There’s something utterly magical about the crisp air of autumn, when the trees become canvases of gold and crimson, and the comforting aroma of baked goods fills our homes. Each year, as the leaves begin to fall, I find myself reminiscing about the times spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would skillfully craft her famous galettes. Her hands would expertly roll out the dough, and she’d always share a smile while discussing her secret ingredient for the perfect filling. Today, I want to share with you a recipe close to my heart – a delightful Cranberry Galette that embodies the essence of those cherished moments.
This rustic dessert not only brings back heartwarming memories, but it truly captures the essence of fall with its tart bursts of cranberry, complemented by a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the perfect dish for cozy gatherings or just a quiet evening at home with your favorite book. So roll up your sleeves, let’s get baking, because this Cranberry Galette will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: Even beginners can whip this up with confidence.
- Seasonal Delight: Bright, tart cranberries embrace the warmth of spices.
- Impressive Presentation: Rustic and charming, it looks as good as it tastes!
- Versatile: Perfect for dessert, a treat with afternoon tea, or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to bring this Cranberry Galette to life! Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 4 to 5 tbsp ice water
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (feel free to use frozen, just thaw them first)
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust depending on your sweetness preference)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps to thicken the filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens up the flavors)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds a warm spice note)
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling (for a sweet finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time to get our hands doughy and create something delicious!
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add in the chilled, diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pea-sized bits of butter throughout!
- Add Water: Gradually mix in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together without being sticky. Don’t overwork it or you’ll lose that flakiness!
- Chill: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step makes rolling easier and helps the crust stay flaky.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while the dough chills.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfection; the rustic look is part of its charm!
- Assemble the Galette: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the cranberry mixture into the center, leaving about 2 inches of border. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go. This doesn’t have to be fancy – it’s a galette, after all! It’s meant to look cozy and inviting.
- Add Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle a little sugar on top for that inviting crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Oh, the smell brings me back to those cozy kitchens!
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set up a bit. Serve warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun variations and handy tips to elevate your Cranberry Galette experience:
- Fruity Additions: Feel free to throw in some diced apples or pears for a delightful twist!
- Spice it Up: Substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup or honey can replace sugar for a more natural sweetening option.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg instead of the egg wash for a vegan-friendly galette.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no wrong way to enjoy your beautiful Cranberry Galette, but I particularly love it alongside a steaming cup of chai or a bold coffee. It’s an excellent way to start a cozy brunch! You could even serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the cracks, creating that beautiful ooze—it’s a sight for sore eyes!
Why not make a simple salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette on the side for a balanced meal? The flavors of tart cranberries in the galette complement a fresh salad brilliantly.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store your galette:
- Refrigerate: Cover the galette loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
- Freeze: You can also freeze unbaked galette. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it straight from the freezer to the oven (add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
For baked leftovers, I recommend wrapping them and storing in an airtight container in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for about a month. Just reheat in the oven to restore that glorious crust!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the galette?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other ingredients. They’ll still taste just as delicious!
What can I use if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
If you have whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, those can work too! Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly; whole wheat will be a bit denser, while gluten-free blends may need some adjustments.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar content in the filling or use more tart fruits to balance the sweetness. For example, mixing in apples or pears can help cut through the sweetness of the cranberries.
Can I prepare the galette in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it covered in your fridge for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to bake it on the day you plan to serve it for that fresh-out-the-oven warmth!
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Cranberry Galette warms your heart as much as it does your belly! It’s such a joyful treat to whip up in the kitchen and even better when shared with loved ones. I’d love to hear how yours turns out or if you added any fun twists of your own! Feel free to leave a comment below or tag me in your galette photos. Happy baking, my friend!
Irresistible Cranberry Galette Recipe A Festive Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover a delightful cranberry galette recipe perfect for festive gatherings Enjoy a flaky crust and vibrant filling that will impress your guests
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful Cranberry Galette that embodies the essence of fall with its tart bursts of cranberry and a buttery, flaky crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
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