied Cherry Clafoutis," a dessert that promises to transport your taste buds to a quaint Parisian café! This luscious clafoutis, infused with the rich essence of brandy-soaked cherries, is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, creating a delightful symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply craving a slice of something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into the delightful world of clafoutis!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your clafoutis will cook evenly and rise properly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pitted cherries and brandy. Allow them to soak for about 10 minutes, which will enhance their flavor and infuse the clafoutis with a rich, fruity essence.
- While the cherries are soaking, in a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This will help to incorporate air, giving the clafoutis a light texture.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the soaked cherries along with any remaining brandy from the bowl. This will ensure that the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the clafoutis.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. It will deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal.
- Serve the clafoutis warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar if desired. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a delightful brunch dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, juicy cherries. If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones—just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Soak the Cherries: Don’t skip the soaking step! Allowing the cherries to soak in brandy not only enhances their flavor but also adds a delightful boozy kick to the clafoutis.
- Whisk Well: When mixing the eggs and sugar, whisk until the mixture is frothy. This helps incorporate air, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the clafoutis tender.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your clafoutis as it bakes. It should be puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This clafoutis is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your clafoutis! Try adding a hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
