Chef John's Cherry Clafoutis

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 2-quart baking dish.

Whisk milk, ⅓ cup sugar, flour, and salt together in a mixing bowl to blend and break up any lumps. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until custard is well blended. Spoon about ½ custard into the prepared baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Scatter cherries evenly on top of set custard; sprinkle with remaining ⅓ cup sugar. Spoon in remaining ½ custard, trying to avoid rearranging cherries.