Name: Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved; 1 cup sugar, divided (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; 2 teaspoons almond extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 48 reviews

If you love desserts that feel like cozy hugs on a plate, then you are going to adore the Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe. This charming French-inspired dessert perfectly balances juicy, fresh cherries with a tender, almond-scented cake that is almost pudding-like in its softness. It’s deceptively simple but feels like such a special treat with every bite. Whether you’re serving it warm or cold, this Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe will quickly become a favorite for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and satisfying homemade dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass or white ceramic bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left, there is a large glass bowl full of dark red sliced cherries with shiny juice. To the right, a small white bowl contains dark brown liquid, likely vanilla or syrup. Next to that, a clear glass jug holds white cream or milk. Below these, on the left, a small white bowl has light yellow liquid, probably oil. Centered is a white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, and to the right, a large glass bowl contains white flour. A tiny bowl with salt is between the sugar and the vanilla bowl. The scene shows clean, simple ingredients neatly organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create that delightful texture and flavor you’ll want over and over. Each item is essential: the fresh cherries bring brightness and juiciness; the almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma; and the combination of flour and milk ensures a moist, cake-like pudding.

Fresh sweet cherries (5 cups, pitted and halved): Provides natural sweetness and a burst of tart flavor to the dessert.
Sugar (3 cups, divided): Balances the tartness of the cherries and sweetens the batter for that perfect pudding cake consistency.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the batter without making it too dense.
Baking powder (4 teaspoons): Helps the clafoutis rise slightly, keeping it light and tender.
Milk (1 1/4 cups): Adds moisture, making sure the cake bakes into a soft pudding-like texture.
Canola oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
Vanilla bean paste (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavor with a warm, deep vanilla essence.
Almond extract (2 teaspoons): The star of the show, giving the clafoutis a deliciously nutty and aromatic finish.

How to Make Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and spraying a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. This ensures your clafoutis won’t stick, making it easy to serve and enjoy every last crumb.

Step 2: Prep the Cherries

Carefully pit and halve your fresh sweet cherries, then toss them in sugar to macerate. Sprinkle half of the cherries with 1/2 cup of sugar and then do the same with the remaining cherries using the other 1/2 cup sugar. Toss all together well—this helps the cherries release their juices, which will seep deliciously into the cake as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, remaining 1 cup sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. This dry mix is the foundation of your pudding cake and will ensure an even rise and smooth texture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add milk, canola oil, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until you have a smooth, slightly pourable batter. Don’t worry if it looks thin—this is exactly the texture you want for a light and tender pudding cake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour this batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it to cover the bottom completely. It may look like there isn’t enough batter to cover the whole pan, but trust the process! Next, gently spoon the sugared cherries over the top in a uniform layer. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the cake comes out clean and the edges turn a lovely golden color.

How to Serve Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with a baked cherry dessert that has a golden brown top and dark red cherries spread evenly over the surface. A white spatula holds a square piece lifted from the dish, showing a thick, soft layer with baked cherries inside and on top. Two small white plates with slices of the dessert and a few scattered cherries sit beside the dish on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds the spatula near the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to highlight the natural beauty of this dessert. For a bit of extra indulgence, a small scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream perfectly complements the warm, soft texture with creamy coolness.

Side Dishes

This clafoutis shines all on its own, but if you’re serving it at brunch or with coffee, consider fresh whipped cream or a simple dollop of mascarpone. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing note to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your clafoutis into individual servings by baking it in ramekins. This makes for a romantic dessert or elegant presentation at dinner parties. You can also layer it with toasted sliced almonds sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a nutty finish that enhances the almond extract flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover clafoutis covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it chills, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days when you still crave homemade goodness.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cooled clafoutis tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the warm, just-baked feel, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place the entire pan in a preheated 350ºF oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream for a truly delightful experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

While fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture, you can substitute frozen cherries, just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the clafoutis.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract is not available, vanilla extract alone will still make a tasty clafoutis, but you miss out on that signature nutty note. You could also add a handful of toasted almonds on top for more almond flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free or can it be made gluten-free?

This Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just expect a slightly different texture, though it will still be delightful.

Why does the batter seem thin? Is that normal?

Yes! Unlike traditional thick cake batters, this batter is thin because it bakes into a soft, custardy pudding cake texture rather than a dense cake. It’s exactly what makes the clafoutis special and tender.

Can I bake this in a round dish instead of a 9×13 pan?

Absolutely. A round baking dish or even individual ramekins can be used, but keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on it as it bakes and do the toothpick test to check doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Cherry Almond Clafoutis – Pudding Cake Recipe has a way of turning simple ingredients into something magically delicious, perfect for any season. From its jewel-like cherries to its tender almond-infused batter, it’s a dessert that feels both elegant and comfortably familiar. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that invites you to slow down, savor every spoonful, and maybe even share with those you love. Happy baking!