Make an easy gluten-free cherry clafoutis with juicy cherries and creamy baked custard. This elegant French dessert is perfect for summer or brunch.
This Easy Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis Recipe combines sweet, juicy cherries with a delicate custard-like batter for an elegant French-inspired dessert. As the clafoutis bakes, the cherries become tender and flavorful while the creamy batter puffs around the fruit and develops a lightly golden top.
Clafoutis has a soft, silky texture that falls somewhere between a baked custard and a thick pancake. It looks impressive enough for a special occasion, yet the preparation is surprisingly simple. Once the cherries are arranged in the baking dish, the batter comes together quickly with a whisk and a mixing bowl.
Vanilla provides a warm, familiar sweetness, while a small amount of almond extract complements the natural flavor of the cherries. Optional fresh lemon zest adds a bright citrus note that balances the richness of the milk and heavy whipping cream.
This easy dessert is a wonderful choice for summer gatherings, weekend brunches, afternoon tea, or a light finish to dinner. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it flexible enough for many occasions. A strawberry variation is also included for times when fresh strawberries are at their seasonal best.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield Amount: 6 servings
Ingredients
Butter or gluten-free nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
1/2 cup almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, or white rice flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon, optional
Powdered sugar, optional, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or pie plate with butter or gluten-free nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Arrange the Cherries
Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Distribute the fruit in a single layer so the cherries are present throughout the finished dessert.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
Place the eggs and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional lemon zest. Continue whisking until the flavorings are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Flour and Salt
Add the almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, or white rice flour to the egg mixture.
Add the salt and whisk until no dry pockets remain.
Batter prepared with almond flour may have a slightly more textured appearance than batter made with oat flour or white rice flour. This is normal.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
Gradually pour the milk and heavy whipping cream into the bowl while whisking continuously. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
Step 6: Assemble the Clafoutis
Carefully pour the batter over the cherries. Pour slowly to help keep the fruit evenly distributed throughout the baking dish.
Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles trapped in the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Clafoutis
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed, lightly golden, and set in the center.
A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean. The center may have a gentle wobble when the dish is moved, but the custard should no longer appear liquid.
Step 8: Cool the Clafoutis
Remove the clafoutis from the oven and place the baking dish on a heat-safe surface. Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
The clafoutis will naturally deflate slightly as it cools. This is expected and does not affect its creamy texture or flavor.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the Easy Gluten-Free Cherry Clafoutis warm, at room temperature, or chilled. If desired, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar immediately before serving.
Notes
Using milk and heavy whipping cream together creates a rich custard with a smooth, silky texture.
For a lighter version, omit the heavy whipping cream and use a total of 1 1/4 cups milk.
Fresh cherries provide excellent flavor and texture, but frozen cherries may also be used. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the baking dish.
Excess moisture may prevent the custard from setting properly.
Almond flour creates a slightly richer dessert with a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cherries and almond extract. Gluten-free oat flour or white rice flour produces a lighter flavor and texture.
When using oat flour, select a package specifically labeled gluten-free. Oats can be exposed to wheat during growing, processing, transportation, or packaging.
Check all packaged ingredients, including the flour, extracts, cooking spray, and powdered sugar, for appropriate gluten-free labeling when preparing the recipe for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Use clean equipment and preparation surfaces to prevent cross-contact.
For a Strawberry Clafoutis Variation, replace the cherries with 3 cups of fresh strawberries that have been hulled and halved. Arrange the strawberries in the prepared baking dish and continue with the recipe as directed. The strawberries create a lighter, sweeter flavor while maintaining the soft custard texture that makes clafoutis so enjoyable.
Allowing the clafoutis to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking gives the custard time to finish setting and makes the dessert easier to slice.
Store leftover clafoutis covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve it chilled or gently reheat individual portions before serving.
