Gluten-Free Clafoutis

Made with seasonal fruit and simple ingredients, this French classic is a must-try for any occasion. Try this gluten-free clafoutis for dessert, brunch, or breakfast.

This past weekend I had a sudden yearning for clafoutis, the classic dessert that every French grandmother has in her repertoire.

Clafoutis is one of those rustic desserts that defies classification.  Imagine a cross between, a Dutch baby pancake, and a flan, studded with seasonal fruit.  The combination of warm juicy fruit in a silky baked custard base is a pretty irresistible one.  It’s a simple, unpretentious dessert, but one that’s guaranteed to please.

Clafoutis

A classic throughout France, originally hailing from the Limousin region, clafoutis is thankfully also delightfully easy to make.  Like making pancakes, all you need are a few basic ingredients for the batter and some ripe fruit.

I’m using pears because they’re in season now and their delicate flavor pairs so nicely with the almond and vanilla flavored custard but you could also use the more traditional cherries (even frozen work fine, just thaw and drain them first.)

Now traditionally, versions made with anything other than cherries were referred to as flognarde instead of clafoutis (so you might still see that from time to time), but nowadays the term clafoutis has come to encompass all versions sweet and even savory so that’s what I’m calling mine.  Whatever you choose to call it, the real joy of this charmingly rustic dessert is how simple it is to make, quickly whisk or blend together your batter, pour over a pile of thinly sliced pears and into the oven it all goes.  Here’s what you’ll need.

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Ingredient Notes:

(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.  As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

• Fruit – I’m using 3 medium pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced.
• Lemon – You’ll need about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
• Milk – For a dairy-free version I’m using coconut milk but you can also use regular milk.
• Eggs – You’ll need 3 large eggs.
• Honey – Use a light flavored honey.
• Flour – I’m using a combination of almond and arrowroot for a gluten-free clafoutis.
• Vanilla – Use a good quality pure vanilla extract.
• Optional – For extra flavor add a Tablespoon of Poire Williams pear brandy.

How to Make a Gluten-Free Clafoutis:

1. Gently toss the sliced pears with the lemon juice and layer evenly on the bottom of an oven-proof dish.
2. Blend the milk, eggs, vanilla, pear brandy (if using), honey, almond flour, arrowroot and salt in a blender until smooth.
3. Pour the batter evenly over pears and bake until golden and set.

As it bakes the clafoutis will puff and brown around the edges but remain soft and creamy on the inside. You can serve it warm from the oven for dessert, at room temperature for brunch or even cold from the fridge the next day for breakfast.

It’s a sweet, cozy and comforting treat.

Want to plan a full gluten-free brunch spread? Explore our gluten free brunch recipes with elegant sweet and savory options.

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More French Desserts:

• Cherry Almond Tart
• Plum Frangipane