“`html
If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tartness with buttery, flaky richness, then this Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe is going to become your new favorite. With its free-form crust and vibrant filling, this galette captures the essence of cozy, home-baked goodness without any fuss. It’s an inviting dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable, showcasing fresh cranberries in a way that’s refreshingly simple yet irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients list for this Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe is delightfully straightforward, emphasizing quality and balance. Each item plays a key role: the flaky butter-laden crust, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, and the subtle notes of vanilla and lemon to brighten the entire pastry.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the base of your tender, flaky galette crust that holds all the juicy filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds sweetness, with some sprinkled on top for a crisp, sparkling finish.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon + pinch): Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness and tartness in every bite.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cubed): The secret to tender, flaky layers in the pastry—kept cold to maintain that perfect texture.
- Ice water (2.5 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together while keeping it firm and easy to work with.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the cranberry filling with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Fresh cranberries (2 cups): The star of the recipe, offering tartness that sings in every spoonful.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Balances the tart cranberries with its rich molasses flavor.
- Cornstarch (1.5 tablespoons): Thickens the juicy filling to keep it from turning runny and messy.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the fruit mixture.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Used to brush the crust edges for better sugar adhesion and browning.
How to Make Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, it’s crucial to get everything laid out and ready—measure your flour, sugar, and butter, prepare the ice water, and cube the butter into half-inch pieces. This makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a food processor, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water and lemon juice while the processor runs on low, just enough for the dough to start clumping—resist overmixing to keep that flaky texture.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Transfer your dough to cling wrap, shape it into a disc, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour to firm up, which helps the dough roll out easier and keeps the butter from melting before baking.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
About 10 minutes before your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 375°F and shift the rack to the bottom position—this ensures a nicely browned crust without burning the filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While waiting, toss the cranberries with brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This mixture creates a luscious, thick filling with just the right balance of tart and sweet.
Step 6: Roll out the Dough
Flour a large sheet of parchment paper and roll your dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if the edges look a little rustic—that’s the charm! Transfer the parchment and dough to a baking sheet for easy handling.
Step 7: Assemble the Galette
Spoon your cranberry filling into the center of the dough, leaving a few inches clear around the edges. Then gently fold the edges up and over, partially covering the filling to create that classic galette look.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the crust edges with a bit of water, sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar over the edges for sparkle and crunch, and slide the galette into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles beautifully.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let your Rustic Cranberry Galette rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set just enough so you get perfect slices. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
How to Serve Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted lightly over the top or a few fresh cranberries can elevate the presentation beautifully. Adding a sprig of mint offers a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the tart berries.
Side Dishes
This galette pairs wonderfully with something creamy to balance its tartness—think vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of crème fraîche. For brunch or a teatime treat, a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards for a charming, farmhouse vibe. Or, place a mini version of the galette in ramekins for portable, personal-sized desserts at parties. Drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce on top to add another layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover galette tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying as a midday snack or a lazy breakfast treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the galette either before baking or after it’s cooled. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive your Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the crust soggy and dull its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing the filling to avoid a watery galette.
Is it possible to make the dough by hand?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand by cutting cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs, then adding ice water and lemon juice gradually until the dough comes together.
Can I add other fruits to this galette?
Definitely! This Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe is versatile—try mixing in diced apples, pears, or even a handful of fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Rolling the dough on parchment paper helps, and making sure to thicken the filling with cornstarch is key. Also, baking on a lower oven rack encourages a crisp bottom crust.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener in equal amounts. These work similarly and keep the filling perfectly luscious without being runny.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making this Rustic Cranberry Galette Recipe that invites warmth and comfort into any kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or simply because you want a delicious homemade dessert, the balance of flaky pastry and tangy fruit filling will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and rewarding baking a galette can be!
“`
