If you are on the hunt for a dessert that effortlessly combines the rich allure of chocolate with the fresh subtlety of ripe fruit, then this Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe is your new best friend. This French-inspired baked custard is wonderfully simple to make yet feels luxuriously special. Imagine silky chocolate infused into a tender, sweet batter, hugging perfectly soft slices of pear that lend a delicate, juicy brightness. It’s a dessert to savor slowly, making every bite a heartwarming celebration of comforting flavors and velvety texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe is delightfully straightforward because the ingredients are classic and thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Pears (2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): Select firm yet ripe pears to ensure they hold their shape and lend a gentle sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate (200 g, chopped or chips): Using good-quality dark chocolate adds depth and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Eggs (3 large): Eggs provide essential structure and a custardy richness that ties everything together.
- Sugar (100 g, brown sugar optional): Brown sugar brings subtle molasses notes, enriching the flavor profile even more.
- Flour (100 g, gluten-free optional): The flour helps the clafoutis set, with gluten-free options ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat.
- Milk (300 ml, dairy-free options like almond, soy, or oat): Milk creates the silky batter; choosing a dairy-free milk keeps it accessible to various diets without losing creaminess.
- Butter (30 g, for greasing): Butter ensures the clafoutis releases easily and adds a subtle richness to the crust edges.
How to Make Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pears and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready. While it’s warming up, peel, core, and slice your pears into thin wedges. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and stay tender without turning mushy inside the clafoutis.
Step 2: Grease Your Baking Dish
Generously butter a medium-sized pie or baking dish. This little step is key so your clafoutis will release smoothly after baking and develop those golden, crispy edges we all love.
Step 3: Mix the Batter Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy—this is the secret to a light and airy texture. Then gradually sift in the flour, blending carefully to avoid lumps. Next, slowly pour in your chosen milk, whisking continuously to form a smooth, creamy batter. The batter should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate
Fold the chopped dark chocolate gently into the batter, allowing some of those luscious chunks to spread throughout but not over-mix so they retain their delightful pockets of melty goodness once baked.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the pear slices neatly on the bottom of your greased dish. Pour the chocolate-infused batter over them slowly, making sure the fruit is evenly covered. Place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the clafoutis has set and has a light golden crust on top.
How to Serve Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle the clafoutis with a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A handful of toasted almond flakes or a drizzle of honey pairs amazingly well and adds beautiful texture and sweetness contrast.
Side Dishes
This clafoutis shines splendidly on its own but tastes divine when accompanied by lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy cold sides enrich each bite and make the dessert even more indulgent on special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins with pear slices artfully arranged on top before baking. Alternatively, place fresh mint leaves atop warm servings to add a refreshing burst and vibrant color that invites your guests to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld further, making it a delightful treat the next day.
Freezing
This clafoutis freezes well; just make sure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to two months, perfect for prepping in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm the clafoutis gently in an oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method brings back that freshly baked feeling, reviving the chocolate and pear’s luscious textures.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?
While fresh pears provide the best texture and flavor, in a pinch, drained canned pears can work. Just be mindful that they are softer and may release more moisture, which could affect the clafoutis’ consistency slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and the clafoutis will still turn out perfectly tender and delicious, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate?
You can, though dark chocolate’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the pears wonderfully. Milk chocolate will make the clafoutis sweeter and creamier, which is a lovely variation if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor.
How do I know when the clafoutis is fully baked?
Look for a lightly golden top and a batter that’s set but still slightly wobbly in the center. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep the custard silky and soft.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes! You can mix the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Just stir gently before pouring it over the pears and baking the next day. This makes your Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe ready for a quick, impressive dessert.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate matched with the elegance of fresh pears makes this Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe a true standout for any occasion. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated, easy to make yet impressive to serve. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it become your next go-to favorite for sweet moments shared with loved ones.
Print
Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Indulgent Chocolate and Pear Clafoutis is a delightful French dessert perfect for sweet moments. Featuring ripe pears and rich dark chocolate in a tender, custardy batter, it’s baked to golden perfection. Ideal for sharing, this dessert combines fruity freshness with decadent chocolatey goodness in every slice.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium Pears (peeled, cored and sliced)
Chocolate
- 200 g Dark Chocolate (pre-chopped or chocolate chips)
Batter
- 3 Eggs (essential for structure)
- 100 g Sugar (can use brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 100 g Flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
- 300 ml Milk (almond, soy, or oat milk for dairy-free)
Other
- 30 g Butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the clafoutis.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin, even pieces to allow for consistent cooking and layering in the dish.
- Grease the Dish: Use the butter to thoroughly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness to the edges of the clafoutis.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate either in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add flour and mix well before slowly incorporating the milk, creating a smooth custard-like batter.
- Add Melted Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate into the batter and mix thoroughly to achieve a uniform chocolate custard mixture.
- Assemble: Arrange the sliced pears evenly in the greased baking dish, then pour the chocolate batter over the pears, ensuring they are well covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is set, golden on top, and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the clafoutis to cool slightly before slicing into 8 portions. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor in the batter.
- Substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk to make this dessert dairy-free.
- Gluten-free flour can be used without compromising texture.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Make sure not to overbake; the clafoutis should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven.
