Dessert Night with Delicious Strawberry Flaugnarde

There is something undeniably special about a dessert that looks elegant but feels effortless. Strawberry flaugnarde has that charm. It comes out of the oven lightly golden around the edges, soft and custardy in the center, with sweet strawberries peeking through the creamy surface. The powdered sugar melts gently into the warm top, creating that irresistible finish. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

The Sweet Simplicity That Makes This Dessert Shine

What makes this dessert so beautiful is its simplicity. It is not fussy or overly complicated, yet it tastes like something you would order at a cozy countryside café. The custard base is silky and delicate, while the strawberries add bright bursts of sweetness. Each spoonful feels soft, lightly sweet, and comforting. This one’s a total game changer for dessert night.

And now let’s talk about where this lovely dish comes from.

A Rustic French Classic with a Berry Twist

Flaugnarde is a French baked custard, very similar to the more famous clafoutis. Traditionally made with cherries, flaugnarde uses other fruits like pears, apples, or berries. It is known for its rustic look and creamy texture, almost like a cross between a pancake and a custard.

Strawberries bring a fresh, slightly tangy note that pairs beautifully with the soft custard. It is a simple dessert with deep roots in French home cooking, and now you get to recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Before we preheat the oven, let me tell you why this dessert deserves a spot in your rotation.

Versatile: You can swap in different fruits depending on the season.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like eggs, milk, and flour.

Quick and Easy: Just whisk, pour, and bake.

Customizable: Add a hint of citrus zest or vanilla for extra flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: It looks impressive but tastes comforting and familiar.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake earlier in the day and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Great for Leftovers: It keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes lovely chilled.

Now let’s gather the tools that will make it all come together.

Kitchen Essentials for Perfect Results

You only need a few basics.

Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard batter.

Whisk: To create a smooth, lump free mixture.

Baking Dish: A round ceramic tart or pie dish works beautifully.

Fine Sieve: For dusting powdered sugar on top.

Now comes the most exciting part, the ingredients.

Ingredients You Will Need For Strawberry Flaugnarde

Each ingredient plays a gentle but important role.

1. Fresh Strawberries: 2 cups halved, sweet and juicy for bright flavor.
2. Large Eggs: 3, create the custard structure.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, adds balanced sweetness.
4. All Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup, provides light body to the custard.
5. Whole Milk: 1 cup, keeps the texture creamy and smooth.
6. Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, adds richness.
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor depth.
8. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances sweetness.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1 tablespoon for dusting, optional but beautiful.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

You have flexibility here.

Whole Milk: Use 2 percent milk if needed.

Heavy Cream: Substitute with additional milk for a lighter version.

Fresh Strawberries: Try raspberries or sliced peaches.

A Closer Look at the Star Ingredient

Fresh Strawberries: When baked, strawberries soften and release their juices into the custard. They become jammy and slightly caramelized around the edges, adding both flavor and color.

And now, let’s bring it all together.

Let’s Bake This Creamy Strawberry Delight

Here are the steps you’re going to follow.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 inch round baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Add flour and salt, whisk until combined. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking. Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Arrange halved strawberries evenly in the greased baking dish.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour the custard batter gently over the strawberries.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set but still slightly soft and the edges are lightly golden.
6. Finishing Touches: Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar using a fine sieve.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with an extra spoonful of fresh berries if desired.

Texture and Flavor in Every Bite

The edges bake into a delicate golden rim, slightly firm and lightly caramelized. The center stays creamy and tender, almost like a soft custard cake. The strawberries become juicy pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the smooth base.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Do not overbake, the center should jiggle slightly when done.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter.
• Place the baking dish on a sheet pan for easier handling.

What to Avoid When Making Flaugnarde

• Using watery fruit without patting dry.
• Overmixing which can create too much air.
• Cutting into it too soon before it sets slightly.

Nutrition Overview

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 230

Note: These are approximate values.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

You can bake this dessert earlier in the day and store it covered at room temperature for a few hours. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or enjoy chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lightly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few fresh mint leaves on top add a lovely touch of color.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Cut into squares and serve with yogurt for breakfast. Layer small pieces in a glass with whipped cream for a quick parfait. Warm a slice and drizzle with honey.

Extra Helpful Advice

Always taste your strawberries before baking. If they are not very sweet, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before pouring the batter.

Make It Look Stunning

Dust powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh look. Arrange strawberries cut side up for a prettier presentation.

Variations to Try

1. Add a little lemon zest to the batter.
2. Swap half the strawberries for raspberries.
3. Add a splash of almond extract.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
5. Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well first.

Q2: Is this like a custard or a cake?

It is somewhere in between, soft and creamy with light structure.

Q3: Can I make it dairy free?

Use plant based milk and cream alternatives, texture may vary.

Q4: Why did mine sink in the center?

It may need a few more minutes of baking.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Q6: How do I know it is done?

The center should be set but slightly soft to the touch.

Q7: Can I reduce sugar?

Yes, slightly, especially if your strawberries are sweet.

Q8: Does it taste better warm or cold?

Both are delicious, warm is creamier while cold is firmer.

Q9: Can I add spices?

A pinch of cinnamon works nicely.

Q10: How should I store it?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Strawberry flaugnarde is one of those desserts that feels fancy yet wonderfully simple. Creamy, lightly sweet, and bursting with juicy berries, it turns any evening into something special. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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