Chef John’s Peach and Blackberry Flognarde: A Summer Dessert Delight

Summer is the season for fresh, vibrant flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with a simple yet elegant dessert? Enter Chef John’s Peach and Blackberry Flognarde, a rustic French baked custard that’s incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious. This recipe is a celebration of seasonal fruits, combined with a creamy, vanilla-infused custard that’s perfect for a warm summer evening.

## What is a Flognarde?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what a flognarde actually is. Often confused with clafoutis, a flognarde is a baked French dessert similar to a custard or pancake, traditionally made with fruit baked in a batter. The main difference between a clafoutis and a flognarde lies in the fruit used and the consistency of the batter. Clafoutis is traditionally made with black cherries, while a flognarde can be made with various fruits like apples, pears, berries, or, in our case, peaches and blackberries. The batter for a flognarde is also generally a bit thicker than that of a clafoutis.

Chef John’s version elevates the classic by using ripe, juicy peaches and plump blackberries, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. The custard base is rich and creamy, providing the perfect complement to the fruit. This dessert is simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough for a special occasion.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simplicity:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for even novice bakers.
* **Seasonal Flavors:** The combination of peaches and blackberries captures the essence of summer in every bite.
* **Versatility:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use other fruits depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The baked flognarde looks beautiful, making it a great dessert to serve to guests.
* **Delicious Texture:** The creamy custard and soft, juicy fruit create a delightful textural contrast.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Peaches:** 1 1/2 pounds, peeled and sliced. Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Freestone peaches are ideal because the pit is easily removed.
* **Blackberries:** 1 cup, fresh. Look for plump, juicy blackberries that are not overly tart.
* **Eggs:** 3 large. These provide structure and richness to the custard.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/2 cup. This sweetens the custard and helps the fruit caramelize.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. This helps to thicken the custard.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Use whole milk for the richest flavor, but you can also use 2% milk.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup. This adds extra creaminess to the custard.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. This enhances the flavor of the custard.
* **Pinch of Salt:** To balance the sweetness.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted. For greasing the baking dish.
* **Powdered Sugar (optional):** For dusting the finished flognarde.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch Baking Dish:** A pie dish, cake pan, or oven-safe skillet will work.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the batter and fruit.
* **Whisk:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Peeler and Knife:** For preparing the peaches.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Peach and Blackberry Flognarde:

### Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

1. **Peel and Slice the Peaches:** Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin from the peaches. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits, and slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. **Combine Fruit:** In a medium bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches and blackberries. A light toss will distribute the flavors without bruising the berries.

### Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. **Whisk Eggs and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and slightly frothy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.
2. **Add Flour:** Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough custard.
3. **Incorporate Liquids:** Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining.
4. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking the flognarde for even cooking.
2. **Grease Baking Dish:** Generously grease your 9-inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the flognarde from sticking and make it easier to remove once baked.
3. **Arrange Fruit in Dish:** Spread the peach and blackberry mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the fruit in a single layer for even baking.
4. **Pour Batter Over Fruit:** Gently pour the custard batter over the fruit, making sure to cover all the fruit evenly. The batter should fill the dish but not overflow.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the flognarde is golden brown and the custard is set. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
6. **Cool:** Remove the flognarde from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The custard will continue to set as it cools.

### Step 4: Serve

1. **Dust with Powdered Sugar (optional):** Before serving, dust the flognarde with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch.
2. **Serve Warm or at Room Temperature:** The Peach and Blackberry Flognarde can be served warm or at room temperature. Serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Other Fruits:** Feel free to substitute other fruits based on your preference and what’s in season. Apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, or cherries would all work well.
* **Add Almond Extract:** For a nutty flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use almond milk or soy milk in place of the dairy milk and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
* **Individual Flognardes:** Bake the flognarde in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the flognarde to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps the custard set properly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry, rubbery custard. Keep a close eye on the flognarde while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as the custard is set.

## Serving Suggestions

* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic accompaniment to flognarde.
* **With Ice Cream:** Vanilla ice cream, almond ice cream, or even a fruit sorbet would be delicious with this dessert.
* **With a Sprinkle of Nuts:** Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
* **With a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup:** A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add extra sweetness and flavor.
* **As a Brunch Item:** Serve flognarde as a sweet treat alongside savory dishes for a special brunch.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover flognarde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the flognarde in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat.

## Chef John’s Touch

Chef John, known for his witty and approachable style, often emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and not overcomplicating recipes. His Peach and Blackberry Flognarde is a perfect example of this philosophy. By using fresh, seasonal fruits and a simple custard base, he creates a dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. His videos and recipes often encourage home cooks to experiment and adapt recipes to their own tastes, making cooking more fun and accessible.

## Flognarde vs. Clafoutis: The Key Differences

As mentioned earlier, flognarde and clafoutis are often confused. While they are similar, there are some key distinctions:

* **Traditional Fruit:** Clafoutis is traditionally made with black cherries, while flognarde can be made with a wider variety of fruits.
* **Batter Consistency:** The batter for clafoutis is typically thinner than that of flognarde.
* **Origin:** Both are French desserts, but clafoutis is specifically from the Limousin region of France.

While these are the traditional differences, modern interpretations often blur the lines between the two desserts. Ultimately, the most important thing is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and enjoy the baking process.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen fruit?**

While fresh fruit is ideal, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Thaw the fruit completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the baking dish.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the flognarde just before serving for the best texture.

**Q: My flognarde is too watery. What did I do wrong?**

This can happen if the fruit releases too much liquid during baking. Make sure to use ripe but firm fruit and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the baking dish. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter to help thicken it.

**Q: Can I use a different type of milk?**

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a different type of milk may affect the flavor and texture of the custard.

**Q: How do I know when the flognarde is done?**

The flognarde is done when the custard is set and golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the flognarde is done.

## Conclusion

Chef John’s Peach and Blackberry Flognarde is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, seasonal flavors, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!

Enjoy!