Cherry Clafouti Tart

Cherry Clafouti Tart Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry Clafouti Tart is a classic French dessert that combines juicy cherries with a light and fluffy custard-like batter. This delicious tart is perfect for showcasing the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh cherries.

History

Clafouti is a traditional French dessert that originated in the Limousin region of France. Originally made with black cherries, the dish has evolved over time to include a variety of fruits, including cherries. The name "clafouti" comes from the Occitan word "clafoti," which means "to fill." This refers to the way the fruit is arranged in the dish before the batter is poured over the top.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) ripe, firm cherries
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
3 extra-large eggs
0.5 cup sugar
1.75 cup whole milk
1 tsp cherry brandy (kirsch) or vanilla extract (optional)

How to prepare

Wash the cherries and allow them to drain until dry. Remove the stems, but do not remove the pits.
Spread the cherries evenly over the bottom of an 11-inch French tart pan.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and salt using a wire whisk or a hand beater.
Slowly add the milk to the mixture and continue beating until the batter becomes light.
Add most of the sugar, reserving a few tablespoons for later use. The batter should have a light consistency.
If desired, add 1 tsp of kirsch or vanilla extract to the batter.
Pour the batter over the cherries in the tart pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Carefully place the tart pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes, or until the tart turns golden and puffy. Around halfway through the baking time, sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top of the tart.
Allow the baked cherry Clafouti tart to cool on a rack.
Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Try using different fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, in place of the cherries.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
For a boozy twist, soak the cherries in rum or brandy before adding them to the tart.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, firm cherries for the best flavor and texture in this tart.

- Leaving the pits in the cherries adds a subtle almond flavor to the dish. However, if you prefer, you can pit the cherries before using them.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of kirsch or vanilla extract to the batter.

- Sprinkling sugar over the top of the tart halfway through baking creates a crispy, caramelized crust.

- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Clafouti Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Cherry Clafouti Tart is to ensure that the batter is light and fluffy before pouring it over the cherries. Be sure to beat the eggs, flour, and milk together until the mixture is smooth and airy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cherries on hand, you can use other fruits such as berries, peaches, or plums in this recipe. You can also use almond extract in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Clafouti Tart is best served fresh, but you can prepare the batter and pit the cherries ahead of time to save time on the day of baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherry Clafouti Tart on a decorative platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cherry Clafouti Tart with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a Muscat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cherry Clafouti Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Clafouti Tart contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Clafouti Tart contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Clafouti Tart contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Clafouti Tart contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Clafouti Tart is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants from the cherries.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cherry Clafouti Tart is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Cherry Clafouti Tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh cherries in a light and fluffy custard-like batter. This classic French dish is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun shines brightly and the birds sing joyfully. I had just finished tending to my garden, where I had spent the morning picking ripe cherries from the trees. As I entered the kitchen, the sweet scent of cherries filled the air, and I knew that I had to make something special with them.

I rummaged through my collection of cookbooks, searching for the perfect recipe to showcase the fresh cherries. That's when I stumbled upon a worn and tattered recipe card tucked away in the back of one of my oldest cookbooks. The title read "Cherry Clafouti Tart", and I knew that this was the recipe I had been searching for.

I could almost hear the voice of my dear friend, Marie, as I read through the ingredients and instructions. Marie was a French chef who had taught me many of her delicious recipes over the years. She had a way of infusing her dishes with love and passion, and I was always grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

The recipe for Cherry Clafouti Tart was no exception. It called for simple ingredients - cherries, sugar, flour, eggs, milk, and a splash of almond extract. The instructions were straightforward, but I knew that the key to making this dish truly special was to infuse it with the same love and care that Marie had shown me in her own kitchen.

I set to work, pitting the cherries and arranging them in a buttered tart pan. In a separate bowl, I whisked together the sugar, flour, and eggs, creating a smooth batter. I added a hint of almond extract and a splash of milk, stirring until the mixture was velvety and fragrant.

As I poured the batter over the cherries, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered the countless hours I had spent in Marie's kitchen, learning the art of French cooking and soaking up her wisdom. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her gentle guidance as I carefully placed the tart in the oven to bake.

The scent of cherries and almond wafted through the kitchen, mingling with the memories of days gone by. I stood by the oven, watching as the tart rose and turned a golden brown, the cherries glistening with sweet syrup.

When the tart was finally ready, I removed it from the oven and let it cool on the countertop. The aroma was intoxicating, filling the room with a warm, comforting scent that reminded me of happy times and cherished friendships.

I couldn't wait to taste the Cherry Clafouti Tart, to savor the flavors and textures that reminded me of Marie and all that she had taught me. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and let the taste transport me back to her kitchen, to the laughter and love that had always been present in her cooking.

The tart was a masterpiece, a tribute to the friendship and culinary expertise that Marie had shared with me over the years. It was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones.

And so, as I savored each bite of the Cherry Clafouti Tart, I knew that I would always hold onto this recipe, this memory, and the love that had inspired it all. For in the simple act of cooking, I had found a way to keep Marie's spirit alive, to honor her legacy, and to share her gift with the world.