Cake for Shabbat – Figs Clafoutis

March 20, 2025 by Dagny @ break thy bread 148 Comments

Piece of figs Clafoutis on a white plate with wide black rim and gold fork at the front. in the background on the left, black and white pie pan with fig Clafoutis, pink flowers in the center and pink tea cup with gold teaspoon on the right

Although this dessert diverges from the traditional clafoutis, it is inspired by the classic French dish. During my childhood in Israel, I was accustomed to a warm cheesecake typically served at hotel breakfasts. This cake was distinct from conventional cheesecakes, with a denser texture. After viewing clafoutis videos, I noticed a textural similarity to this nostalgic cake and took the liberty of modifying the recipe to incorporate a richer, cheesier flavor. The result is exceptional, effectively capturing the essence of the warm cheesecake while maintaining a lighter consistency. Furthermore, this dessert is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring only basic ingredients, with the exception of figs, which can be readily substituted with cherries or berries. I highly recommend giving it a try. Delish

Ingredients:

10-12 fresh figs – halves

1/3 cup brandy

1/3 cup sugar

Dry ingredients

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup cornstarch

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup sugar

Zest of one lemon/orange

Wet ingredients:

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping – optional

Some dark/light sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C (conv)

Butter 10 inch high edges pie pan or 9 inch cake pan

Mix the sugar and brandy well and soak the figs in it, open part facing down, for 1hr.

In a medium bowl, rub sugar and zest together till fragrant and mix it with the rest of the dry ingredients.

Strain the figs and mix the strained fluids (brandy and sugar) with the dry ingredients. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix well. Add heavy cream and whisk to combine.

Pour the mixture into the pan and arrange the figs nicely with the cut part facing up. If desired, sprinkle some brown sugar on each fig.

Bake for 50-60 min till golden brown, puffy, and center feels set.

The cake will sink while cooling down and might crack, both are ok. Cool for 15-20 min before serving and eat warm or at room temperature.

Keep any leftovers in the fridge and warm before serving. Don’t forget to dust us with powdered sugar before serving. also goes together perfectly with whipped cream.

Enjoy

This cake is in memory of Libby Cohen Meguri (22) who was murdered by Hamas terrorist at the Nova festival in Israel on October 7th, 2023. When the rocket attack started, Libby and her friend tried to flee the party in their car. They been shot by terrorists and badly injured Libby, called her family to update them if their situation and to tell them she loved them. The terrorist then approached the car and shot her again while her family hearing it all on the other side.

Her family describe her as a very happy, energetic person who loved helping others. Libby was on her “after army” trip to South America for 7 months, cutting it short so she can attend the Nova festival. Her surprised family was very happy and relived that she returned home safe and sound.

Libby survived by her Mother, twin brother and younger sister.

RIP Libby

If you want to read more about her story, try this link:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.timesofisrael.com/libby-cohen-meguri-22-god-sprinkled-her-with-charisma-powder/amp/&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwijodOh4ImIAxWDEFkFHQc6NjYQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw11BpSIf_VOFa7krU9Y9ybt

* I did not know her. This is only my way of keeping her memory alive. All the information was taken from Israeli news sites. I apologize in advance if there are any inaccuracies. Feel free to correct me or add anything in her memory if you knew her.