Gluten-Free Cherry Galette

This signature summer dessert features ripe cherries and a homemade gluten-free galette!

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Why Summer is the Perfect Season for Galettes

The dessert of the summer is, without a doubt, the galette. From fresh peach galettes to the signature cherry galette, these delightful pastries have taken social media by storm, and for a very good reason—they're incredibly delicious and serve as a unique alternative to the classic pie!

Even as we transition into the beginning of fall, you’ll still find tempting apple or plum galettes, but summer truly is the perfect season for this tasty treat. Why is that, you ask? Because galettes are a fantastic way to showcase all the fresh produce that summer has to offer! Not to mention, they bake in less than thirty minutes, which means less time spent in the kitchen for you. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, a galette is the ideal summer dessert to enjoy!

The Gluten-Free Crust

It's time to make the gluten-free galette dough. First, combine cold water and apple cider vinegar. Then, we're going to place the mixture in the freezer. This is an important step as we want the mixture cold when we later combine it with the dry ingredients. Next, sift the gluten-free baking flour, almond flour, xanthan gum, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. The combination of gluten-free baking flour and almond flour here provides the perfect crust that won't crumble. Also, just a touch of xanthan gum will go a long way, as it acts as a binder. Now it's time for the butter! Chop one stick of cold butter into small pieces, then add it to the flour mixture. Next, use your hands to combine the flour and butter. At first this may feel uncomfortable, but after a few minutes the butter will begin to break down. 

Next, we're going to add the water mixture one tablespoon at a time. Between tablespoons, use a fork to combine the ingredients. This gives our dough time to thoroughly absorb the ice water. Continue this process until you've add all of the water mixture. Then, use your hands to form the dough into a disk-like shape. Once the dough has molded to your liking, wrap it plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. 

After one hour, dust a surface with flour and roll out the dough into a circle. Finally, it's time to add our toppings! 

The Cherry Filling

To make the cherry filling, begin by adding 4 cups of pitted and halved cherries to a medium-sized mixing bowl. These vibrant cherries are the star of the show! Next, sprinkle in a fourth cup of pure cane sugar, followed by a fourth cup of zesty lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of cornstarch for that perfect thickness, 2 teaspoons of fragrant vanilla extract, a teaspoon of warm cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.

Gently mix everything together, allowing those delightful ingredients to mingle, then set the mixture aside for 15 minutes to let the flavors develop. After 15 minutes, drain any excess liquid from the cherries, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious filling that will elevate your galette to new heights!

Finishing the Galette

The galette is almost complete! Once you've drained the liquid from the cherries, it’s time to add them to the galette. Be sure to leave about an inch border around the edge, as this will be folded over the cherries, creating a beautiful rustic look.

After adding the cherries, gently fold the crust over the top layer of cherries, cradling them snugly. Next, transfer the galette to the freezer for 30 minutes. Freezing the galette before cooking is a key step; it helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy during baking.

While the galette is chilling, preheat the oven to a hot 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baking sheet inside. It’s important to preheat the baking tray, as this allows the galette to cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.

After 30 minutes, carefully transfer the galette to the prepared baking sheet. Before placing it in the oven, brush the crust with one whisked egg to give it a lovely sheen and prevent burning. Then, sprinkle about one tablespoon of pure cane sugar over the crust for a touch of sweetness. Now, place the galette in the oven for 15 minutes; after that, reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for another 40 minutes.

Once those 40 minutes are up, allow the galette to cool for 10-15 minutes, letting all those delightful flavors settle. Finally, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and some fresh cherries on top to enjoy with your delicious gluten-free cherry galette!