Peach Clafoutis with Canned Peaches: A Year-Round Slice of Summer
In the world of desserts, there are few that marry simplicity with elegance as perfectly as the clafoutis. Originating from the Limousin region of France, this rustic dessert traditionally features black cherries encased in a flan-like batter. However, the clafoutis is a versatile dish, welcoming various fruits to bask in its tender, custardy embrace. In this variation, we celebrate the humble peach. Using canned peaches, this peach clafoutis recipe brings the warmth and joy of summer to your table at any time of the year.
The Sweet Symphony of Canned Peaches
Peaches, with their soft, fragrant flesh and sweet, slightly tart flavor, are summer encapsulated. However, their fresh season is fleeting. This is where the beauty of canned peaches shines through. Preserved at their peak, canned peaches offer a taste of summer that can be enjoyed all year round. In this peach clafoutis, the canned peaches not only provide convenience but also ensure that each bite is infused with a rich, concentrated peach flavor. As the clafoutis bakes, the peaches become tender and sweet, their juices mingling with the batter to create a symphony of flavors.
The Batter: A Cloud of Comfort
At the heart of a clafoutis is its batter. Simplicity is key here, with just a few staple ingredients whisked together to create a mixture that’s slightly thicker than pancake batter but thinner than cake batter. As it bakes, the magic happens. The batter puffs up around the fruit, forming a soft, pillowy texture that’s akin to a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s this unique texture, somewhere between a cake and a custard, that makes clafoutis a standout dessert.
A Recipe for All Seasons
What sets this peach clafoutis apart is its accessibility and ease. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the height of summer, this dessert brings brightness and warmth to your table. It’s straightforward, with no need for fancy techniques or equipment, making it a perfect recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch as it disappears slice by slice.
Peach Clafoutis Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can (about 15 ounces) of sliced peaches, drained
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Preparation Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the drained peach slices in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. The batter should be free of lumps and have the consistency of a thick pancake batter.
- Assemble: Pour the batter gently over the peaches in the dish. The fruit may shift, but that’s perfectly fine – it will all bake together beautifully.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the clafoutis is nicely puffed up and golden brown. The center should be set and not jiggle when you shake the dish.
- Serve: Allow the clafoutis to cool for a few minutes. It will deflate slightly, which is expected. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
In the end, this peach clafoutis with canned peaches is more than just a dessert. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking, a celebration of flavors that transcend seasons, and a reminder that sometimes the most comforting dishes are those that are straightforward and made with love. Enjoy this little slice of summer, no matter what the calendar says!
