Apple and Cranberry Galette
Rustic Charm in Every Bite
There’s something truly comforting about a rustic dessert that feels both effortless and elegant. This Apple and Cranberry Galette is a perfect example—a golden, flaky crust enveloping sweet apples and tart cranberries, creating a medley of flavors that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening at home or looking for a show-stopping dessert for a festive gathering, this galette strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable.
What we love most about this galette is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hours of prep time to create a dessert that looks straight out of a bakery. It’s a dessert that invites creativity and imperfection, making it as enjoyable to bake as it is to eat. Plus, the combination of apples and cranberries brings a touch of seasonal magic to your table, filling your home with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Healthier Modifications
If you’re looking to make this galette a little lighter, try these simple adjustments:
- Reduce Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar by a third, or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in the filling.
- Whole-Grain Crust: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Dairy-Free Crust: Use chilled coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter.
- Lower-Calorie Filling: Use more cranberries and fewer apples, as cranberries are naturally lower in sugar and calories.
These tweaks keep the galette delicious while making it suitable for those looking for healthier dessert options.
Tailor This Galette to Your Taste
One of the best things about a galette is how versatile it can be. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, experimenting with flavors, or simply using what you have on hand, here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Swap the Fruits
- Pear and Cranberry Galette: Replace the apples with ripe pears for a softer, juicier filling.
- Mixed Berry Galette: Substitute cranberries with a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a burst of summer flavor.
- Apple and Fig Galette: Add sliced fresh or dried figs to the apples for a touch of earthy sweetness.
2. Experiment with Spices
- Add ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Sprinkle a pinch of allspice or cloves for a holiday-inspired flavor.
3. Enhance the Crust
- Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory herbaceous note.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed nuts (like almonds or pecans) or graham cracker crumbs over the crust before adding the filling to prevent sogginess and add texture.
4. Make It Dairy-Free or Vegan
- Swap the butter in the crust with a plant-based alternative or chilled coconut oil.
- Use a plant-based milk wash instead of an egg wash for a golden crust.
5. Add a Boozy Kick
- Soak the cranberries in orange liqueur, spiced rum, or brandy for 30 minutes before adding them to the filling.
- Drizzle a bit of bourbon caramel over the galette before serving for an indulgent touch.
6. Gluten-Free Options
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix to make the crust gluten-free. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it to maintain the structure of the crust.
7. Sweeten Naturally
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a more natural sweetness. Adjust the quantity slightly since these sweeteners can be more potent.
8. Top It Off
- Add a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta before baking for a sweet-savory combination.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or orange glaze for extra flavor and shine.
With these variations, you can customize this galette to fit your preferences, the season, or the ingredients in your pantry. Let your creativity shine and make this recipe uniquely yours!
Apple and Cranberry Galette
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the dough and filling.
- 1 Pastry Cutter or Food Processor – To combine butter into the flour for the crust.
- 1 Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough (a wine bottle can substitute in a pinch!).
- Parchment Paper – For an easy and mess-free transfer to the baking sheet.
- 1 Baking Sheet – To bake the galette to golden perfection.
- 1 Pastry Brush – To apply the egg wash on the crust.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure precise ingredient quantities.
- 1 Knife or Apple Peeler – For slicing and peeling the apples
- 1 Zester (Optional) – If adding orange zest for extra flavor.
- 1 Spatula or Spoon – To mix and spread the filling onto the dough.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup Ice water (plus more if needed)
- Pro Tip: Freeze the butter for 15 minutes before cutting it into cubes for an extra-flaky crust.
For the Filling:
- 3 Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup Fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, but adds a lovely citrus note)
For Assembly:
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually drizzle in the ice water, mixing just until the dough holds together. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, if necessary.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- Tip: Don’t overwork the dough—visible butter chunks ensure a flaky crust!
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples and cranberries with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Galette
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon the apple and cranberry mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic look.
- Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the galette cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Notes
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep your galette fresh and delicious:- Room Temperature: Store the galette covered with foil or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: If you’re keeping it longer, place it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.
A Dessert Worth Sharing
This Apple and Cranberry Galette is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, proving that you don’t need elaborate techniques to create something truly special. The flaky, buttery crust paired with the sweet-tart filling is sure to impress your family and friends while leaving you plenty of time to enjoy their company. It’s the kind of dessert that feels as comforting as it is elegant, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and festive occasions.
Now it’s your turn to bring this rustic treat to life! We’d love to hear how your galette turns out—whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own creative twist. Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag Satisfy Your Cravings on social media. If you’re craving more inspiration, be sure to subscribe to our blog for recipes that bring joy and warmth to your kitchen. Let’s keep satisfying those cravings together!