Elegant Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis Recipe

Savor Ina Garten’s Dreamy Apple Clafoutis Recipe Tonight

Dessert lovers rejoice – this apple clafoutis recipe by Ina Garten delivers a delightful French-inspired treat that combines elegant simplicity with mouthwatering flavor.

The classic technique seamlessly blends ripe, tender apples with a silky custard base that melts in your mouth.

Her approach turns basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a Parisian bakery.

The warm, golden-brown clafoutis emerges from the oven with a puffy, inviting texture that beckons everyone to the table.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweet, caramelized apples and rich, creamy custard.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dessert comes together, making it ideal for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and experience the magic of French home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Apple Clafoutis

For Baking Preparation:
  • Butter: Essential for greasing the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a rich flavor base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a delightful caramelized coating and adds sweetness to the dish.
For Liquid and Binding Components:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and create a silky custard texture.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps develop a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Enriches the texture and brings a velvety richness to the clafoutis.
  • Brandy or Cognac: Introduces a subtle depth and sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Essence: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone to the entire dessert.
For Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the foundational thickening agent for the batter.
  • Cinnamon: Provides a warm, comforting spice that complements the apples.
  • Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the overall flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other ingredients' flavors.
  • Apples: Deliver a tender, sweet-tart element and beautiful layered presentation.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates a delicate, powdery finish for elegant serving.

Equipment Needed for Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis

  • Electric mixer: Essential for whisking eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • 10-inch circular baking dish: Perfect for creating the classic clafoutis shape and even baking.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
  • Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh orange zest for bright flavor.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for slicing apples evenly and neatly.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Baking Instructions for Apple Clafoutis by Ina

Baking Instructions for Apple Clafoutis by Ina

Orchard Delight

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the kitchen with your oven set to a cozy 375 degrees, creating the perfect environment for a delightful dessert.

  • Baking Dish Magic

Coat a circular baking dish with a generous layer of butter, then sprinkle sugar to create a magical caramelized foundation.

  • Egg Transformation

Whip eggs and sugar together until they become a light, fluffy mixture that promises a cloud-like texture.

  • Flavor Symphony

Blend flour, cinnamon, dairy, and aromatic extras into a smooth batter that will become the heart of your dessert. Let the mixture rest and develop its complex flavors.

  • Apple Arrangement

Lovingly place fresh apple slices in a beautiful pattern across the batter, creating a rustic landscape of deliciousness.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the dish into the oven and watch as it transforms. After about 35 minutes, you’ll have a golden-topped masterpiece that puffs up and then gently settles.

  • Finishing Touch

Allow your creation to cool slightly, then dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Slice and serve this heavenly treat that celebrates the simple joy of home baking.

Flavor Additions for Apple Clafoutis You’ll Love

  • Expert Tips and Twists
  • Replace apples with seasonal favorites like pears, cherries, or plums for a delightful flavor transformation.
  • Enhance the batter with a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to complement the existing cinnamon and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top before baking for an irresistible crunch and nutty undertone.
  • Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the cream to reduce calories without sacrificing the classic creamy texture.
  • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving or add a dollop of whipped cream for a restaurant-worthy finishing touch.

Tips for Serving Ina Garten’s Apple Clafoutis Warm

  • Savor Warm Comfort: Serve this delightful apple clafoutis straight from the oven for a heavenly dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
  • Dust with Elegance: Sprinkle a light layer of powdered sugar over the golden surface to add a sweet, delicate finish that transforms the dish into a restaurant-worthy treat.
  • Perfect Pairing Pleasure: Complement the rich, custardy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance its creamy texture and warm apple flavors.
  • Brunch or Dessert Delight: Enjoy this versatile clafoutis as a show-stopping breakfast centerpiece or an impressive after-dinner sweet that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips for Keeping Apple Clafoutis Tasty

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the apple clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful texture and flavor.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes to restore its original crisp edges and soft, custardy center.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled clafoutis tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Serve Smart: Enjoy best within 24 hours of baking for optimal taste and texture. Sprinkle fresh confectioners' sugar just before serving to keep the topping light and powdery.
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Elegant Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis Recipe

Elegant Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s apple clafoutis recipe blends French culinary tradition with rustic charm. Warm cinnamon and sweet apples create a delightful dessert you’ll savor after a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 apples (small to medium-sized, fresh, cored, peeled, sliced)
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • 1 cup reduced-fat milk (1% or 2%, not fat-free)
  • 6 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp + ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ scant tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest (finely grated)
  • 1 fl oz (30 ml) cognac or brandy
  • 1/8 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F and lavishly butter a 10-inch round baking dish, generously coating the interior with granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
  2. Batter Creation: Employ an electric mixer to whip eggs and sugar into a smooth, airy mixture. Gradually fold in flour, cinnamon, milk, cream, vanilla, orange zest, salt, and brandy, blending at low speed until harmonious. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavor integration.
  3. Apple Arrangement: Artfully layer apple slices in an overlapping pattern across the baking dish’s bottom, creating a visually appealing foundation.
  4. Baking Process: Gently cascade the prepared batter over the apple slices, ensuring complete and even coverage. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the custard sets firmly and develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
  5. Finishing Touches: Once removed from the oven, let the clafoutis rest and settle for 15 minutes, during which it will naturally deflate. Conclude by delicately dusting with powdered sugar and serving in elegant portions, either warm or at ambient temperature.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Butter and sugar the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and create a delightful caramelized exterior.
  • Rest for Success: Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes, letting ingredients blend and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Watch for a rich, golden-brown top and firm custard as your key doneness indicators during baking.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let the clafoutis settle for 15 minutes after baking, which helps it naturally deflate and set for picture-perfect slices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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