A Cranberry Apple Galette is the perfect dessert to embrace the flavors of fall. With a warm, spiced apple filling and tart cranberries, this rustic galette is a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is easy to prepare. The crispy, flaky crust is an inviting contrast to the juicy, flavorful filling, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this dessert is sure to warm your heart.
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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Galette
This Cranberry Apple Galette is a simple yet delicious dessert that captures the essence of autumn. It’s a great option for those who love easy, rustic baking that doesn’t require precision but still results in a gorgeous, mouthwatering treat. The blend of tender apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The galette’s imperfect edges add to its charm, making it feel like a homemade masterpiece.
Ingredients for Your Cranberry Apple Galette
Here’s what you’ll need to create this rustic fall dessert:
- All-purpose flour: The base for the galette crust, providing structure and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a flaky, tender crust.
- Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without overworking it.
- Mixed apples: Sweet and tart apples like Gala and Granny Smith work best for balance.
- Fresh cranberries: Adds a burst of tartness to balance the sweetness of the apples.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a light caramelization to the crust.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Enhances the cozy, spiced aroma.
- Flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
- Egg yolk: Used to brush the crust, giving it a golden, glossy finish.
- Apricot jam: For glazing the crust, adding shine and a touch of fruity sweetness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, here are a few swaps:
- Gluten-free flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute to make the galette vegan-friendly.
- Pears: If you don’t have apples, pears make a great alternative, adding a soft, juicy texture.
- Maple syrup: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Apple Galette
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and a pinch of salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with half of the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of flour. In another bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining sugar and flour. This step helps prevent excess juice from leaking during baking.
- Assemble the galette: Spread the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Layer the cranberries over the apples. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as necessary to create a rustic border.
- Finish the galette: Brush the exposed crust with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Glaze and serve: While the galette cools, heat apricot jam with a splash of water and brush it over the crust for a glossy, flavorful glaze. Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cranberry Apple Galette
- Chill the dough: Always chill the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting and ensures a flaky, tender crust.
- Prevent leaks: If your filling is too juicy, add a little cornstarch or flour to thicken it before assembling the galette.
- Golden edges: If the crust edges are over-browning, cover them with foil and lower the oven temperature slightly to allow the filling to cook through.
- Texture adjustments: If your apples are too tart, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can help balance the flavor.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Your Cranberry Apple Galette
While the Cranberry Apple Galette is perfect on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:
- Ice cream or whipped cream: Serve the galette with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting treat.
- Nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced caramel sauce: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the galette for extra sweetness and richness.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the galette up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking.
A Taste of Fall in Every Bite
This Cranberry Apple Galette is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the flavors and aromas of fall. With its flaky crust, sweet and tart filling, and spiced scent, it’s the perfect dessert to make as the leaves change and the weather cools. The beauty of this galette lies in its rustic charm; there’s no need for perfection, just the enjoyment of creating something delicious from simple, seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a quiet evening treat, the Cranberry Apple Galette is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Take your time with it, savor every bite, and embrace the cozy feeling that only fall desserts can bring.
Conclusion: A Slice of Fall in Every Bite
The Cranberry Apple Galette is a delightful blend of fall’s finest flavors, bringing together the sweetness of apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the comforting warmth of spices. Its rustic charm and simple preparation make it the perfect dessert to celebrate the season. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, this galette is sure to become a beloved tradition.
Take the time to savor each bite as the crisp, buttery crust and juicy filling offer a taste of autumn in its purest form. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every slice. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting treat, this Cranberry Apple Galette is the perfect choice.
FAQ: Cranberry Apple Galette Recipe
Can I make the galette dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling it out.
Can I substitute other fruits in this galette?
Absolutely! While apples and cranberries are a classic combination, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, plums, or even mixed berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may release varying amounts of juice, so adjust the flour or cornstarch in the filling as needed to prevent a soggy crust.
How do I know when the galette is done?
The galette is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil and continue baking. The filling should be thickened, and the fruit should be tender but not mushy.
More Relevant Recipes
- Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake: A deliciously moist apple spice cake made with browned butter, offering rich, nutty flavors that pair beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, making it a perfect fall dessert companion.
- Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad: This fresh and tangy salad combines sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, making it a wonderful side dish that complements the rich flavors of a Cranberry Apple Galette.
- Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: A light and fluffy sheet cake bursting with warm cinnamon and tender apple pieces, offering a comforting and slightly spiced dessert perfect for autumn gatherings.
Cranberry Apple Galette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Cranberry Apple Galette is a rustic, delicious dessert that brings together the sweetness of apples and the tartness of cranberries. It’s a perfect fall treat with a buttery, flaky crust and spiced filling, making it a comforting choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water (plus more if needed)
- 3 cups mixed apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, washed and drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing with cranberries)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)
Instructions
- Combine the flour and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with half of the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Set aside.
- In another bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Spread the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Layer the cranberries over the apples. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as necessary to create a rustic border.
- Brush the exposed crust with the beaten egg yolk and optionally sprinkle with sugar for added crunch.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- In a small bowl, warm the apricot jam with a splash of water and brush it over the crust for a glossy finish.
- Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
- If the filling is too runny, add a little cornstarch to thicken it.
- If the crust edges brown too fast, cover with foil to prevent burning.
- For a vegan version, replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
