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.

A single-layer blackberry cobbler with a golden brown crust, dotted with whole, dark purple blackberries baked into the surface, sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar. One corner reveals the juicy red-purple blackberry filling beneath, showing a soft, bubbling texture. The cobbler is served in a white oval ceramic baking dish with deep blue edges, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon scoops into the exposed filling area, reflecting light on its smooth handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a medium-size flameproof baking dish at least 1 ½ inches deep.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

A baked dessert in a white oval baking dish with a thin blue rim, featuring a golden top layer dotted with embedded dark blackberries, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Underneath the top layer, a thick, bright red berry filling with whole, juicy blackberries is visible where a portion has been scooped out with a spoon resting on the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print

Julia 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.

  • Author: Elena
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating