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Easy Peasy Plum Clafouti!

The scent of warm plums, mingling with vanilla and a hint of toasted coconut, instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen. Every summer, when the plum tree in her garden was laden with fruit, she would whip up a clafouti. The simple elegance of this dessert, served warm with a dollop of homemade custard, was the epitome of comfort food. It’s a memory I cherish, and a tradition I’m delighted to share with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Yields: 4 decent size servings
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

15g butter, for greasing
500g plums, halved and stoned
75g plain flour
50g caster sugar or 50g granulated sugar
200ml creamy coconut milk
50ml skim milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon desiccated coconut

Equipment Needed

Shallow ovenproof dish (1.5L capacity)
Mixing bowl
Whisk or Blender

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. This ensures the clafouti cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crust.
Next, thoroughly grease a shallow ovenproof dish with the 15g of butter. A 1.5L capacity dish is ideal. This prevents the clafouti from sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Now, prepare the 500g of plums. Halve them and remove the stones. Arrange the plum halves in the prepared dish, spreading them in an even layer.
Place the dish with the plums in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the dish is hot when you pour in the batter, helping the clafouti to cook more evenly and prevent a soggy bottom.
While the plums are warming, prepare the batter. Sift the 75g of plain flour into a mixing bowl to avoid lumps. Add the 50g of caster sugar (or granulated sugar) to the sifted flour.
In a separate jug, mix the 200ml of creamy coconut milk, 50ml of skim milk, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients (coconut milk, milk, eggs, and vanilla) into the bowl with the dry ingredients (flour and sugar). Use a whisk to thoroughly combine everything until you achieve a smooth batter. Alternatively, for an extra-smooth batter, you can simply throw all the batter ingredients into a blender and whiz until smooth.
Carefully remove the dish with the plums from the oven. Pour the prepared batter evenly over the fruit.
Bake the clafouti in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the batter is set and golden brown in color. The clafouti should be slightly puffed up and firm to the touch.
Once the clafouti is baked, remove it from the oven. Scatter the 1 tablespoon of desiccated coconut evenly over the top.
Serve the clafouti immediately while it’s still warm and fragrant.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overbake the clafouti: It should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
Use ripe but firm plums: Overripe plums will release too much juice and make the clafouti soggy.
Experiment with other fruits: While this recipe is for plum clafouti, you can easily substitute other fruits like cherries, peaches, or berries. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Add a touch of almond extract: A few drops of almond extract can enhance the flavor of the clafouti.
For a richer flavor: Infuse the milk with a vanilla bean by simmering it gently on the stovetop before adding it to the batter. Remove the bean before using.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Easy Peasy Plum Clafouti warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of custard, or a generous helping of mascarpone.

Leftover clafouti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a low oven or microwave until heated through. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. While you can freeze clafouti, the texture will likely suffer upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	385 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	165 g	43%
Total Fat	18.4 g	28%
Saturated Fat	13.1 g	65%
Cholesterol	147.8 mg	49%
Sodium	98.1 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	47.9 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	10%
Sugars	25.7 g	–
Protein	9.6 g	19%

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free Clafouti: This recipe is already partly dairy-free by using coconut milk. Ensure the skim milk is also replaced with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
Gluten-Free Clafouti: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum (about 1/2 teaspoon) for a better texture.
Seasonal Fruit Clafouti: This recipe works well with any seasonal fruit. Try it with cherries in the summer, apples or pears in the fall, or mixed berries in the spring.
Spiced Clafouti: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen plums, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess juice before adding them to the dish.

Q: Can I make this clafouti ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: My clafouti is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the clafouti is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Q: Can I add alcohol to the batter?
A: Yes, a tablespoon or two of rum or brandy can add a lovely depth of flavor. Add it to the wet ingredients before combining with the dry.

Q: Why is it important to heat the dish before pouring in the batter?
A: Heating the dish helps the clafouti cook more evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Peasy Plum Clafouti recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years. It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, prepared with love, can create something truly extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and flavors to make it your own. I’d love to hear about your creations and any variations you come up with! Serve this warm clafouti with a glass of chilled dessert wine for a truly memorable treat. Happy baking!

Easy Peasy Plum Clafouti! Recipe