Rustic Julia Child Blueberry Clafoutis Recipe for Sweet Delight

Blueberry clafoutis whispers tales of rustic French culinary magic, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

This enchanting creation marries plump, juicy berries with a cloud-like custard that dances between elegance and comfort.

Soft and pillowy, the batter cradles each blueberry like a gentle embrace, promising a burst of sweet, summery flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet sophisticated treat, turning humble ingredients into a masterpiece.

Sunlight seems to shimmer through its golden surface, inviting you to break through the delicate crust.

The aroma alone tells a story of countryside kitchens and time-honored traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 243 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Julia Child’s Blueberry Clafoutis

• Blueberries: Choose plump, deep-blue berries without any soft spots or wrinkles for maximum sweetness and juiciness.

• All-Purpose Flour, Sugar: Select fine, fresh flour and granulated sugar for smooth, consistent texture.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Opt for full-fat dairy to ensure rich, creamy consistency and enhanced flavor.

• Eggs: Pick large, fresh eggs at room temperature for better incorporation and smoother batter.

• Vanilla Bean: Look for deep, dark beans with a glossy surface indicating high oil content and intense aroma.
• Almond Extract: Choose pure extract for clean, concentrated nutty flavor.

• Kosher Salt: Use coarse salt for balanced seasoning and subtle flavor enhancement.

• Melted Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for precise flavor control and smooth coating.
• Lemon Zest: Pick bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum citrusy essence.

• Powdered Sugar: Select fine, white sugar for elegant, even dusting.

Baking Gear for Julia’s Blueberry Clafoutis

• Oven: Essential for baking the clafoutis to golden perfection at 350°F.
• 9-inch round or cast-iron pan: Perfect for creating an even, beautiful dessert base.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing and coating blueberries with sugar and lemon zest.
• Small knife: Necessary for carefully splitting and scraping vanilla bean seeds.
• Blender: Your go-to tool for creating a smooth, frothy batter quickly and easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for precise ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helpful for checking the clafoutis's doneness during baking.
• Powdered sugar sifter: Great for dusting a delicate, snowy finish on the dessert.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading blueberries evenly and scraping batter from the blender.

Julia’s Method for a Beautiful Blueberry Clafoutis

• Prep the Oven and Pan

Fire up your oven to 350°F and center the rack. Brush a round pan generously with butter to prevent any clingy situations.

• Awaken the Blueberries

Grab your fresh blueberries and sprinkle them with zesty lemon and a touch of sweetness. Give them a gentle toss to ensure they’re perfectly coated.

• Unleash Vanilla Flavors

Split a vanilla bean and coax out its magical seeds. These tiny flavor powerhouses will transform your entire dessert.

• Blend the Dreamy Batter

Toss eggs, butter, sugar, salt, almond extract, and flour into a blender. Pulse until the mixture looks slightly textured. Pour in cream and milk, then blend until silky smooth and luxuriously frothy.

• Assemble the Clafoutis

Spread the sugared blueberries across the buttered pan. Pour the velvety batter over the berries, ensuring complete coverage.

• Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a center that’s set but still slightly wiggly. Around 25 minutes, check with a toothpick – it should emerge clean.

• Indulge and Enjoy

Let the clafoutis rest for 10-15 minutes. Dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar and serve warm, inviting everyone to savor this French countryside-inspired treat.

Clafoutis Tips for Flavor and Texture

• Customize Blueberry Magic: Switch out blueberries for cherries, raspberries, or peaches to create exciting seasonal variations that keep your dessert fresh and surprising.
• Texture Twist: Add chopped almonds or sliced pistachios on top before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy texture.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Prepare the batter and macerate the berries up to 4 hours in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to save time and preserve maximum flavor intensity.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that still delivers rich, creamy satisfaction.

How to Serve Blueberry Clafoutis Like Julia

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this blueberry clafoutis as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, pairing it with crisp champagne or fresh mimosas.
• Dessert Delight: Elevate your dinner party finale by presenting the warm clafoutis with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Slice and enjoy this French-inspired pastry alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a luxurious midday indulgence.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack individual portions in small containers for an elegant outdoor dining experience, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to your al fresco meal.

Storage Tips for This French Dessert

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover clafoutis in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen clafoutis keeps well for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent the custard from becoming rubbery.
• Serve Smart: Room temperature offers the best flavor profile. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to let the clafoutis come to a perfect serving temperature, allowing the flavors to fully bloom.

Rustic Blueberry Clafoutis Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Blueberry clafoutis sings with French countryside charm, honoring classic Parisian pastry techniques. Julia Child’s beloved dessert combines silky custard and ripe blueberries, offering you a delightful taste of culinary elegance.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pint (473 ml) blueberries (fresh)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
• ⅔ cup (80 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67 g) + 1 tbsp (12.5 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter (melted) + more for greasing
• zest of 1 lemon
• ½ vanilla bean
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) with the rack positioned centrally. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch round or cast-iron pan with melted butter.
2. Fruit Preparation: Gently combine blueberries with sugar and lemon zest, allowing flavors to meld while preparing the remaining components.
3. Vanilla Extraction: Split and scrape vanilla bean, releasing its intense aromatic seeds using a sharp knife.
4. Custard Base Creation: Blend vanilla bean seeds, sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, almond extract, and flour in a blender until achieving a slightly textured consistency.
5. Liquid Integration: Incorporate heavy cream and whole milk into the batter, blending until smooth and frothy.
6. Assembly: Arrange sugared blueberries in an even layer across the prepared pan’s bottom, then delicately pour the batter over the fruit, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Baking Process: Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for golden-brown edges and a slightly wobbly center. Verify doneness with a clean toothpick insertion around the 25-minute mark.
8. Finishing Touch: Rest the clafoutis for 10-15 minutes, reaching an ideal warm serving temperature. Elegantly dust with powdered sugar, then slice and serve immediately to showcase the harmonious blend of creamy custard and vibrant blueberries.

Notes

• Perfect Butter Coating: Use melted butter generously to prevent sticking and create a golden, crisp exterior for your clafoutis.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Let blueberries macerate with sugar and lemon zest to intensify their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
• Blender Magic: Use a blender to create a smooth, lump-free custard base that ensures a silky, consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Doneness Detection: Watch for golden-brown edges and a slight wobble in the center, using a toothpick test to confirm perfect baking without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 243
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 86 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg