Deliciously Easy Plum Clafoutis: A Rustic Dessert Recipe
Plum clafoutis is a classic French dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make. It’s essentially a baked custard with fruit baked right into it. The plums become soft and jammy, infusing the creamy custard with their sweet and slightly tart flavor. This recipe is perfect for using up ripe plums, but it’s also versatile enough to be made with other fruits like cherries, berries, or even pears. Let’s dive into creating this delightful dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Plum Clafoutis
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Despite its simplicity, plum clafoutis looks beautiful and sophisticated.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use different fruits or add your own personal touches.
* **Perfect for any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a fancy dinner party, plum clafoutis is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Highlight Fresh Plums:** When plums are in season, there is nothing better than featuring them in a delicious baked dish like this. The baking process enhances their natural sweetness and creates a wonderful, soft texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Plums:** The star of the show! Use ripe, but firm plums. Any variety of plum will work, from the darker black plums to the redder Santa Rosa or even yellow plums. About 1 pound (approximately 4-6 medium plums) is a good amount.
* **Eggs:** They provide the structure and richness to the custard. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
* **Milk:** Whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor, but you can use 2% or even almond milk for a lighter version. Just be aware that it might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour is standard, but you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option. The flour helps to thicken the custard.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar sweetens the custard and helps the plums caramelize slightly during baking. You can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the custard. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
* **Almond Extract (Optional):** A touch of almond extract complements the plum flavor beautifully. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can be quite strong.
* **Butter:** Used to grease the baking dish and adds a subtle richness to the clafoutis. Use unsalted butter.
* **Powdered Sugar (for dusting):** A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the finished clafoutis.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the other flavors in the dessert.
Detailed Ingredient List
* 1 pound ripe plums, pitted and sliced
* 3 large eggs, at room temperature
* 3/4 cup whole milk
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing the dish
* Pinch of salt
* Powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Dish:** A 9-inch pie dish, cake pan, or skillet works well. A cast-iron skillet adds a rustic touch.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For whisking the custard batter.
* **Whisk:** To combine the ingredients smoothly.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the plums.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious plum clafoutis:
**Step 1: Prepare the Plums and Baking Dish**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Adjust the rack to the middle position.
* Lightly grease your baking dish with butter. This prevents the clafoutis from sticking.
* Wash, pit, and slice the plums into wedges, about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the plum slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
**Step 2: Make the Custard Batter**
* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), melted butter, and salt until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining.
**Step 3: Pour Batter and Bake**
* Pour the custard batter evenly over the plums in the baking dish.
* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed up, golden brown, and set in the center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
**Step 4: Cool and Serve**
* Let the clafoutis cool slightly in the baking dish for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. The clafoutis will deflate as it cools, which is perfectly normal.
* Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
* Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Plum Clafoutis
* **Use Ripe Plums:** Ripe plums will be sweeter and softer, creating a more flavorful and enjoyable dessert.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough clafoutis. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature eggs and milk will incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother custard.
* **Bake Until Set:** Make sure the clafoutis is fully set in the center before removing it from the oven. An underbaked clafoutis will be too runny.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allowing the clafoutis to cool slightly before serving will prevent it from being too runny and will allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Variations** You can experiment with different extracts to add to the flavor of the dish. Lemon or orange zest could provide an interesting complement to the plum.
* **Serving Suggestions:** A bit of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add an extra layer of richness.
* **Storage Instructions:** Leftover clafoutis can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations and Add-ins
* **Other Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits like cherries, berries, peaches, apricots, or pears. Adjust the baking time as needed, depending on the fruit.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the plums before pouring in the batter.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Grated lemon or orange zest adds a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Liqueur:** A splash of Kirsch or Grand Marnier can enhance the fruit flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Plum clafoutis is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic pairing.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** The creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, fruity clafoutis perfectly.
* **Crème Fraîche:** For a tangy and slightly sophisticated touch, serve with crème fraîche.
* **Yogurt:** A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy and healthy element.
* **Dust with Cinnamon:** Instead of powdered sugar, try dusting with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
* **Fresh Mint:** A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead Instructions
While clafoutis is best served fresh, you can prepare certain elements ahead of time to save time on the day of serving:
* **Prepare the Plums:** Slice the plums and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may want to toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
* **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and store at room temperature until ready to use.
Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply whisk together the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover plum clafoutis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the clafoutis gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the custard can change and become grainy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients)
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Sugar: 25-30g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Troubleshooting
* **Clafoutis is too runny:** This usually means the clafoutis wasn’t baked long enough. Return it to the oven and bake for a few more minutes until set.
* **Clafoutis is too dry:** You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier and reduce the baking time if necessary.
* **Clafoutis is browning too quickly:** Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
* **Plums are sinking to the bottom:** This can happen if the plums are too heavy or the batter is too thin. Make sure to slice the plums thinly and don’t overmix the batter.
Final Thoughts
Plum clafoutis is a truly delightful dessert that’s both simple and elegant. It’s a wonderful way to showcase the delicious flavor of fresh plums and impress your friends and family. With its creamy custard and jammy fruit, it’s a dessert that’s sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this classic French treat! Bon appétit!
This recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits, spices, or extracts to create your own signature clafoutis. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delightful flavors of this simple yet satisfying dessert. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest ones.