French Fruit Clafoutis Recipe

If you’ve never tried a French Fruit Clafoutis recipe, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This dessert strikes that perfect balance between a flan-like custard and a rustic fruit tart, making it both comforting and elegant. I especially love pulling it out when I have fresh summer peaches and berries on hand—it feels like a little homage to French country cooking right in my kitchen.

The beauty of this French Fruit Clafoutis recipe is how straightforward it is, yet it never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a cozy treat after dinner, it’s a showstopper that feels fancy but comes together quickly. Plus, the gentle sweetness and tender fruit always leave me craving seconds—and I bet you will too.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The charm of this French Fruit Clafoutis recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that work harmoniously. Each plays a crucial role—from the fluffiness of the eggs to the natural sweetness of the fruit—so I always suggest picking the freshest produce you can find for the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Coats the skillet to prevent sticking and adds rich flavor to the crust edges.
• Eggs: The backbone that sets the custard-like batter and provides structure.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements stone fruits beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives just enough body to the batter without weighing it down.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the fruit.
• Whole Milk: Keeps the batter tender and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Blueberries and Peaches: The stars of the show—fresh, juicy, and slightly tart balance the sweet custard.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often switch up the fruit depending on the season—sometimes cherries, apples, or pears work wonderfully too. Feel free to experiment and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you want a cozy twist. This French Fruit Clafoutis recipe is forgiving and ready for your creative touch.

• Fruit Swap: Try swapping peaches for ripe cherries to get a traditional clafoutis flavor I grew up loving.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version that’s still deliciously creamy.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly; the fruit’s natural sugars will still shine.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Fruit Clafoutis Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a deep pie pan and use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter all around the inside. This step is key—don’t skimp on the butter! It not only prevents sticking but adds a golden, flavorful crust that I always look forward to.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes—don’t rush it because that air makes for a tender clafoutis. Next, gradually add the flour and salt, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter carefully into your buttered skillet, then arrange the peach slices and blueberries evenly on top. I like to gently press the fruit down a little to nestle them into the batter without stirring. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed slightly, golden on top, and a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Give it a few minutes to cool so it can set up nicely—that’s when the flavors really come together. I love dusting mine with powdered sugar for a pretty finish or serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Either way, once you take that first bite, it’s hard not to smile.

How to Serve French Fruit Clafoutis Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simply dusting the clafoutis with powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a pretty finishing touch without overpowering that delicate fruit flavor. On special occasions, I also love adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream; it makes every bite feel extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines as a dessert, but if you’re serving it brunch-style, try pairing it with a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette or some crispy bacon for a lovely sweet-and-savory balance. A simple cup of black coffee or lightly brewed tea also complements the fruity custard beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve tried baking individual clafoutis in small ramekins instead of one large pan. It feels so charming and makes portioning effortless. You could also layer the fruit decoratively on top in patterns or shapes to impress your guests visually—French elegance with a personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The clafoutis keeps well for up to 3 days and remains tender, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for that perfect custard texture.

Freezing

Freezing clafoutis is possible, though I find the texture changes slightly after thawing and reheating. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a low oven temperature (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes, just until warm. Microwaving can make it a bit rubbery or soggy, so the oven method keeps that lovely tender texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This French Fruit Clafoutis recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so approachable yet always impresses. I love how the tender custard embraces juicy peaches and blueberries in every bite—it’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and a little fancy. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but leaves a lasting impression, you really can’t go wrong here. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite in your home, too!

Print