As autumn settles in and the air grows crisp, few desserts are as comforting as a warm, freshly baked galette. This Cranberry Apple Galette offers the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it a must-try during the fall season. The flaky crust paired with the juicy filling of apples and cranberries, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or indulging in a quiet moment, this rustic dessert will bring the flavors of autumn right to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Galette
This Cranberry Apple Galette isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. What makes this galette special is its ability to capture the essence of fall. The tart cranberries balance the sweetness of the apples, while the aromatic spices infuse the galette with the warm, cozy scent of the season. Plus, the rustic, free-form crust makes it feel homemade and personal, even if you’re not an expert baker.
Key Features:
- Rustic Charm: No need for perfection here. The uneven edges of the dough make it feel more inviting and handmade.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of apples combine for a delightful contrast, enhanced by warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Easy to Prepare: With a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Galette
To make your own Cranberry Apple Galette, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: For a tender, flaky crust.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a delicate texture to the crust.
- Ice water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.
- Mixed apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced, these apples provide sweetness and texture.
- Fresh cranberries: These tart berries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while allowing the natural flavors of the fruit to shine.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Spices that bring warmth and depth to the filling.
- Flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevent juices from leaking.
- Egg yolk: Used to brush the crust for a golden, glossy finish.
- Apricot jam: Adds a sweet glaze to finish off the galette.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Butter Substitution: If you prefer a dairy-free option, try substituting the butter with cold coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Apple Variations: For a different twist, use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji for more depth of flavor.
- Sweetener Swap: If you want a more natural sweetener, maple syrup or honey can be used instead of granulated sugar for a more rustic, refined flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Cranberry Apple Galette is simpler than it may seem. Just follow these easy steps to achieve a delicious, rustic dessert:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Once the dough begins to come together, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with half of the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. In another bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining sugar and a tablespoon of flour to help absorb excess liquid during baking.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Galette: Spread the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Top with the cranberries, then fold the edges of the dough over the fruit, pleating as you go.
- Add the Final Touches: Brush the exposed crust with the beaten egg yolk for a shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar on the crust for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the Galette: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the galette 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.
- Glaze and Serve: After baking, warm the apricot jam with a splash of water and brush it over the crust for a glossy, flavorful finish. Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cranberry Apple Galette
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s essential for a flaky crust.
- Avoid Overfilling: If the fruit mixture is too juicy, it can leak out during baking. A thicker filling or draining excess liquid can prevent this.
- Crust Care: If your dough cracks while rolling, simply patch it with extra dough. A rustic look is part of the charm!
- Glaze It: For added shine and flavor, brush the galette with apricot jam after baking. It enhances the golden finish of the crust.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Cranberry Apple Galette pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a richer dessert. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of ginger to the filling. If you prefer a more decadent treat, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days. To reheat, simply place the galette in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the assembled galette (before baking) for up to one month, making this dessert perfect for preparing in advance.
Seasonal Appeal of Cranberry Apple Galette
This Cranberry Apple Galette truly embodies the essence of fall and winter desserts. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and warm spices brings out the best of seasonal flavors. It’s a great way to celebrate the bounty of autumn and share the warmth of home-baked goods with loved ones.
In every bite, you’ll savor the cozy feeling of fall—whether it’s the perfect ending to a holiday meal or a simple indulgence for a quiet evening. The blend of textures, from the crispy crust to the tender filling, makes this galette a standout dessert for any occasion.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Apple Galette is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of the flavors and aromas of fall. With its rustic, free-form design, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and fragrant spices creates a comforting dessert that’s easy to make but looks impressive. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served on its own, this galette is sure to become a favorite in your autumn baking repertoire. The delightful messiness of its edges and the burst of flavor in every bite will leave you craving more.
So, next time you’re looking to embrace the essence of fall with a delicious and seasonal treat, give this Cranberry Apple Galette a try. Its imperfections are what make it so charming — a truly “imperfectly perfect” dessert for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Apple Galette?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling to avoid a soggy galette. This ensures the right texture and prevents the crust from becoming too wet during baking.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time for the Cranberry Apple Galette?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. You can also freeze it for up to one month. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature or slightly chill before rolling it out for the galette.
3. How can I prevent the crust from getting too brown around the edges?
If the edges of your galette start to brown too quickly during baking, cover them with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. This will prevent the crust from burning while allowing the rest of the galette to finish baking evenly.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Cinnamon Jam Recipe: Easy Fall Guide: This simple yet flavorful apple cinnamon jam combines the sweet taste of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, making it a perfect fall preserve that pairs wonderfully with the seasonal flavors of a Cranberry Apple Galette.
- Apple Pecan Fall Salad: This fresh and crunchy apple pecan salad features crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet filling of a Cranberry Apple Galette, perfect for a light side dish or brunch.
- Apple Cider Layer Cake Recipe: A deliciously moist and spiced apple cider cake layered with sweet frosting, offering a deep apple flavor that complements the tartness of cranberries in the galette, making it a great option for those who love fall-inspired desserts.
Cranberry Apple Galette
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Apple Galette is a rustic and delicious fall dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. The galette is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it the perfect treat for cooler weather and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 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 to toss 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 in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Form into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 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 a tablespoon of flour. Set aside to meld the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining sugar and flour to absorb excess liquid during baking.
- Spread the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Top with the cranberries.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the fruit, pleating as you go. Brush the exposed dough with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle sugar on the crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.
- Warm the apricot jam with a splash of water and brush over the crust for a glossy finish.
- Let the galette cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for a flaky texture.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.
- If the filling is too runny, add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
- Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days.
- To reheat, place the galette in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg