Coulis Vs. Clafoutis: The Baker’s Dictionary

If you ever wondered about what’s the difference between coulis and clafoutis, then you are among the many people. Fruit is a common ingredient in both dishes, and thus, it’s understandable if there’s confusion.

Coulis and clafoutis may sound similar, but they are distinct food items that incorporate fruit as their star ingredient. Any fruit can be used to make a coulis or clafoutis, depending on the person preparing them. The common ones are apples, rhubarb, berries, stone fruits, and more. But despite having some similarities, coulis and clafoutis are very different from each other, and if you have seen both of the foods in person, then you would never make a mistake regarding which one is what.

What Is A Coulis?

A coulis is essentially a thick and dense sauce. It is a French word that translates to “strained liquid.” But it basically represents the word “sauce” in the culinary world. If you have ever had a cheesecake with a thick sweet syrup on top, then most likely that’s coulis, and you have already tasted it without realizing. Coulis can be savory or sweet, depending on the purpose and what ingredients are used to make it.

What Is A Clafoutis?

Clafoutis, on the other hand, is a classic French dessert that is prepared by using fresh fruit. Here, a sweet batter, much like a pancake batter, is poured over the fruit, which is then kept to bake. Once the baking is done, it results in a light, airy, fruity, pudding-like texture, which is simply delicious. The commonly used fruits or berries for a clafoutis are peaches, cherries, plums, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. But apple and pear clafoutis are also a hit.

What's The Difference?

When it comes to the difference between a coulis and a clafoutis, it is quite straightforward. Coulis is a thick and dense sauce that is prepared by using a fruit. It can be made savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients and the purpose. It is not a dish on its own but is often used as a topping or spread on other foods like cheesecakes, pancakes, and more.

Clafoutis, however, is a full-fledged dessert that can be served on its own after a meal or to mark a celebration. Apart from that, you can also have both clafoutis and coulis at the same time while using coulis as a topping. Since both of them incorporate fruit, the flavors will complement each other perfectly.

Serving Instructions

Coulis is typically used as a topping for desserts. A coulis's beautiful and vibrant color adds a great visual appeal to the dessert; for example, in a cheesecake, a raspberry coulis is the most popular choice. Apart from a cheesecake, coulis is also used to top ice cream, bread pudding, or a pie.

They are also added to cocktails for a more enhanced and complex flavor profile, along with the color they provide overall. Clafoutis is served immediately once it's baked to perfection and is enjoyed warm. It is delicious on its own and can be enjoyed as a great weekend breakfast or brunch with your friends and family.