Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels both rustic and refined, the Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe is exactly what you need to impress and satisfy. This French-inspired dish combines juicy, fresh cherries with a tender, custardy batter made from almond and tapioca flours, making it a wonderful choice for anyone embracing gluten-free living without sacrificing flavor. Lightly sweet, creamy, and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a charming way to celebrate cherries in a naturally gluten-free format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component adds a special touch, from the fresh tartness of cherries to the rich creaminess of the batter that envelops them, creating a perfectly balanced clafoutis.

• Fresh cherries, 2 cups: Pitted cherries provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, the star of the dish.
• Eggs, 3 large: These give the clafoutis its custardy structure and help it set beautifully when baked.
• Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: A touch of sweetness to enhance the fruit and batter without overpowering.
• Whole milk, 1 cup: Provides moisture and silkiness to the batter for a luscious texture.
• Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Adds richness and depth, making every bite indulgently smooth.
• Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Infuses subtle floral notes that complement the almond and cherries perfectly.
• Almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Boosts the nutty flavor, tying in with the almond flour for a cohesive taste.
• Almond flour, 1/2 cup: This gluten-free flour adds nuttiness and a tender crumb to the custard.
• Tapioca flour, 2 tablespoons: Helps with the structure and gives the clafoutis its delicate bounce.
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Butter, for greasing: Ensures the dessert doesn’t stick and adds a slight richness around the edges.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): A pretty finish that adds a gentle sweetness and contrast.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish generously with butter, which will keep your clafoutis from sticking and create a beautifully golden crust.

Step 2: Arrange the Cherries

Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. This creates a sweet, juicy base that will be enveloped by the batter, ensuring every slice is bursting with fruit.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and frothy. This step is key for a light, airy clafoutis that isn’t heavy or dense.

Step 4: Add the Creams and Extracts

Pour in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then whisk thoroughly to create a smooth and aromatic mixture. These ingredients bring moisture and those subtle background flavors that make the dish so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, and salt. This blend ensures your clafoutis remains perfectly gluten-free while offering the right texture and light bounce.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This batter is the magic that creates the custard-like texture in the final bake.

Step 7: Pour Batter Over Cherries

Carefully pour the batter over the cherries in the baking dish, making sure the fruit is evenly covered. Even coverage allows the cherries to cook evenly and infuse their flavor throughout the dish.

Step 8: Bake Until Set

Bake your clafoutis for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly wobbly. The aroma at this point will be heavenly, and you’ll know it’s ready just by the sight of its golden top.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Allow the clafoutis to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for a delicate, elegant finishing touch. This step is optional but adds wonderful visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this gluten-free cherry clafoutis recipe, consider garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves or a small handful of toasted almond slivers. These add freshness and a subtle crunch, enhancing every bite with extra layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This clafoutis pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a creamy contrast to the light, fruity custard. For a brunch setting, serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or a sparkling rosé to complement the dish’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, bake the clafoutis in individual ramekins to create personal-sized desserts that feel special and intimate. Alternatively, serve slices atop a rustic wooden board with seasonal berries and edible flowers for a picture-perfect gathering centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover gluten-free cherry clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best eaten slightly chilled or at room temperature, where the flavors can meld and the texture stays tender.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this clafoutis freezes fairly well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer, where it will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or place the whole clafoutis in a preheated 325°F oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain its delicate custard texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well when fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

The traditional recipe uses milk and cream, but you can swap in coconut milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical twist.

What makes this clafoutis gluten-free?

This version uses almond and tapioca flour instead of wheat flour, which maintains the delicate texture while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

Can I substitute other fruits for cherries?

Yes! Stone fruits like peaches, plums, or even berries work beautifully in this recipe. Keep in mind that different fruits may release varying amounts of juice, which can affect the overall texture slightly.

Why does the clafoutis sometimes puff up and then deflate?

This dessert behaves like a custard and soufflé hybrid, so it puffs up during baking due to the air in the eggs but will gently deflate as it cools—this is completely normal and part of its charm.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe that makes it a cherished addition to any dessert repertoire. It’s approachable for home cooks, elegantly rustic, and bursting with natural cherry flavor wrapped in a creamy, tender custard. Whether you’re making it as a weekend treat or a show-stopping dessert for guests, I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how delicious gluten-free can be.

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