Julia Child’s cherry clafoutis gets a bit of an upgrade in this rainier cherry clafoutis with amaretto. The rainier cherries take center stage inside a perfectly set filling with an added touch of amaretto.
Top with almonds and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an amazing combination that could double as dessert or breakfast. If you have never made a clafoutis, you will be surprised at how easy it is to throw together.
![A cherry clafoutis baked in a cast iron skillet.](https://savorthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rainier-cherry-clafoutis_7637.jpg.webp)
A traditional cherry clafoutis will have bright black cherries but we have a surplus of rainier cherries and this is a fabulous way to eat some of them. This recipe was inspired by Julia Child’s book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I made a few tweaks but the base recipe is as solid as any of Julia’s recipes.
What is a cherry clafoutis?
A cherry clafoutis is a French dessert made with a thick, crepe-like batter and a bunch of juicy, ripe cherries. The texture is something like a cross between custard and a very thick crepe.
The batter puffs up as it bakes. It almost doubles in size and then falls back down as it cools. Very similar to a German pancake except it doesn’t get quite as puffy. The cherries roast and release their juices into the batter for the ultimate cherry dessert.
![A slice of cherry clafoutis with rainier cherries.](https://savorthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rainier-cherry-clafoutis_7646-671x1024.jpg.webp)
The only thing difficult about this recipe is the pronunciation. It is pronounced “klah-foo-tea”. If you ask Google to pronounce it for you then make sure you ask for the French pronunciation.
Loaded with Rainier Cherries
I mentioned that this is an easy recipe but it does take some time to pit the fresh cherries. It really isn’t too much trouble if you have a decent cherry pitter and a good podcast or television show. I pitted more than enough cherries while listening to Theory of Content.
If you don’t have a cherry pitter then you can poke a straw or chopstick through the center of each cherry. It is a bit messier to do it that way but it gets the job done.
![Rainier cherries with a cherry pitter in the background.](https://savorthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rainier-cherry-clafoutis_7642.jpg.webp)
Here is what you need.
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this dessert.
- Milk. Whole milk for the best flavor.
- Sugar. Regular granulated sugar.
- Eggs.
- Amaretto. You can use other liquors or leave it out but the amaretto really does compliment the cherry flavors.
- Vanilla extract. Enhances the flavors even more.
- Salt. Brings out the sweetness and flavors.
- Flour. All-purpose flour is all you need.
- Rainier cherries. You need 3 cups, pitted.
- Slivered almonds. Add them to the top so they get toasted as the clafoutis bakes.
- Powdered sugar. Use the powdered sugar to sprinkle on the top just before you serve dessert.
![A slice of cherry clafoutis on a plate.](https://savorthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rainier-cherry-clafoutis_7644-662x1024.jpg.webp)
Here is the easy part.
Here is how you make the recipe. Make sure to scroll all the way down to the printable recipe card for all the details.
- Add the ingredients for the batter into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a baking dish. Add the cherries and almonds.
- Bake until puffy and golden brown.
- Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
French baking doesn’t get any easier than this.
Some Other Recipes You Will Love:
Our French apple cake is just as easy to make as this cherry clafoutis. This apple cake is loaded with apples and easily a favorite around our house.
This peaches and cream tart is a great way to serve your fresh peaches. A shortbread crust, cream cheese filling, and fresh ripe peaches combine for a delightful summertime dessert.
This caramel apple cake is baked in a bundt pan then topped with a sticky caramel sauce. It’s a good thing apples are available all year long.
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![A cherry clafoutis baked in a cast iron skillet.](https://savorthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rainier-cherry-clafoutis_7637.jpg.webp)
Rainier Cherry Clafoutis
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liquor optional
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups fresh Rainier cherries pitted
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
Garnish
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch cast-iron skillet (or similar size baking dish).
- Place the first 7 ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. (Blend everything except for the cherries, almonds, and powdered sugar.)
- Pour the batter into the skillet. Add the pitted cherries to the batter and sprinkle the almonds on top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. It will puff up and get golden brown.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar when it is time to serve.
Debby
Tuesday 4th of August 2020
I made this a few days ago. Very disappointed. No one in my household liked it (and we all love cherries!) I threw most of it away.
Dahn Boquist
Tuesday 4th of August 2020
I'm sorry to hear that. We sure do enjoy it in our house.