Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that makes the most of Autumnal fruit. Traditionally this sweet treat is made with cherries, but we love this twist using sweet and sharp plums instead. The sour edge coming from the fruit in this Clafoutis balances perfectly with the sweet batter surrounding it, and combines to make each mouthful so moreish. This traditional pud is ever so slightly similar to a sweet version of toad in the hole! A delicious rich batter surrounding a star-of-the-show (which is plums in this case, not sausages!) Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe you can swap in alternative fruits, depending on what’s available at the time you’re making it. We think stone fruits work best in clafoutis, like greengages, peaches or even sloes. Served just warm, this hearty dessert dish is perfect with the addition of cream or even a little custard. This recipe is best enjoyed on the day you make it, as it will sink as it cools.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180C, Gas Mark 4.
- Sprinkle 1tbsp caster sugar over the plums. Add the congnac and leave to macerate for at least an hour, or over night.
- Whisk together the eggs, flour, sugar and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth batter-like consistency. It will be quite runny. Finally whisk in the melted butter.
- Grease a rectangle baking dish with butter. Sprinkle the Demerara sugar over the bottom and add the plums. Pour on the batter.
- Bake for 35 minutes, until cooked through with a still-wobbly centre. Serve hot.
Ingredients
- 90g caster sugar
- 400g plums, cut into wedges
- 75g caster sugar
- 2tbsp congnac
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 50g plain flour
- 2tbsp demerara sugar
- pinch of salt
- 270ml whole milk
- 20g butter, melted, plus extra to grease
Top Tip for making Clafoutis
If you don’t have congnac you can replace with brandy or kirsch
Rosie Conroy is a food and drinks journalist with over a decade of experience working for big-name titles in both print and online. Formerly the Digital Food Editor of woman&home, Rosie went on to head up the team at SquareMeal, reviewing the best London restaurants and hunting out emerging culinary trends. With previous experience in food styling and recipe development, Rosie knows what to look for in a good piece of kitchenware and has extensive experience testing consumer goods—from kitchen electricalz and cooking accouterments through to new foodie treats.
-
Chocolate and hazelnut roulade
This chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Baileys Cheesecake
This no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline
Serve this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Viola Davis' shimmering plum smoky eye is so wearable - and perfect for party season
Combining rich, wintery hues with glamorous iridescence, Viola Davis' smoky eye is the look to recreate this season - no matter your makeup skills...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Sandra Oh's plum wine lipstick is the easiest, most perfect look for party season
While red is always timeless, Sandra Oh has just made a very chic case for this deeper, wintry hue - and it's so easy to replicate
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Katie Holmes nails festive elegance with plum satin dress, red handbag and mustard velvet ballet flats
Vibrant colours and layering textures are key for winter styling
By Molly Smith Published