Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, nutty essence of brown butter with the tart burst of fresh cranberries, all nestled in a cloud-like French custard that's both elegant and comforting. This Brown Butter Cranberry Clafoutis is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or treat yourself to a luxurious weekend indulgence, this clafoutis promises to be your new favorite French-inspired sweet sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish in the oven while preheating.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spread fresh cranberries evenly in the bottom of the preheated skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar over the cranberries.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually whisk the all-purpose flour into the egg mixture until no lumps remain. Slowly incorporate the brown butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth batter.
- Carefully pour the batter over the cranberries in the hot skillet, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the clafoutis is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. The clafoutis will deflate slightly as it cools.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- For best presentation, serve directly from the skillet, allowing guests to admire the beautiful cranberry-studded surface.
Tips
- Brown Butter Mastery: Take your time when browning butter. The key is to watch it carefully and remove from heat the moment it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Skillet Selection: Use a cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution and a beautiful presentation. Preheating the skillet ensures a crispy, golden exterior.
- Batter Consistency: Whisk the batter thoroughly to eliminate lumps, but don't overmix. A smooth batter ensures a silky, tender clafoutis.
- Cranberry Tip: If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. They'll add a beautiful tartness to the dessert.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm or at room temperature. The clafoutis will naturally deflate as it cools, which is completely normal and part of its rustic charm.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared a few hours in advance and gently reheated before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 125mg
