Simple & Delicious Mini Blueberry Galettes: Your Go-To Summer Dessert Recipe
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer truly beckons for simple pleasures and fresh, vibrant flavors. And what captures the essence of summer baking better than a dessert brimming with juicy, sun-ripened blueberries? These delightful mini blueberry galettes are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a celebration of the season, offering a rustic charm that’s hard to resist. Perfectly portioned and effortlessly elegant, they are an absolute must-add to your summer baking list!
Embracing the Abundance of Summer Blueberries
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when fresh blueberries hit their peak season. It’s impossible to walk past a farmers’ market or grocery store display featuring those glorious 2-pound flats of blueberries for an unbeatable price without stocking up. Who can resist? Certainly not me! I’ve already indulged in three flats this season and am already planning my next trip for more. We’re not just eating them; we’re popping them like candy, tossing them into breakfasts, lunches, and, of course, baking them into incredible treats. Summer truly is the best, isn’t it?
Just last week, during a much-needed break in our heat wave, I found myself with a deep craving for something sweet, simple, and quintessentially summery. My mind immediately went to these mini blueberry galettes. This recipe is an old favorite, tucked away in my archives, but with an abundance of ripe blueberries practically overflowing in our kitchen, I simply couldn’t resist bringing it back to life. The allure of a buttery, flaky crust embracing a sweet-tart blueberry filling was too strong to ignore.
Why These Mini Blueberry Galettes Are Your Perfect Summer Companion
These individual galettes are truly the perfect single-serving summer pie, offering all the delightful flavors of a classic fruit pie without the fuss of a pie dish or intricate crimping. Their rustic, free-form shape makes them charmingly imperfect and approachable for any home baker. You can serve them warm, straight from the oven, allowing the warm, bubbling blueberry filling to truly shine, or at a more relaxed room temperature, which makes them ideal for picnics or potlucks. They are versatile enough for a sophisticated dessert, a casual afternoon snack, or even (and I confess this openly) a perfectly acceptable breakfast the next day. Seriously, one for breakfast felt absolutely perfect!
While a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is entirely optional, it comes highly recommended. The way it slowly melts into the warm blueberry filling creates a decadent symphony of flavors and textures that elevates these simple galettes into an unforgettable experience. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar also make wonderful additions.
baking tip: What is a Galette? Your Guide to Rustic Perfection
For those new to the term, a galette is an open, free-form pie or pastry that beautifully originated in France. Think of it as the more relaxed, rustic cousin to a traditional pie. Instead of carefully fitting dough into a pie or tart pan, the beauty of a galette lies in its simplicity: the edges of the pastry dough are merely folded casually over a sweet or savory filling, creating a charmingly “undone” look. This less formal presentation is part of its appeal, making it approachable and forgiving for bakers of all skill levels. Galettes can vary greatly in size, from grand family-style desserts to these adorable, individual mini versions, each one offering a delightful, personalized experience. The ease of preparation, combined with its impressive visual appeal, makes the galette a firm favorite for any occasion.
Crafting the Perfect Flaky Crust and Sweet Blueberry Filling
The secret to an exceptional galette lies in two key components: a rich, flaky crust and a vibrant, flavorful filling. Our pie crust recipe ensures a tender, buttery base that perfectly complements the sweet-tartness of the blueberries. Using cold butter and buttermilk is crucial for achieving that desirable flaky texture, as it creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a wonderfully crisp crust. The dough is designed to be slightly dry, encouraging flakiness rather than toughness. Don’t be afraid of the “shaggy dough” — it’s a sign that you’re on the right track to a tender crust.
For the filling, fresh blueberries are the star, enhanced by just the right amount of sugar, cornstarch for thickening (to prevent a watery galette), a hint of warming nutmeg, and the bright, zesty perfume of lemon. The lemon zest doesn’t just add a beautiful aroma; it brightens the flavor of the blueberries, making them sing. This combination ensures a perfectly balanced filling that isn’t overly sweet, allowing the natural goodness of the fruit to shine through.
Mini Blueberry Galettes
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Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (226 grams)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (310 grams)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon cold buttermilk
For the filling:
- 1 pound fresh blueberries (510 grams)
- ⅓ cup sugar (60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (20 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 lemon
For assembly:
- 1 egg , for egg wash
- Coarse or sanding sugar , for sprinkling
Instructions
To make the pie crust
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In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter, cut into cubes, and toss to coat the butter. This initial coating helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly.
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Dump the entire contents of the bowl out onto a well-floured surface. With a well-floured rolling pin, gently roll the mixture together, flattening the butter into long, thin sheets within the flour. Use a bench scraper to continually bring the mixture back together again as needed, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated. This method, often called “fraisage,” creates those desirable flaky layers.
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Once the butter is in long, thin sheets and evenly distributed throughout the flour, return the mixture to the bowl and create a well in the center.
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Add the cold buttermilk to the well and stir to combine, forming a shaggy dough. The mixture should appear slightly dry and crumbly, but when pressed, it should hold together. Add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time, if absolutely necessary, but be cautious not to overhydrate the dough.
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Dump the dough contents back onto your lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal disks. Gently flatten each disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is crucial for the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
To make the galettes
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh ground nutmeg, and lemon zest. Add the fresh blueberries and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sugar mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices released by the blueberries during baking, preventing a soggy crust.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disk of chilled pie dough into an 8 to 10-inch circle. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfectly exact or even; the rustic look is part of the galette’s charm! Spoon approximately ⅙ of the blueberry mixture into the center of each dough disk, leaving a 1 to 1.5-inch border around the edge. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, creating pleats as you go.
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In a small bowl, whisk one egg to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed dough with the egg wash; this will give the crust a beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle generously with coarse or sanding sugar for extra sparkle and a delightful crunch.
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Carefully transfer the assembled galettes to the prepared sheet pans, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the blueberry filling is visibly bubbling and thickened. For even baking, rotate the sheet pans halfway through the cooking time.
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Once baked, remove the galettes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the sheet pans before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm for an incredibly comforting treat, or at room temperature for a delicious, portable dessert. Store any leftover galettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
Achieving the perfect mini blueberry galette is incredibly rewarding, and a few key tips can ensure your success. Always use cold butter and buttermilk for the crust; this is fundamental for flakiness. When rolling out the dough, don’t strive for perfection; the rustic, free-form look is part of the galette’s charm. If the dough becomes too warm or sticky, simply pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes to chill. For the filling, make sure to toss the blueberries thoroughly with the cornstarch and sugar mixture to ensure even thickening and flavor distribution. The egg wash and coarse sugar topping not only add visual appeal but also a delightful crunch and extra golden hue to your baked goods.
While fresh blueberries are undeniably spectacular in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits. Consider a mixed berry galette, using raspberries and blackberries, or even a peach galette with a hint of ginger for an autumnal twist. For a touch of citrus, you can add a little orange zest to the filling. Serving options are equally flexible: alongside vanilla ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or simply dusted with powdered sugar, these mini blueberry galettes are always a hit. They are fantastic for dessert, but their individual size also makes them ideal for brunch or an elegant afternoon tea spread.
Enjoy the Taste of Summer!
These mini blueberry galettes are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to slow down, enjoy the abundance of summer, and savor the simple joy of homemade baking. With their rustic charm, vibrant filling, and flaky crust, they are sure to become a cherished part of your summer dessert repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones at a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, these galettes promise a delicious taste of the season. So grab those fresh blueberries, embrace the ease of galette making, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of summer!
Note: This recipe was originally published in June 2012. Pictures have been updated and slight improvements to the recipe have been made to enhance flavor and texture.