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Julia Child’s Berry Clafoutis Recipe

4.8 from 81 reviews

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.

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