Strawberry Clafoutis: the French recipe

The French have delivered many delicious dishes to our menus, and the clafoutis is one of those. Clafoutis (pronounced kla-foo-tee) is a rustic dessert consisting of an egg-rich thick batter studded with fruit. The traditional Clafoutis is made with un-pitted black cherries. As the desserts baked in the oven, the cherry pits released a subtle almond flavor.  The date of origin is unknown, but by the 19th century, chefs all over France started baking their own versions of the Clafoutis. The batter is thick and eggy, similar to that of a flan. The eggs contribute a rich custardy flavor, that goes well with the sweet and sour taste of fruit. The recipe needs to raising agents like baking powder as the eggs provide all the lift it needs.

This fruit-filled cake can be served either warm or cold, and while it usually doesn’t get an accompaniment, we think a little bit of ice cream won’t do any harm! This dessert is super easy to make, but so elegant. Great for times when you’re expecting guests.

You don’t need any expensive ingredients. Our recipe is made with strawberries, which makes it cheaper than the cherry version. With a carton filled with fresh strawberries, milk, sugar, eggs, and flour, you can make a delicious French dessert!

Instructions – Step by Step Recipe

For such a fancy dessert, this recipe is rather easy. Just a few simple steps to create a delicious masterpiece!

Cut the strawberries in half and set aside.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs and the sugar with a hand mixer until smooth.

Add the lemon peel and flour.

Add the milk and beat with the hand mixer until fully combined.

Grease a springform tin and line with parchment paper. Layer the strawberry halves on the bottom of the pan.

Pour the mixture over strawberries and bake at 180°C/350°F for 35-40 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve!

Recipe Notes

Serve the Strawberry Clafoutis with cream or ice cream, or enjoy on its own.

You can use other fruits in this recipe.

Clafoutis purists will tell you that only those recipes made with cherries may carry the ‘Clafoutis’ name. Technically, if you make it with fruit other than cherries, it’s called a flaugnarde. This recipe can be made with blackberries, blueberries, prunes, apples, or pears.

You can make this dessert up to one day in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator overnight. Keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Make sure to mix the batter until all the ingredients are well combined. You can use a blender for this purpose.

Clafoutis can be considered a ‘healthy’ dessert. Serve with a side of Greek yoghurt and impress your health-conscious friends.