Nectarine Clafoutis is a light, custardy French dessert that blends rustic charm with delicate flavor. If you’ve never tried making clafoutis, you’ll be surprised at how simple and rewarding it is. This oven-baked treat surrounds fresh nectarines with a silky, pancake-like batter, creating a golden, puffed masterpiece that’s perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or a cozy family dessert. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this nectarine clafoutis brings a touch of Provence to your table.
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Why This Nectarine Clafoutis is a Must-Try
This easy nectarine clafoutis stands out for its simplicity and elegance. Made with pantry staples and ripe nectarines, it delivers a dessert that feels gourmet but is effortless to prepare. The light custard bakes around the fruit, absorbing its juicy sweetness, while a hint of vanilla and lemon zest lifts the flavor. It’s a go-to summer dessert that’s naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Perfect Nectarine Clafoutis
• Nectarines: Provide juicy sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the custard
• Eggs: Bind the batter and add rich texture
• Whole Milk: Gives the clafoutis a light, creamy base
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and enhances caramelization
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the custard and complements the nectarines
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create the pancake-like texture
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance
• Unsalted Butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds richness
• Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting): Adds a classic French finish and a touch of elegance
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Suggestions
• Peaches: A close cousin to nectarines, peaches work wonderfully in this dish and offer similar flavor.
• Almond Extract: Swap for vanilla if you prefer a nutty undertone.
• Dairy-Free Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Substitute in a 1:1 gluten-free mix to accommodate gluten intolerance.
• Berries: Blueberries or cherries make great seasonal swaps and keep the structure intact.
How to Make Nectarine Clafoutis Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan.
- Slice 2–3 ripe nectarines and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a blender, combine 3 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest. Blend until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the blender. Blend again until the mixture is fully incorporated and has a thin, crepe-like consistency.
- Pour the batter over the nectarines in the dish.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the clafoutis is puffed, golden brown around the edges, and set in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.
- Let cool slightly. The clafoutis will deflate a bit, which is normal.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Best Nectarine Clafoutis
• Use ripe but firm nectarines for the best flavor and structure. Overripe fruit can turn mushy during baking.
• Blend the batter well for a uniform texture; lumps can cause uneven baking.
• Let the clafoutis rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it set.
• Avoid overbaking, as the custard can become rubbery. Remove once the center is just set.
• Dust with sugar only when ready to serve to prevent it from dissolving.
Delicious Pairings and Flavor Variations
• Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche for added indulgence.
• A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the nectarines.
• Add toasted sliced almonds or pistachios on top for crunch.
• For a savory-sweet twist, try adding a pinch of rosemary or thyme to the batter.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy chilled.
Seasonal and Health-Friendly Touches
Nectarine clafoutis is a summer favorite that highlights the best of stone fruit season. Its light, low-flour composition makes it naturally lower in carbs than traditional cakes. It’s also a great way to use ripe nectarines in a refined, French-style dessert that avoids heavy frostings or artificial ingredients. For a heart-healthier version, try using olive oil instead of butter for greasing and reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing taste.
This nectarine clafoutis recipe effortlessly blends ease, elegance, and irresistible summer flavor, making it a dessert you’ll reach for all season long.
Conclusion
This Nectarine Clafoutis recipe effortlessly combines the charm of a classic French dessert with the vibrant, fresh flavor of summer fruit. With its custardy texture and natural sweetness, it’s an elegant dish that doesn’t require much time or effort to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use seasonal nectarines or searching for a gluten-free treat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Give it a try and enjoy the delight of a warm, golden-brown dessert straight from your oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen nectarines in this clafoutis recipe?
While fresh nectarines are ideal, frozen nectarines can also be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the dish. This helps maintain the perfect custard texture and prevents the clafoutis from becoming soggy.
How do I know when my Nectarine Clafoutis is done?
The clafoutis is ready when the edges are golden-brown, and the center is just set (it should no longer jiggle when lightly shaken). You can also insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, your clafoutis is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the clafoutis the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The custard may set a bit more overnight, but it will still be delicious when baked the next day. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I substitute the flour in the clafoutis?
Yes, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to choose a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free blend for the best texture and flavor.
More Relevant Recipes
- Snickerdoodle Cobbler: A comforting dessert that combines the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles with a buttery, cake-like base. It’s a perfect fall treat or an ideal way to end a cozy dinner, just like the nectarines in clafoutis bring a sweet yet subtle contrast to the dish.
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls: For those who love fruit-filled desserts, these strawberry cinnamon rolls are a sweet and fluffy treat. Much like the nectarines in the clafoutis, the strawberries bring a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft, buttery cinnamon roll dough.
- Brown Sugar Chai Cake: This spiced cake is rich in flavor with a perfect balance of brown sugar and chai spices. Similar to the comforting, lightly spiced flavor of clafoutis, this dessert brings a warm, aromatic experience, making it a wonderful alternative for those who love dessert with a bit of a kick.

Nectarine Clafoutis Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nectarine Clafoutis is a light, custardy French dessert featuring ripe nectarines surrounded by a pancake-like batter. This elegant yet simple dessert is perfect for any occasion, with its delicate sweetness from the fruit and smooth texture from the custard.
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe nectarines
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Unsalted butter for greasing
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish with butter.
- Slice the nectarines and arrange them in a single layer in the greased dish.
- In a blender, combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth.
- Add flour and a pinch of salt, and blend again until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter over the nectarines in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the clafoutis is puffed and golden. The center should be set and not jiggle.
- Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe nectarines for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute peaches if nectarines are not available.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the oven to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg