This delightful Julia Child Apple Clafoutis is a quick and simple dessert that combines tender apples with a creamy, custard-like base. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to use common pantry ingredients, and is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits. The addition of caramelized apples adds a rich depth of flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 150g soft brown sugar
- 40g plain flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 360ml whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Apples:
- 70g salted butter
- 70g soft brown sugar
- 60ml water
- 6 cups (about 4 large) apples, peeled and sliced into 1.5cm (½-inch) wedges
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How To Make Apple Clafoutis
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Make the custard: Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add flour and salt, then whisk again. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Stir in vanilla and set aside.
- Prepare the apples: Melt butter, brown sugar, and water in a 26cm (10 ¼-inch) cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Stir until it starts to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Swirl the pan occasionally (do not stir) until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the apples: Add apple slices and cinnamon (if using). Cook and stir until apples are crisp-tender and slightly caramelised, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Stir the custard mixture and pour it evenly over the apples in the skillet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 28 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve warm! Enjoy as is or with cream, ice cream, or a dusting of icing sugar.

Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Bramley or Pink Lady to maintain texture during baking.
- Rest the Batter: Let the custard mixture sit for at least 10 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Proper Caramelization: When cooking the apples, ensure they are caramelized to a light brown for optimal flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent a tough texture.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How To Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Cover leftover apple clafoutis tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap leftover apple clafoutis tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the Clafoutis)
- Calories: Approximately 276 kcal
- Total Fat: 10.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9 g
- Cholesterol: 115.7 mg
- Sodium: 185.2 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.3 g
- Sugars: 33.2 g
- Protein: 5.5 g
More Julia Child Recipes:

Julia Child Apple Clafoutis
Description
This delightful Julia Child Apple Clafoutis is a quick and simple dessert that combines tender apples with a creamy, custard-like base. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to use common pantry ingredients, and is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits. The addition of caramelized apples adds a rich depth of flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Custard:
For the Apples:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Make the custard: Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add flour and salt, then whisk again. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Stir in vanilla and set aside.
- Prepare the apples: Melt butter, brown sugar, and water in a 26cm (10 ¼-inch) cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Stir until it starts to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Swirl the pan occasionally (do not stir) until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the apples: Add apple slices and cinnamon (if using). Cook and stir until apples are crisp-tender and slightly caramelised, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Stir the custard mixture and pour it evenly over the apples in the skillet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 28 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve warm! Enjoy as is or with cream, ice cream, or a dusting of icing sugar.
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Bramley or Pink Lady to maintain texture during baking.
- Rest the Batter: Let the custard mixture sit for at least 10 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Proper Caramelization: When cooking the apples, ensure they are caramelized to a light brown for optimal flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent a tough texture.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.