Name: Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 1 1/4 cups (312.5ml) milk (2% or whole); 2/3 cup (132g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tbsp (15ml) vanilla extract; 1 tbsp (15ml) Kirsch (cherry liqueur) – Optional; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup (62.5g) all-purpose flour; 3 cups cherries, pitted or unpitted; Powdered sugar, for serving

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Every now and then, a dessert comes along that perfectly marries elegance with ease, tradition with a delightful touch of festivity. The Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis is exactly that—an utterly enchanting, custardy bake that lets juicy cherries shine. This treat is a stunner at spooky soirees, but it’s also an endearing classic to share with friends and family, dusted with a blizzard of powdered sugar for that irresistible finishing touch. If you’re searching for a comforting yet impressive dessert to crown your Halloween table, this clafoutis will steal the show (and a few hearts, too)!

Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the wonders of Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each addition plays a vital role—enhancing the custardy texture, the sweet-tart cherry flavor, and that gorgeous, golden color.

Butter (for greasing the dish): Creates a luscious crust and ensures the clafoutis doesn’t stick to the bakeware.
Milk (2% or whole): Adds creaminess, making the batter silky and rich.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps caramelize the edges as it bakes.
Large eggs: Provide the signature custard structure that’s so satisfying and soft.
Vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with sweet, aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Kirsch (optional): A cherry liqueur that heightens the cherry flavor and imparts a subtle complexity—especially lovely for grown-up gatherings!
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Gives the clafoutis just enough body to cradle the cherries in that delicate custard.
Fresh cherries, pitted or unpitted: The star of the show—the brighter, juicier your cherries, the better your Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis will be.
Powdered sugar (for serving): That magical dusting makes your dessert look (and taste) like it belongs at an elegant Parisian bakery—or a whimsical Halloween party!

How to Make Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start your adventure by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter an 8-9 inch round pie dish or skillet, or, if you’re going for individual portions, butter eight 1-cup ramekins. The butter here gives you that luscious crust—and believe me, you’ll love those caramelized edges. Don’t skimp!

Step 2: Make the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and (if you’re feeling adventurous) a splash of Kirsch. Smooth, creamy, and sweet—the base for our clafoutis custard. Next, sprinkle in the flour and salt, and whisk again until the mixture is silky smooth, no lumps allowed. This is the moment where it all comes together!

Step 3: Assemble the Clafoutis

Spread your cherries evenly across the bottom of your buttered dish (or share them amongst your ramekins). Pour the batter right over the cherries—you’ll see them peek up through the liquid, waiting to become pockets of fruity goodness as the dessert bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or about 40 minutes if you’re using smaller dishes. You’re watching for a puffed, golden top and edges that have kissed the butter—plus, a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Your home will smell like a cozy French bakery meets a spirited Halloween kitchen!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis cool on a rack. Don’t be surprised when it deflates a bit—this is all part of its rustic charm. Once it’s just warm (but not hot), dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately while it’s still a little warm for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis

Garnishes

For that ultimate festive finish, give your clafoutis a generous snow of powdered sugar. If you want to lean into Halloween, decorate with a few edible sugar eyes, chocolate spider webs, or a swirl of whipped cream for a ghostly effect. Want to go classic? A few slivered almonds or extra cherries on top add a lovely flourish.

Side Dishes

Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis is delicious all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, lightly whipped cream, or even a spoonful of crème fraîche for a tangy twist. For a true Halloween spread, offer alongside a pot of spiced cider or black tea for cozy, comforting vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Unleash your inner party planner! Serve in individual ramekins for easy, elegant single servings, or spoon generous wedges onto black and orange plates to ramp up the Halloween atmosphere. If you want to make your Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis extra magical, dust it with edible glitter or surround the plate with a few candy corn “pumpkins.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rarity!), just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it into the fridge. Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis will keep well for up to three days—just note the texture turns a little firmer once cold, but it’s no less delicious.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but with a caveat: While the flavor remains lovely, the custardy texture gets a bit denser after thawing. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic and then foil. Reheat from frozen for the best results, straight into a moderate oven until warm.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, warm slices (or your entire clafoutis) in a 300°F oven until gently heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the texture rubbery. A minute or two under the broiler at the end can help revive that gorgeous golden top!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries well before using, so your Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis doesn’t become watery.

Do I have to use Kirsch?

No Kirsch? No worries! The liqueur is entirely optional and the clafoutis is just as wonderful without it. You can also substitute another fruit liqueur, like Amaretto, or skip the alcohol altogether.

Should the cherries be pitted or unpitted?

Traditionally, clafoutis is made with unpitted cherries for added flavor, but for safety (and ease while eating), pitted cherries are the clear winner—especially if serving kids.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just look for one intended for baking, and the Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis will come out tender and delicious.

Why did my clafoutis deflate after cooling?

Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. This dessert puffs as it bakes and naturally falls as it cools. The magic is all in the texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering loved ones for a dessert that feels both traditional and whimsical. Halloween Classic French Cherry Clafoutis captures the spirit of the season—and the heart of French baking. So I hope you’ll give this recipe a try; your Halloween celebrations (and taste buds!) are in for a truly enchanting treat.