Clafoutis aux pommes is incredibly easy to make with basic pantry ingredients and fresh apples. It’s lighter than a cake but more satisfying than pudding, making it a unique dessert choice. Its soft, custard-like texture pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples. Whether served warm or cold, it’s an impressive dessert that feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
Eggs
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Milk
Butter
Vanilla extract
Salt
Cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter and a sprinkle of sugar (and cinnamon, if using) until slightly tender.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
Add the flour and salt, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking to form a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Spread the cooked apples evenly in the greased dish.
Pour the batter over the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set.
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
Pear Clafoutis: Substitute apples with ripe pears for a soft, juicy twist.
Apple-Raisin Clafoutis: Add a handful of soaked raisins to the batter for extra sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Almond Touch: Add a few drops of almond extract or sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
Caramel Apple Clafoutis: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for added indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover clafoutis in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 10–15 minutes or enjoy cold straight from the fridge. The texture may become denser after chilling but still tastes delicious.
FAQs
What is clafoutis?
Clafoutis is a classic French dessert made by baking fruit in a flan-like batter. The original version uses cherries, but many variations exist.
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes, pears, plums, peaches, or berries all work well. Adjust baking time slightly based on the fruit’s moisture content.
Should I cook the apples first?
Yes, lightly cooking the apples brings out their flavor and ensures they soften perfectly during baking.
Can I make clafoutis ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance and serve it chilled or gently reheated.
What type of apples are best?
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious to hold their shape and balance the sweet custard.
Can I freeze clafoutis?
Freezing is not recommended as the custard may become watery and separate when thawed.
Is clafoutis supposed to be served warm or cold?
Both work. It’s traditionally served warm, but many enjoy it cold or at room temperature.
Can I use a blender to make the batter?
Yes, blending the batter ensures a smooth texture and saves time. Just be careful not to overmix.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden, and the center should be just set but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
Is clafoutis similar to a pancake?
Not exactly. It’s more like a thick, baked custard or flan with fruit inside rather than a fluffy pancake.
Conclusion
Clafoutis aux pommes is a simple, elegant dessert that’s full of French charm. With its soft apples and creamy batter, it offers a warm, comforting finish to any meal. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this dish brings homemade sweetness with minimal effort.
Clafoutis aux pommes is a classic French dessert made with tender apples baked in a smooth, custard-like batter. Light, elegant, and comforting, this dish offers a delicious blend of fruit and flan textures.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:6 to 8 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
3–4 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sautéing apples)
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing the dish and sautéing apples)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a skillet, sauté them with 1 tablespoon butter, a sprinkle of sugar, and cinnamon (if using) until slightly tender.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
Add the flour and salt, then slowly whisk in the milk until the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Evenly spread the sautéed apples in the greased baking dish.
Pour the batter over the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set.
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.Don’t skip pre-cooking the apples to ensure they soften properly during baking.Serve warm for a traditional experience, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.A blender can be used to mix the batter quickly and smoothly.
