Cherry clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with a custard-like batter. This version uses chickpea flour and almond milk to create a gluten-free and dairy-free treat, sweetened naturally with maple syrup. It's a perfect dessert for those who want to enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Chickpea flour is a gluten-free alternative to regular flour and can be found in the baking or health food section of most supermarkets. Almond milk is a dairy-free milk substitute, usually located in the refrigerated section or with other plant-based milks. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that can be found near the pancake syrups or in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Chickpea flour: A gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas, providing a nutty flavor and dense texture.
Almond milk: A dairy-free milk alternative made from almonds, offering a slightly nutty taste and creamy texture.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the sap of maple trees, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla extract: A liquid flavoring derived from vanilla beans, used to enhance the sweetness and depth of the dish.
Cherries: Juicy, sweet fruits that add a burst of flavor and color to the clafoutis.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the chickpea flour batter, ensure that you blend it thoroughly to avoid any lumps. A smooth batter will result in a more uniform texture in your clafoutis. Additionally, if you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
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Alternative Ingredients
chickpea flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour provides a similar texture and is also gluten-free, making it a good alternative for a vegan recipe.
almond milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the cherries well.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile that pairs nicely with cherries.
pitted cherries - Substitute with pitted plums: Pitted plums have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative if cherries are not available.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
To store your cherry clafoutis, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dessert soggy.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the clafoutis to an airtight container.
Store the clafoutis in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious over time.
For freezing, cut the cherry clafoutis into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freeze the clafoutis for up to 2 months. Beyond this, the texture may start to degrade.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the clafoutis in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain its texture.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed clafoutis in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but be mindful that this may alter the texture slightly.
Serve your reheated cherry clafoutis with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cherry clafoutis in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a slice of cherry clafoutis on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and add additional time in 30-second increments if needed.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of vegan butter or coconut oil to the pan. Place the cherry clafoutis slice in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
For an air fryer, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the cherry clafoutis in the basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the clafoutis at 350°F (175°C).
Blender: Combines chickpea flour, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a smooth batter.
Baking dish: Holds the batter and cherries while baking.
Measuring cups: Measures the chickpea flour, almond milk, and maple syrup accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measures the vanilla extract precisely.
Spatula: Helps to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it after baking.
Cooling rack: Allows the clafoutis to cool slightly before serving.
Cherry pitter: Efficiently removes pits from cherries, ensuring they are ready to be scattered over the batter.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out chickpea flour, almond milk, and maple syrup ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use frozen cherries: Opt for pre-pitted frozen cherries to save time on pitting fresh ones.
Blend in bulk: Double the recipe and blend the batter in one go. You can store the extra batter in the fridge for a quick dessert later.
Grease the dish: Use a non-stick spray or pre-cut parchment paper to line the baking dish, making cleanup faster.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing ingredients to ensure it’s ready when you are.
Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pitted cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a blender, combine chickpea flour, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Scatter the pitted cherries evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the clafoutis is set and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
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Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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