Clafoutis: The French summer dessert starring red currants

Summer is the time when gardens burst with fresh fruits. Among them, currants – red, black, and white – undeniably reign supreme. These delicious and aromatic fruits are perfect for cakes, tarts, jams, and compotes. But there is one dessert that makes something truly special out of currants. We're talking about clafoutis, a traditional French cake that wows with its simplicity and rich flavour.

The French often reach for light, fruity desserts in the summer. Clafoutis stands outamong them—a traditional baked treat that's not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. I received the recipe for this exceptional dessert from a friend in France, and today, I would like to share it with you.

The secret of clafoutis lies in its simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients to make it:

                
• 500 grams of red currants,
• 4 eggs,
• 100 grams of sugar,
• 80 grams of all-purpose flour,
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder,
• 50 grams of melted butter,
• 150 millilitres of double cream,
• 150 millilitres of milk,
• (optional) 2 tablespoons of rum.

Preparation:

        
1. Prepare the pan and the fruit: Thoroughly grease a tart pan with butter. Evenly spread the red currants on the bottom, as they will form the base of our dessert.
2. Mixing ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add sugar, flour, and baking powder. Mix everything thoroughly to avoid lumps.
3. Adding wet ingredients: Pour the melted butter, double cream, and milk into the mixture. Stir until you achieve a uniform consistency. If you wish to add rum, do so at this stage.
4. Baking: Pour the mixture over the currants in the tart pan. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 30-35 minutes, until the cake is golden and slightly baked.
5. Finishing touch: Before serving, sprinkle the clafoutis with powdered sugar to give it an exceptional look and taste.

Clafoutis is a dessert perfect for any occasion. It's quick to prepare, delicious, and impressive. It works great as a sweet snack with coffee, a dessert after dinner, or an afternoon treat with family and friends.

Thanks to the versatility of the fruit, we can tailor it to our seasonal preferences. In summer, currants shine, but in autumn, apples, pears, or plums work just as well. Clafoutis is a dessert that is sure to delight any sweet tooth and capture the hearts of gourmands of all ages.