It would seem that I am now officially in the business of taking special requests on my blog. I love this fact. When I started this blog, I had no idea or expectation of where it would go. It is beyond thrilling that it would connect me to so many wonderful people. And to have readers who have faith enough in my baking abilities to make special requests? Well, let’s just say that the word “flattered” doesn’t even begin to describe it. I have had two special requests in the past few weeks. The first, from Diane, was for a low carb copy cat version of The Olive Garden’s Lemon Cake. Diane, I am working on this, I promise. It’s just a very large cake so I am saving it for a time when I have company to help us eat it!
The second request I received came through the All Day I Dream About Food Facebook page, from Kay. She wanted to see a really creamy low carb clafoutis recipe. Never one to back down from a challenge, I knew I had to take this on. It certainly didn’t hurt that I’d been thinking of making clafoutis for quite some time. Not only had I never made clafoutis before, I am fairly certain I’ve never even tasted it, but I always loved the look of it on other blogs. And it seemed like a simple enough dessert to make, somewhere between a custard and a cake. Since it doesn’t contain a lot of flour to begin with, it seemed perfect for a gluten free, low carb makeover.
Sadly, the first thing that had to go were the cherries. The typical clafoutis is a cherry clafoutis, and I adore sweet, ripe cherries. But they aren’t particularly diabetic or low carb friendly. Thank goodness that my beloved raspberry, which is relatively low in carbs and high in fiber, was willing to play the roll of the cherries in my version. I knew I would be replacing the wheat flour with almond flour, and I thought it would be nice to bring the almond flavour to the forefront, as almonds and raspberries go so well together. I sprinkled the top with sliced almonds and a little additional erythritol. And since clafoutis strikes me as a rather “grown up” dessert, I thought I would throw a little Amaretto in there to really play it up.
I consulted quite a number of clafoutis recipes online, and what struck me most is how much they all varied. Some contained quite a bit of flour and less eggs, making the dessert more cakey, and some were heavy on the eggs and light on the flour, making more of a custard. Kay requested a creamy clafoutis, so I opted to lean more towards a custard, heavy on the eggs and cream. But knowing that almond flour behaves very differently than wheat flour, I also opted to add a bit more of it to give the dessert some structure (i.e. so it didn’t sink too much in the middle after being baked!). All of this was really a shot in the dark, because I really had no idea how it would turn out.
The Results: Having never made or tasted clafoutis, I really have nothing to compare this to, and I have no idea whether it will live up to Kay’s expectations. What I can tell you is that it’s delicious, with a perfect balance of raspberry and almond flavours. It was definitely more custard than cake, very moist and dense and studded with fresh berries. It wasn’t exactly “creamy” in texture, the way a creme brulee or a pudding would be. It was thicker than that, but it also didn’t have the crumby texture of a cake. From all the descriptions I have read of clafoutis, it seemed about right to me! And the sliced almonds on top became almost crisp, adding a nice textural difference to the rest of the dessert.
Perhaps Kay will do me the honour of giving it a go and letting me know what she thinks! Or if she tinkers with it and makes some modifications, she can suggest them to me. But I do love this as is and can definitely recommend it as a delicious dessert and a fabulous use of fresh raspberries. It’s actually really great for breakfast too. I should know, I had it two mornings in a row.
Raspberry Almond Clafoutis
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated erythritol
4 large eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp Amaretto (optional)
1/2 tsp almond extract (increase to 1 tsp if omitting Amaretto)
6 drops stevia extract
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Preheat the oven to 325F and butter a ceramic or glass pie or tart pan.
Whisk almond flour and 1/4 cup granulated erythritol together in a small bowl, breaking up any clumps with the back of a fork.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, Amaretto, almond extract and stevia extract until thoroughly combined. Whisk in almond flour mixture until smooth.
If you have time, let mixture rest at least half an hour.
Arrange raspberries over the bottom of prepared pan and pour batter over. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and remaining 2 tablespoons of erythritol.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set and top is light golden brown.
Serves 8. Each serving has a total of 15.4g of carbs and 3.4g of fiber, but only 6.4g of carbs if you subtract erythritol. Total NET carbs = 4g.
Christine's Pantry says
July 22, 2011 at 7:29 pmLooks wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
foodblogandthedog says
July 22, 2011 at 7:30 pmOh wow, this sounds amazing, I love Amaretto. I was thinking of making a gluten-free version with figs but wasn't sure it would work, so glad you've tried it and it does, excited!!
S.V. says
July 22, 2011 at 7:46 pmThis sounds and looks amazing……
Adora's Box says
July 22, 2011 at 7:54 pmLove your clafoutis, Carolyn. I like raspberries and I like the almond topping.
Divya says
July 22, 2011 at 8:41 pmCarolyn – this looks yummy! I love how you described your thought process in coming up with this dish. That's what I love about recipe development – it's almost like a science experiment.
jo says
July 22, 2011 at 9:00 pmI've been pining for clafoutis, Carolyn, thank you!
claire says
July 22, 2011 at 9:07 pmlooks gorgeous… want to mail me a sample!? haha! hope you have a great weekend~!
Jill Colonna says
July 22, 2011 at 9:18 pmCarolyn, this is certainly not surprising – you are a genius at transforming normal wicked desserts into your low carb-gluten free versions. This is another winner!
Foodness Gracious says
July 22, 2011 at 9:28 pmGreat job and that last picture looks like it's 3D. I almost want to reach into my screen and take it!
Thanks for sharing..
Lilly says
July 22, 2011 at 10:23 pmNot bad for a first timer! Love the little adult twist. Lovely pictures!
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
July 22, 2011 at 11:47 pmIt sounds like the perfect clafoutis and your photos are beautiful.
Maureen says
July 23, 2011 at 2:35 amI'd love to visit carrying a spoon. This looks delicious!
The Harried Cook says
July 23, 2011 at 3:21 amYou've done such a great job with this dessert, Carolyn! It looks really good… I bet it tastes really yummy! Love the pictures too 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lisa~~ says
July 23, 2011 at 4:20 amPerfect for me not having added sugars and I love almond and raspberries together, can't wait to try this.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook
Kari says
July 23, 2011 at 5:30 amBoth of the requests you received are dishes I'd love to make, so this makes me rather happy too. And it certainly looks like you've done this one justice!
Maris(In Good Taste) says
July 23, 2011 at 9:59 amI think you can consider this an unqualified success! looks fantastic!
[email protected] The Culinary Lens says
July 23, 2011 at 11:42 amLooks like you made it work. Thank you for sharing your thought process. I think this is an example of needing fundamentals before getting creative.
sliceofmylyfe says
July 23, 2011 at 11:46 amIt is really sweetof you to take up people's requests and try to do them the best that you can.
Excellently done. Love the way the dish looks.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
July 23, 2011 at 11:56 amThat clafoutis looks amazing, another wonderful looking low carb recipe! Such a gorgeous dessert, nicely done!
Free Spirit Eater says
July 23, 2011 at 12:08 pmOh my goodness this looks like the perfect snack. Wow! My stomach is making noises it looks so good. Looks soft and moist, great photos. Thanks so much for sharing! =]
Cassie @ Bake Your Day says
July 23, 2011 at 12:54 pmThis sounds wonderful and I love all of your adaptations. I would prefer raspberry over cherries and those almonds look great on top, great recipe!
marla {family fresh cooking} says
July 23, 2011 at 12:59 pmThe raspberry Amaretto is such a great pairing in this clafoutis! Yum 🙂
Parsley Sage says
July 23, 2011 at 2:36 pmPpfffth. Who needs cherries when you've got raspberries, almonds and booze!? This looks amazing and its even more incredible that its the first time you've made it. THAT'S why you get special requests 🙂 Buzzed!
Charlie says
July 23, 2011 at 3:58 pmI love clafourti but never made it myself! Definitely love the lots of eggs versions!
I only had cherry clafouti before but I definitely need to try it with raspberries. I have a thing for raspberries ;).
Susan says
July 23, 2011 at 6:49 pmYou had me at amaretto! Looks gorgeous! So decadent!
Katrina {In Katrina's Kitchen} says
July 23, 2011 at 8:33 pmOooh! Pick me! Pick me! I'm a grown up!!! Looks great! ♥- K
Terra says
July 23, 2011 at 9:24 pmI honestly have never heard of clafoutis, but wow does it sound lovely! You are pretty fantastic, I can totally understand people requesting recipes from you:-) Your gluten free recipes are so fun to learn from, thank you!
Hugs, Terra
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
July 23, 2011 at 9:24 pmThat looks great! I'm going to have to keep this in mind for my parents. We have a ton of raspberries right now and they're low-carb. Awesome!
Kelly @ Eat Yourself Skinny says
July 23, 2011 at 11:04 pmThis looks absolutely delicious! Your pictures are gorgeous, saving this recipe for sure! 🙂
Lwbookeater says
July 24, 2011 at 3:03 amThis is one of the prettiest clafoutis I've seen in a while! And gluten free to boot! Thank you for sharing the recipe – think I'll be trying this one!
The Procrastobaker says
July 24, 2011 at 9:37 amThis really DOES look absolutely delicious, and its so lovely and talented of you to make things like this by request, i wouldnt know where to start! Gorgeous recipe and post too, i have never had a clafoutis but if i decide to give it a shot (as lets be fair, its bound to be yummy with that combo of ingredients!) then this is the recipe for me 🙂
tanja says
July 24, 2011 at 9:38 amOh my, that is an amazing looking clafoutis!!! I fell in love with my clafoutis version with nectarinese & raspberries, but I think this combination of raspberry and almonds could even top it!;) Haven't tried it yet but it MUST BE good! I'm noting this! Thank you so much for sharing!
And,the photos are beautiful…
Sanjeeta kk says
July 24, 2011 at 9:42 amWhat lovely dessert and such beautiful pictures! A recipe to keep for sure.
Jan says
July 24, 2011 at 1:22 pmI love amaretto, and with the raspberries, what a great idea! Must be a wonderful dessert. Can't wait to try 🙂
Cookin' Canuck says
July 24, 2011 at 3:06 pmI have a feeling Kay will be thrilled. This looks and sounds really good.
dwidlebug says
July 24, 2011 at 3:19 pmStumbling upon your blog for the first time. Those raspberries just look wonderful, specially I like almond on the top.
The Cilantropist says
July 24, 2011 at 4:22 pmI think it is awesome that your GF readers are making requests! they know you are an expert and can make something great!! 😉 And this clafoutis is definitely greatness, raspberries and amaretto together for the win!
[email protected] says
July 24, 2011 at 4:44 pmCarolyn, I think Kay will love it! I sure do!! Raspberries, almonds, amaretto…delicious!
Lizzy says
July 24, 2011 at 5:18 pmCarolyn! You are such a gem…if I didn't already know this, this blog post would have convinced me. And this clafouti looks amazing…you are the Queen of GF!!!! xoxo
The Mom Chef says
July 24, 2011 at 5:39 pmBravo on another huge success. I'd have preferred the raspberries over cherries even if low carb considerations weren't needed! I lover the addition of the amaretto as well. I also like my clafoutis creamy instead of cakey. In short, you made this perfectly. 🙂
Kim - Liv Life says
July 24, 2011 at 7:38 pmNicely done, as always, Carolyn! I have to agree with Christiane, I'll take raspberries over cherries any day. I didn't know they were low-carb friendly! They are my all time favorite, and the guy at the farmers market now even saves a basket for me if I'm late.
I've never actually had one of these guys either, but I'm thinking this will do just fine!!
Sandra says
July 24, 2011 at 8:09 pmThank you Kay for request:)))) This looks amazing as always..very light yet looks so wonderful and full of flavor for sure! Thanks for sharing it sweetie, you always have something good to share with us!!!(and I buzzed):))
K says
July 24, 2011 at 11:42 pmOMG – Dear Carolyn you totally aced it!! First the raspberries and then the creamy custardy not too sweet total perfection! I had to use vintage Armagnac and raspberry ex. from Cake Castle as I did not have the other ingreds. Totally superb and served with a dollop of creme fraiche and a glass of champagne – life is worth living!!!! Thank You – You ROCK. Karen (Kay) Crete
ps – maybe you will allow me another request in the future – it is a toughie!
EA-The Spicy RD says
July 25, 2011 at 1:35 amWow! Beautiful clafoutis! I've been thinking about making a gluten-free version for awhile now, and your recipe looks delicious! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog-so happy to have found yours! Love your photos!
Daksha says
July 25, 2011 at 11:47 amThis dish looks PERFECT…Thanks for sharing this.
Baker Street says
July 25, 2011 at 4:53 pmSounds perfect!! I'd love to try it right now! Lovely clicks too!
Claudie says
July 25, 2011 at 5:09 pmFirst the muffins, now this clafoutis — I am seriously considering turning this coming weekend into a baking one! Your clafoutis looks soooo 100% perfect. Simply beautiful.
Kristen says
July 25, 2011 at 6:04 pmWhat a gorgeous dessert. You are so talented at taking all sorts of foods to a healthier level.
Eating Deliciously says
July 26, 2011 at 3:35 pmI've never used almond flour before but this combination of flavors sounds fantastic!
Deborah says
July 27, 2011 at 2:48 amYes, I would definitely like this!!
Roxana GreenGirl says
July 27, 2011 at 2:49 ami love clofoutis, if it wasn't for the eggs, aye aye aye, what a feast it would be.
I think you did a wonderful job for the first time, what a great idea to use raspberries instead.
Michelle says
August 1, 2011 at 5:46 pmI'm dying to try a clafouti dairy free, its great to see that I could do it for my gluten free friends too!
http://amourbeurre.blogspot.com
Megan's Cookin' says
August 11, 2011 at 3:04 pmI didnt know you took requests, this is great news! 😉
The clafoutis looks incredable.
anna says
September 28, 2012 at 4:36 pmthis was SSSSOOOOOO delicious! I’m in love with all of your recipes! I have yet to try one out that I didn’t love and want to selfishly hoard for myself! thanks so much for always sharing your great recipes!
Jean B. says
August 30, 2013 at 6:26 pmI was thrilled to see YOUR recipe right at the top of the list when I did a search for a low-carb clafoutis! Way to go, Carolyn!
I have been thinking off and on about LC clafoutis for breakfast. (Just don’t tell anyone how evil I am!) Before I try this recipe, may I ask whether you were using Honeyville almond flour at this point, or were you using the almond flour that is more like an almond meal? I think the clafoutis would hang together well either way with those eggs, but I’d still like to know.
Thanks!!!! You are such a genius! You and the other Low-Carb Friends have actually gotten me back in the kitchen, where I am even doing my own experiments. Gasp!
Carolyn says
September 1, 2013 at 3:37 pmAwesome, Jean! I think this was with Honeyville, because it doesn’t have the dark flecks of almond meal with skins. I think it would be best with Honeyville anyway!
Jean B. says
September 1, 2013 at 4:08 pmThank you, Carolyn. I was not sure when you started using the finer almond flour as vs. what is easily found in local stores. I do have my precious Honeyville almond flour. I see it is time to start using that. Thanks again!
Grace Thomas says
April 21, 2015 at 6:21 pmRecipe looks and sounds fantastic. I note that you use the liquid stevia extract. I am unable to use stevia, aspartame or sacaraine. Could agave or honey be used and if so, how much?
Carolyn says
April 21, 2015 at 7:47 pmAre you trying to just replace the stevia but still use erythritol?
Lise says
January 29, 2016 at 8:52 pmI cant get erythritol up in Northern Alberta, Canada. I have Swerve, Splenda or stevia drops….which should I use and how much? Please and thank you 🙂
Carolyn says
January 30, 2016 at 10:34 amSwerve
Lise says
February 4, 2016 at 12:02 pmIt was delicious. I am making one right now that I am using blackberries and lemon zest….hoping it is just as good!
Carolyn says
February 4, 2016 at 2:51 pmSounds wonderful!