Cranberry Apple Galette Recipe

Cranberry Apple Galette is a rustic fruit dessert featuring thinly sliced apples and tart cranberries wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry crust. The fruit filling becomes soft and juicy as it bakes, while the folded crust develops crisp, caramelized edges for the perfect balance of textures.

This simple free-form tart is a beautiful choice for fall gatherings, holiday desserts, or a weekend baking project. With no need for a special tart pan, this elegant dessert comes together easily while showcasing the flavors of seasonal fruit.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Galette

• Rustic and Easy: No special tart pan is needed for this beautiful dessert.
• Perfect Fall Flavor: Apples, cranberries, and cinnamon create a classic seasonal combination.
• Flaky Homemade Crust: The buttery pastry adds the perfect contrast to the juicy filling.
• Beautiful Presentation: The folded edges give it a charming homemade look.
• Great for Holidays: A wonderful alternative to traditional pies.
• Easy to Customize: Swap in different fruits and spices based on the season.

Ingredients That Make This Galette Special

1. Apples: Firm apples hold their shape while becoming tender and flavorful during baking.
2. Cranberries: Their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the apples and adds vibrant color.
3. Cold Butter: Creates a flaky, tender crust with beautiful layers.
4. Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
5. Simple Pastry Dough: A basic buttery dough lets the fruit filling shine.

Chef’s Tip: Keep the butter cold while making the dough. Cold butter creates steam during baking, which helps form a flaky crust.

Cranberry Apple Galette

The Cranberry Apple Galette is a rustic tart that features thinly sliced apples and vibrant cranberries nestled inside a flaky, golden crust. The dish is assembled by folding the dough edges over the fruit filling and baked until bubbly and crisp, with a tender interior and slightly caramelized edges.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Calories: 320kcal

Author: James Taylor

Servings: 8

Equipment

• ▢
  Mixing Bowl
• ▢
  Rolling Pin

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour for the dough
• ▢ 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
• ▢ 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the dough and filling
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 3-4 tablespoons ice water add gradually to bring dough together
• ▢ 3 large apples firm, tart variety like Granny Smith
• ▢ 1/2 cup fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed
• ▢ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the fruit filling
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth to the filling

Instructions

• Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingertips to cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  
• Gradually sprinkle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to clump together but is not wet or sticky.
  
• Gather the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and chill the butter.
  
• Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss the slices in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cranberries, letting the flavors meld slightly.
  
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 12-inch circle. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  
• Pour the fruit filling onto the center of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border all around.
  
• Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as needed to create a rustic, uneven border. Brush the crust with a little water or egg wash for a shiny finish.
  
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
  
• Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
  

Notes

For a more pronounced cinnamony flavor, sprinkle extra cinnamon over the fruit before folding. You can also substitute other seasonal fruits like pears or plums for variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 150mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword fall, fruit tart, rustic

Nutrition Information

Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Galette

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and chilled dough create a crisp, flaky crust.
• Avoid Overfilling: Too much fruit can make the crust soggy.
• Slice Apples Thinly: Thin slices cook evenly and create a better texture.
• Leave a Dough Border: This helps contain the juicy filling.
• Let It Rest: Cooling slightly helps the filling set.
• Bake Until Golden: A deeply colored crust means better flavor.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Pear Cranberry Galette: Replace apples with ripe pears.
• Apple Caramel Galette: Add caramel drizzle before serving.
• Spiced Apple Galette: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
• Berry Apple Galette: Mix in blueberries or raspberries.
• Almond Apple Galette: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the filling.
• Maple Apple Cranberry Galette: Replace sugar with maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free Galette: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
• Pair with coffee milk punch or tea.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover galette covered for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze baked slices for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.
• Freshness Tip: Add ice cream or whipped cream just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What apples work best for cranberry apple galette?
   Firm tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape while baking.
2. Can I use frozen cranberries?
   Yes. Thaw and drain them before adding to the filling.
3. Do I need a tart pan for this recipe?
   No. A galette is designed to be baked directly on a flat baking sheet.
4. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
   Avoid adding excess liquid to the filling and keep the dough chilled before baking.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
6. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Yes. Store-bought crust works well for a quicker version.
7. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
   Yes. Replace butter with a plant-based baking butter.
8. What can I serve with cranberry apple galette?
   Ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh berries pair beautifully with this dessert.

James Taylor

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i’m James
The home cook and food blogger behind Beyond the Bayou Blog. Cooking has always been my happy place.
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