If you’ve been on the hunt for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple dessert to wow your friends and family, this Cranberry Galette Recipe might just become your new go-to. The perfect balance of tart cranberries with a hint of warm cinnamon, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, makes this rustic galette both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a cozy winter treat or a festive centerpiece, this recipe brings vibrant color and delightful flavor to your table without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Galette Recipe plays a starring role, combining to create a harmony of texture, flavor, and color. From the flaky crust to the punchy fruit filling, you’ll see how simple essentials come together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base for a tender and flaky crust, stick to all-purpose for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (½ cup): Cold butter ensures a flakier crust by creating those wonderful pockets of butter in the dough.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Fresh cranberries (2 cups): The star ingredient, bursting with tang and vibrant color; frozen works too if you thaw and drain properly.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms up the filling with a cozy spice note that complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and sharpens the sweetness in both the crust and filling.
- Ice water (4-6 tbsp): Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, key for that tender yet flaky crust.
How to Make Cranberry Galette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl, creating the dry base of your crust. Adding cold, cubed butter next, blend it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this texture is what gives your crust its flaky layers. Slowly incorporate ice water a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together in a ball. Be careful not to overwork it; a little chill time for at least an hour helps relax the gluten and keeps that buttery flakiness intact.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your dough cools, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl. This short resting period allows the sugar to soften the berries slightly and infuse them with warm spice, setting the flavor foundation for your galette.
Step 3: Roll It Out
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly flour your work surface. Roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle, embracing the rustic charm of a galette that’s never meant to be perfectly uniform. This easygoing vibe makes it all the more inviting!
Step 4: Assemble
Transfer your rolled dough onto parchment paper. Spoon the cranberry filling into the center, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. Gently fold this border over the fruit, creating pleats as you go to secure the filling while leaving the beautiful cranberries on full display.
Step 5: Bake
Before sliding your galette into the oven, brush the crust with melted butter for a golden shine and sprinkle a bit more sugar on top for crunch. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and the bubbling berry filling looks luscious and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before serving to let those flavors marry.
How to Serve Cranberry Galette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cranberry Galette Recipe presentation, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream really hits the spot. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cranberries on top adds extra eye appeal that’s impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This galette shines as a dessert but also pairs wonderfully with a simple autumn salad or a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. These savory sides balance the tart sweetness, making your meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this galette on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic plate to emphasize its homemade charm. For gatherings, try slicing into wedges and placing each on a dessert plate garnished with mint leaves or edible flowers for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. This way, the galette stays fresh, and the crust maintains some of its crispness rather than becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the galette either before or after baking. If freezing before, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes to revive that flaky crust and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which could make the crust soggy.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?
Yes, chilling is important because it helps the butter stay cold and firm, which creates the flaky texture you want in the crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! The dough can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What if I want a sweeter galette?
Feel free to adjust the sugar in both the dough and the filling. Adding a little more sugar or even a drizzle of honey before baking can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Can I add other fruits to the cranberry filling?
Definitely! Apples, pears, or even a handful of raspberries make great companions to cranberries and add layers of flavor to your galette.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Cranberry Galette Recipe because it’s one of those rare desserts that feels both comforting and impressive without demanding a ton of fuss. It’s an effortless way to brighten up your dessert repertoire with fresh, seasonal ingredients and that irresistible flaky crust we all love. Don’t hesitate—grab those cranberries and bake this delightful galette. Your taste buds will thank you!
