Raspberry Clafoutis - An Easy Gluten-Free Recipe for Summer

Raspberry Clafoutis with Ground Almonds

Traditionally made with cherries (see Cherry Clafoutis), French clafoutis is a baked custard-like dessert that gently cradles the fruit. But you can absolutely make clafoutis with raspberries. In fact, once you’ve tried it, you may prefer it. I make this as our garden raspberries get so small each year (blame the heat around Paris!) that it's the best way to serve them - or turn them into a compote (just use the same recipe base for this rhubarb compote).

Raspberries give a tart edge that pairs beautifully with the creamy almond batter. Here, I swap out the usual plain flour or cornflour for ground almonds (almond flour). The result? A softer, lighter clafoutis that’s naturally gluten-free and full of flavour. No need for special flours or blends. It's also scrumptious with ground pistachios.

This raspberry and almond combination is one I come back to often - like in these stuffed baked peaches with amaretti biscuits.

Raspberry Clafoutis Pronunciation

Let’s settle this one: it’s pronounced CLA-foo-tee a la FROM-bwaz in French. Sounds fancy, but it's simple, rustic and the kind of family dessert the French make at home.

What is Raspberry Clafoutis?

It’s the summery French dessert you didn’t know you needed. A custard base meets juicy raspberries, all baked until golden. This version is slightly adapted from the classic cherry clafoutis to make it gluten-free - and dare I say, even better.

Inspired by chef Raymond Blanc, I sometimes add lemon zest as lemon verbena leaves add a subtle herbal lift to custards.

How to Make Raspberry Clafoutis - Easiest Recipe

You’ll love how quick this is. Butter a pie dish, scatter with raspberries, whisk the remaining ingredients in a bowl (eggs, yolk, sugar, cream, ground almonds - and a splash of raspberry liqueur, if using), then pour over the fruit and bake.

That’s it. There’s a step-by-step photo below to show you just how easy it is.
Fresh or frozen raspberries both work well. No need to defrost them first.

Why is My Clafoutis Rubbery?

If you’ve had a rubbery clafoutis before, chances are the recipe used too much plain flour. That’s not a risk here. The use of ground almonds keeps the texture tender and custardy - not dense or chewy.

How to Serve Clafoutis - Hot or Cold?

You can enjoy raspberry clafoutis warm, chilled or at room temperature. My husband prefers it straight from the fridge, while I like it after about 30 minutes out. It’s delicious either way, and needs no extras.

That said, if I’m serving guests, I’ll often add a macaron or two. Try it with raspberry macarons.

Whether you enjoy it warm, at room temperature or cold from the fridge, raspberry clafoutis is one of those gluten-free desserts that's great for breakfast too.

French Raspberry Dessert with a Twist

Want to boost the raspberry flavour? Stir in a tablespoon of Chambord liqueur or crème de framboise. It gives this gluten-free clafoutis a little French party dress.

It's the same liqueur added to the famous Kir Royal French cocktail, which is particularly good as a summer apéritif variation to the classic blackcurrant or cassis liqueur (a speciality of Dijon). The flavour additions are great fun.

What's the Best Fruit for Clafoutis? More Recipes to Try

Cherries are the traditional fruit for a classic French clafoutis, but raspberries make a lighter, vibrant twist. They’re sharp, juicy, and pair beautifully with almonds - which is why this raspberry clafoutis recipe is a favourite.

Other fruits work well too:

• strawberry clafoutis, for a softer, sweeter finish
• blueberry and lemon, for a zingy contrast
• Figs, in late summer when they're plump and ripe

Feeling savoury? Try my asparagus clafoutis with parmesan sauce for a completely different take. Once you start baking clafoutis, it’s hard to stop.

You've now a rhubarb clafoutis and more flavour variations featured in my e-book, Master Crème Caramel: Secrets to Lighter French Custard Desserts from Paris. Plus join the French custard e-mail list for a free guide to custard recipes.