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Cranberry Apple Galette

For a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than a Cranberry Apple Galette. This rustic pastry offers a sweet and tangy filling of tart cranberries and crisp apples, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe?

Seasonal Ingredients: Cranberries and apples are at their peak during the fall, giving this galette a fresh taste that embodies the season.
Simple Preparation: With a straightforward crust and filling, this galette is easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special gatherings.
Versatile Delight: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert or enjoy it as a delightful breakfast treat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Apple Galette

Ingredients:

For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:

Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the chilled butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss until the fruits are evenly coated.
Assemble the Galette:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the fruit 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, and leaving the center exposed.
Bake the Galette:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the crust to give it a golden shine. Sprinkle additional sugar over the crust for extra sweetness.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the galette to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Storing Leftover Cranberry Apple Galette

At Room Temperature: 1 day (covered with foil or plastic wrap)
In the Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (in an airtight container)
In the Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil)

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Apple Galette

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slices warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a comforting dessert.
With Whipped Cream: Top with fresh whipped cream for a lighter option that lets the flavors shine.
Pair with Coffee: Enjoy slices with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a cozy treat.

Tips to Make Cranberry Apple Galette

Use Chilled Ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are chilled to create a flakier crust.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage while baking.
Mix Your Fruits: Try combining different types of apples for a more complex flavor profile.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add a 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in addition to cinnamon for a more robust spice flavor in the filling.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Q: Can I substitute frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Use cornstarch in the filling to help absorb some moisture.

This Cranberry Apple Galette is not just a dessert; it evokes warm memories of family gatherings and the joy of sharing delicious homemade food. Perfect for holidays or simply a cozy weekend treat, it might become your new favorite pastry. Enjoy it warm, share it with loved ones, and create your own memorable moments around this scrumptious galette!