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Introduction:
Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert originally made with cherries. However, the variations are almost endless, and strawberry clafoutis is a particularly fresh and delicious version, perfect for spring and summer. Not only is the dish easy to prepare, but it's also a true delight, combining fruity freshness with a delicate, almost soufflé-like texture. This light strawberry clafoutis is perfect as a dessert for a festive dinner or a spontaneous get-together with friends and family.
Ingredients:
300g fresh strawberries
3 eggs
150ml milk (or plant-based milk, e.g., oat milk)
100g sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g flour
1 pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
1 tbsp butter (for the pan)
Preparation method:
1. Prepare the strawberries:
Wash and cut the strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green parts. Then cut them into slices or halves, depending on your preference. For a more attractive appearance, you can also cut the strawberries into small cubes.
2. Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat). Grease a baking dish (approx. 20cm diameter) with butter to prevent the clafoutis from sticking.
3. Prepare the batter:
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract and stir well.
Add the dry ingredients: Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually stir the mixture into the egg and milk mixture until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be slightly runnier than a classic sponge cake batter, almost like pancake batter.
4. Bake the clafoutis:
Add strawberries to the dish: Distribute the prepared strawberries evenly in the greased baking dish.
Pour batter over strawberries: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the strawberries, ensuring they are completely covered.
Bake: Bake the clafoutis in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the batter is golden brown and firm. You can test if the batter is cooked through with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the clafoutis is ready.
5. Cool and serve:
Let cool: Remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it cool slightly. It tastes great warm, but also at room temperature.
Dust and serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. You can enjoy the clafoutis on its own or with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Strawberry clafoutis is a wonderful dessert for a festive dinner, picnic, or afternoon tea. It can also be served for breakfast or brunch.
Storage: The clafoutis can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Simply warm it slightly before serving or enjoy it at room temperature.
Reheating: If you want to reheat the clafoutis, you can heat it in the oven at 160°C for 5-10 minutes to prevent it from becoming too dry.
Variations:
Other Fruits: You can also make the strawberry clafoutis with other fresh fruits, such as cherries, plums, apricots, or raspberries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the dessert.
Vegan: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with 2 tablespoons of applesauce or a similar plant-based alternative and use plant-based milk. The results are also wonderful.
Nutty variation: For additional depth of flavor, you can stir some ground almonds or walnuts into the batter.
FAQ:
1. Do I need to pit the strawberries before baking? It's not necessary to pit the strawberries, but you can cut them into small pieces to allow for more even incorporation into the batter.
2. Can I make the clafoutis with frozen strawberries? Yes, you can also use frozen strawberries. Make sure to drain the strawberries well beforehand to avoid excess liquid that could water down the batter.
3. Can I make the dessert without sugar? Yes, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you prefer a sugar-free version.
4. Can I make the clafoutis in advance? Yes, you can make the clafoutis the day before. It often tastes even better if it's allowed to sit for a while. Simply store in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving.
5. How can I make the clafoutis even more flavorful? Refine the batter with a squeeze of lemon juice or a little lemon zest for a fresh, fruity touch. A hint of cinnamon or a splash of rum in the batter can also add extra flavor.
With this strawberry clafoutis, you have a wonderfully light, fruity dessert that will delight your guests. It's easy to make, tastes delicious, and is perfect for summer – a dessert you'll enjoy again and again!
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