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5.0 from 6 votes

Far Breton ~ French Custard Cake

Far Breton, a specialty of Brittany, France, is a custardy cake similar to clafouti filled with rum-soaked prunes. A lovely accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Calories: 391 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces prunes pitted
  • A scant 1/4 cup Armagnac, rum, or other brandy
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for the baking dish
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces (shelled weight) egg roughly equivalent to 4 large eggs
  • 4 ounces (3/4 to 1 cup) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons whole milk, cold

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. At least a few hours and preferably the night before you intend to bake the cake, soak the prunes in the Armagnac.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Reach for a deep-sided 8-by-10-inch (or equivalent size oval) baking dish. Brush the dish with the melted butter.
  3. In a bowl, combine the sugar and eggs and then gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined, and then stir in the salt. Slowly and gradually whisk in the cold milk to make a thin batter.
  4. Spoon the soaked prunes and a little of the syrupy liquid that remains into the buttered dish. Place it in the oven for just a few minutes to warm the prunes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour in the batter. Bake for 10 minutes. Then reduce the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 25 to 45 minutes more, depending on the size of your baking dish.
  5. To check that the Far Breton is ready, dip the blade of a sharp knife into cold water and use it to pierce the middle—if the knife comes out clean, it is ready. The sides of the far breton will also be starting to come away from the dish. Cool completely in the dish and, if desired, cover and refrigerate overnight before slicing and serving, preferably with a cup of tea.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1slice Calories 391kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 128mg (43%) Sodium 81mg (3%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 40g (80%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8to 10 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 391

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice
Calories 391kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 128mg 43%
Sodium 81mg 3%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 40g 80%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.