This Easy Fresh Cherry Almond Galette is a sweet treat made with juicy cherries and a crunchy almond crust. It’s simple to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy dessert night!
Who knew something so tasty could be so easy? I love how the tart cherries pop in your mouth. Plus, you can enjoy this with a scoop of ice cream or just as it is—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal for this recipe, as they offer a sweet and tart flavor. If cherries are out of season, you could substitute with frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain excess liquid to keep the crust from getting soggy.
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I find that almond flour can also add a nice flavor if mixed 50/50 with all-purpose flour.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over salt content. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well. Just make sure it’s cold for a flaky texture!
Almond extract: It adds a lovely depth of flavor, enhancing the cherries. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a couple drops of almond liqueur for a more adult version.
Coarse sugar: This optional topping adds visual appeal and a bit of crunch. Regular granulated sugar can work too if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do I Achieve a Flaky Crust?
Creating a flaky crust is all about handling the dough with care. You’ll want to keep the butter as cold as possible and avoid overworking the dough. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want little lumps of butter for flakiness.
- When adding cold water, do it one tablespoon at a time, mixing just enough for the dough to come together. A little unevenness is okay!
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, which is key to that flaky texture.
- When rolling it out, try to use a light touch. If it starts to stick, keep your surface floured to avoid tearing.
Easy Fresh Cherry Almond Galette For Two
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
For The Filling:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful galette takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to refrigerate the crust for about 30 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from prep to deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until everything looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually mix in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the pitted and halved cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gently toss everything together to coat the cherries well. Set this mixture aside for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld nicely.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While your cherries are settling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your galette goes in.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out your chilled dough into a rough circle, about 10 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Assemble the Galette:
Place the cherry filling in the center of the dough, making sure to leave a 1-2 inch border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the cherries, creating pleats as you go for a rustic look. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’s supposed to look homemade!
6. Add Toppings:
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful, golden finish. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the cherry filling, and if you’d like, add some coarse sugar on top for a bit of extra sweetness and crunch.
7. Bake:
Pop the galette into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cherries are bubbly and delicious.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature! It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to treat yourself. Enjoy your Easy Fresh Cherry Almond Galette!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Simply add them directly to the filling mixture, but you may want to increase the cornstarch by an additional tablespoon to help absorb the extra moisture as they bake.
How to Make This Galette Gluten-Free?
You can make this galette gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon if it doesn’t, to help with the structure of the crust.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
How to Store Leftover Galette?
Store any leftover galette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which will also help crisp the crust again.
