How to Make a Classic French Fruit Galette

How to Make a Classic French Fruit Galette

A French fruit galette is a rustic and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with a buttery, flaky pastry. Unlike traditional pies that are typically baked in a pan, a galette is freeform, giving it a charming, rustic appearance. Whether you use berries, apples, or stone fruits like peaches and plums, the versatility of a galette makes it perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make a classic French fruit galette, from making the dough to assembling and baking it.

Ingredients

For the pastry dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the fruit filling:

• 2-3 cups of fresh fruit (such as mixed berries, apples, peaches, or plums)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to sweetness of the fruit)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (to thicken the filling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For finishing:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough

Start by making the dough, as it needs to chill before use. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized pieces.

Once the butter is incorporated, slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing in between. Once the dough starts to come together, remove it from the processor. If it seems too dry, add a little more water, but be careful not to overwork the dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Prepare the Fruit Filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare the fruit filling. Depending on the fruit you choose, you may need to peel and slice it (for apples or peaches) or leave it as is (for berries). Place the fruit in a bowl and toss with sugar, cornstarch (or flour), lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). The cornstarch helps thicken the juices released by the fruit as it bakes, ensuring the filling is not too runny.

3. Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rough 12-inch circle. It doesn’t need to be perfect; the beauty of a galette is its rustic appearance.

4. Assemble the Galette

Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the fruit filling into the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches around the edges. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go to form a circle. The center will remain exposed, allowing the fruit to peek through.

5. Add the Egg Wash

To give the galette a golden, glossy finish, brush the exposed dough with an egg wash. To make the egg wash, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of the dough.

Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of the dough for added sweetness and texture.

6. Bake the Galette

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the galette in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbling. Depending on the type of fruit and the size of the galette, baking times may vary slightly.

7. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. The juices from the fruit can be hot, so be careful when serving.

Serve the galette warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Galette

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky, tender crust. It creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a light, crisp texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When handling the dough, be gentle and avoid overworking it. Overworking can lead to a tough crust. Keep everything cold and handle it as little as possible.
• Use a Variety of Fruits: Galettes are highly customizable. Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor. Mix and match fruits like apples, pears, berries, and stone fruits.
• Add a Streusel Topping: For a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle a streusel topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats on top of the fruit filling before folding the dough. This adds both texture and flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on the Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the fruit and adds a refreshing tang to the filling.

Variations of French Fruit Galette

• Apple and Cinnamon Galette: Slice apples thinly and toss them with cinnamon and sugar for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Berry Galette: A mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries makes a colorful and tart filling. Add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Peach Galette: Fresh peaches, lightly sweetened with sugar, create a juicy filling. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
• Stone Fruit Galette: Use a combination of plums, nectarines, or apricots for a juicy and fragrant filling. These fruits hold up well when baked.

Why You’ll Love This Classic French Fruit Galette

The galette’s rustic and freeform nature makes it a fun and approachable dessert. There’s no need to worry about getting a perfect crust or an immaculate finish, giving you more room to experiment with different fillings and flavors. It’s also a versatile dessert that can be served at any time of day — from a breakfast treat to a light after-dinner dessert.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pastry chef, making a fruit galette is a rewarding and satisfying experience. Plus, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits throughout the year.

Enjoy your homemade French fruit galette with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the delightful combination of flaky pastry and sweet, juicy fruit!