Cranberry Galette
Cranberry Galette is a delightful, rustic pastry that exudes warmth and charm. This dish is a harmonious blend of buttery, flaky crust enveloping vibrant, tart cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday feast, this galette is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes, inviting you to indulge in its golden-brown crust and jewel-toned filling. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make this beautifully imperfect tart, ensuring you’ll impress your guests or add a sweet touch to your next family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Cranberry Galette for its easy prep and dynamic flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. It’s a family-friendly recipe that allows everyone to join in on the fun, whether rolling out dough or folding the edges of the galette. Unlike complicated pies, this galette embraces simplicity, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. In less than an hour, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert with minimal fuss, giving you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones.
Ingredients for Cranberry Galette
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your flaky crust, this flour will create a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Using cold butter is essential for achieving that desirable flakiness—the colder, the better!
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed, and drained): These vibrant berries offer a delightful tartness, perfect for a galette.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients while helping to create a well-balanced dish.
- 4-6 tbsp ice water: Essential for bringing the dough together while keeping it cold.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prepare the Dough: Start by combining the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Next, add the cold, cubed butter and blend it with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, just enough for the dough to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
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Make the Filling: Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to prepare the filling. Toss the fresh cranberries with granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the cranberries soften slightly.
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Roll It Out: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfection; the rustic look adds to the charm. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Assemble: Spoon the cranberry filling into the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. Gently fold the edges over the filling to create pleats, tucking and pinching as necessary. Brush the exposed crust with melted butter and sprinkle sugar over the top for added sweetness.
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Bake: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling with delicious anticipation. Serve warm, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill your ingredients: For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are very cold.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough minimally to avoid a tough texture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance—just combine them when you’re ready to bake.
- Add a twist: Consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a splash of vanilla to the cranberries for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
When it comes to serving your Cranberry Galette, the options are as delightful as the dish itself. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warmth of the galette to soften the cream. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche adds a luxurious touch. To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or dusting powdered sugar on top. For beverages, a fragrant herbal tea or a crisp apple cider would beautifully complement the tart flavors.
Nutritional Information
While treating yourself to this Cranberry Galette, you can feel good about the natural ingredients you’ve chosen. Each slice packs a punch of seasonal flavor, with cranberries providing antioxidants and vitamins. However, remember that this treat is indulgent, so moderation is key. A typical slice contains approximately 240 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and a touch of sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry Galette
If you find yourself with leftover galette (though it’s hard to resist a second slice), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. If you’re feeling creative, consider using other fruits such as apples or pears in combination with cranberries or even incorporating spices like nutmeg for a twist on the classic.
Conclusion for Cranberry Galette
Why wait to experience the irresistible charm of Cranberry Galette? This delightful dessert is not only easy to make but also brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart, you’ll surely want to try this recipe right away. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and immerse yourself in this baking adventure you won’t forget!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work wonderfully! Just remember to thaw and drain them before use. -
How can I make my crust extra flaky?
Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flakiness. -
Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! Apples, pears, and berries can all make delightful substitutions in this recipe. -
How can I tell when my galette is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown, and the cranberries should be bubbling. -
Is it possible to make this galette dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. Enjoy baking!
Cranberry Galette
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your flaky crust, this flour will create a tender texture.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed) Using cold butter is essential for achieving a flaky crust.
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar A touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- 0.25 tsp salt Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- 4-6 tbsp ice water Essential for bringing the dough together while keeping it cold.
For the filling
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed, and drained) These vibrant berries offer a delightful tartness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon Adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, just enough for the dough to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.
Make the Filling
- Toss the fresh cranberries with granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes.
Roll It Out
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Assemble
- Spoon the cranberry filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling to create pleats.
- Brush the exposed crust with melted butter and sprinkle sugar over the top.
Bake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.