Julia Child’s Berry Clafoutis Recipe
Introduction
Julia Child’s Berry Clafoutis is a delightful French dessert that showcases fresh berries in a light, custardy batter. It’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress guests or enjoy as a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients
- Butter for pan
- 1 and ¼ cups whole or 2 percent milk
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1 pint (2 generous cups) blackberries or blueberries, rinsed and well drained
- Powdered sugar in a shaker
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a medium-size flameproof baking dish at least 1 ½ inches deep.
- Step 2: Place the milk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour in a blender. Blend at top speed until smooth and frothy, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour a ¼-inch layer of batter in the baking dish. Turn on a stove burner to low and set the dish on top for a minute or two, until a film of batter has set on the bottom. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Spread berries evenly over the batter and sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar on top. Pour the rest of the batter over the berries and smooth with the back of a spoon. Place in the center of the oven and bake about 50 minutes, until the top is puffed and browned and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving. The clafoutis is best warm and will sink slightly as it cools.
Tips & Variations
- Use slightly underripe berries to prevent excess juice from making the batter soggy.
- Try substituting cherries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
- For a richer texture, use whole milk or add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave until just warmed through. Clafoutis is best enjoyed fresh but can be served at room temperature if preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for clafoutis?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture.
Is it necessary to use a blender for the batter?
While you can whisk the batter by hand, using a blender ensures a smooth, frothy mixture that results in a lighter clafoutis.
PrintJulia Child’s Berry Clafoutis Recipe
Julia Child’s Berry Clafoutis is a classic French dessert featuring fresh blackberries or blueberries baked in a light, sweet batter. This rustic, fruit-filled custard-like tart is naturally elegant and easy to prepare, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
For the Clafoutis
- Butter for pan (to grease)
- 1 and ¼ cups whole or 2 percent milk
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1 pint (2 generous cups) blackberries or blueberries, rinsed and well drained
For Serving
- Powdered sugar in a shaker
Instructions
- Preheat and grease pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a medium-sized flameproof baking dish that is at least 1 ½ inches deep to prevent sticking.
- Prepare batter: In a blender, combine the milk, ⅓ cup of the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until the batter is smooth and frothy.
- Set a base layer: Pour a thin ¼-inch layer of the batter into the baking dish. Place the dish over a low stove burner for 1-2 minutes until this layer sets with a thin film on the bottom, then remove from heat. This step helps prevent the berries from sinking.
- Add berries and finish batter: Evenly spread the rinsed and drained berries over this set layer. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar on top of the berries. Pour the rest of the batter over the berries and smooth the surface gently with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes until the clafoutis is puffed up and golden brown. A tester inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. The clafoutis can be served warm or at room temperature; it will slightly deflate as it cools.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture.
- The thin batter layer set on the stovetop prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom.
- Feel free to substitute other berries like raspberries or cherries if desired.
- This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature but is best enjoyed fresh.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: Berry Clafoutis, Julia Child, French dessert, baked berry custard, blackberries, blueberries, easy dessert, fruit tart, brunch recipes

