Clafoutis with apricots

Clafoutis with apricots – a rustic delicacy, full of flavors and textures, that combines the sweetness of fruits with a fluffy and light batter. This traditional recipe has its roots in a rich history, popularized as a simple yet delicious dessert that brings together accessible ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques. Get ready to discover how to create a pastry masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 400 g pitted apricots
- 150 g flour
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus some cubes for decoration)
- 450 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g powdered sugar (plus powdered sugar for decoration)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the pan: Start by preparing a 20 cm tart pan. Grease it with butter and dust it with flour, ensuring every corner is well covered. This step will prevent the clafoutis from sticking and make serving easier.

2. Preparing the apricots: Wash the apricots well, then cut them in half and remove the pits. You can choose to leave them with the rounded side up or place them cut side up, depending on your preference. Each variant will give a distinctive look to your dessert.

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add 450 ml of milk and whisk with a whisk or mixer until you obtain a smooth and lump-free mixture. It is essential to ensure that the batter is smooth to achieve a fine texture.

4. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important for the eggs to be at room temperature to incorporate more easily into the batter.

5. Flavoring: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining milk. Continue mixing until everything is well integrated. This combination will bring sweetness and a pleasant aroma to your dessert.

6. Assembling: Place the apricot halves in the pan, distributing them evenly. Then, carefully pour the batter over the fruit. It will surround the apricots during baking, creating a fluffy and moist dessert.

7. Adding the butter: Cut the remaining butter into small cubes and place them here and there on the surface of the batter. This step will add extra flavor and help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and place the clafoutis in the oven. Allow it to bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Check from time to time, as each oven may bake slightly differently.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the clafoutis is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. You can serve it warm or cold, dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the apricots with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or blackberries, to vary the recipe. Each fruit will bring a distinctive note and transform the dessert.
- If you enjoy a contrast of textures, add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for an extra crunch.
- The clafoutis can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and its flavor will intensify as it cools.

Nutritional benefits:
This apricot clafoutis recipe is a wonderful dessert option, rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the apricots. These fruits are a good source of vitamins A, C, and fiber. By using natural ingredients like milk and eggs, this cake becomes a healthier choice compared to other desserts full of fats and artificial sugars.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, frozen fruits are an excellent option. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the batter.

2. How can I make the clafoutis less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Is the clafoutis suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup of applesauce and use plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut).

To complete the culinary experience, serve your clafoutis with a fruit tea or fresh lemonade. This combination will turn every bite into a true celebration of the senses!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is put on your apron and start your culinary adventure. The apricot clafoutis awaits you to discover its magic!