Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette: The Ultimate Rustic Summer Dessert Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a summer evening, gathered with cherished friends, sharing laughter and delicious food. Last week, Steve and I had the absolute pleasure of hosting our wonderful friends, Becky of Vintage Mixer, and her husband Josh, for a delightful dinner on our deck. Summer dining al fresco is one of my greatest joys, and I seize every opportunity to transform our outdoor space into a cozy haven for shared meals and memorable moments.
The evening was a true culinary collaboration. Becky brought the most incredible main dish: a vibrant pasta generously coated with a homemade garlic scape and almond pesto, studded with tender squash and crispy bacon. It was fresh, flavorful, and utterly perfect for a summer night. My contribution to the feast was a dessert I had been eagerly anticipating making: a beautiful Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette, destined to be the crowning glory of our meal.
The inspiration for this particular galette stemmed from a special ingredient I had been holding onto: a bag of exquisite hazelnut flour from Bob’s Red Mill, a treasured gift from last month’s BlogHer Food conference. Knowing Bob’s Red Mill’s reputation for quality, I knew this hazelnut flour deserved to be showcased in something truly spectacular. The idea of a richly nutty crust, perfectly complemented by the fragrant, seasonal sweetness of fresh cherries, immediately sparked my imagination. And just like that, this show-stopping galette was conceived.
I genuinely adore making summer galettes. They capture all the comforting essence and delightful flavor of a traditional pie, yet they come with none of the fuss. Their rustic, free-form nature is incredibly forgiving, making them far less intimidating for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Forget about perfect crimping and intricate lattice work; the charm of a galette lies in its beautiful imperfections. They’re also an absolute dream for entertaining, as they can be baked earlier in the day and served at a relaxed room temperature, freeing you up to enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress. The combination of juicy, tart-sweet cherries nestled within that unique, aromatic hazelnut crust was, in a word, spot on. The nutty crust, while perhaps a touch more delicate to handle than a standard all-butter pie crust, offered a depth of flavor and a tender texture that made every bit of the extra effort undeniably worthwhile. It truly elevates this simple fruit dessert into something extraordinary.
Beyond the delicious food, the entire evening was simply wonderful. There’s a special kind of magic in sharing a meal and conversation with people you care about. We talked, laughed, and even had the immense pleasure of enjoying a few little baby snuggles with Becky and Josh’s adorable son, Everett. Those precious moments holding a newborn truly bring perspective. You often don’t realize just how much your own baby is growing and changing – mine will be 15 months old this month! – until you hold a tiny little one and remember just how small they once were. It’s a beautiful reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the joy of new life.
Indeed, shared meals aren’t just about the food on the table; they’re about the connections forged, the stories told, and the memories created. They truly are the best kind of meals. A heartfelt thank you, Becky and Josh, for joining us and making our summer evening so special!
The Perfect Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette Recipe
Ready to bake this delicious rustic dessert? Here’s the detailed recipe to guide you through creating your own Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette.
Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette
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Ingredients
For the Hazelnut Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ¾ cup hazelnut flour (65 grams)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (57 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (113 grams)
- 1-3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
- Coarse sugar , for sprinkling
For the Sweet Cherry Filling:
- 2 lbs sweet cherries , pitted and halved (900 grams) – ensure they are ripe and sweet for best flavor
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch – this helps thicken the cherry juices
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams) – adjust to your cherries’ sweetness
- Zest of 1 lemon – for a bright, fresh flavor
- Juice of 1 lemon – enhances the cherry flavor and balances sweetness
For Serving (optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup hazelnut , chopped (35 grams) – for an extra nutty crunch
Instructions
To Make the Hazelnut Crust:
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In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse briefly to ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed. Add the cold, cubed butter and toss to coat with the flour mixture. Pulse in short bursts (about 1-second intervals) until the butter pieces are roughly the size of small peas. This ensures a flaky crust. With the food processor running on low, gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture just begins to come together into a shaggy dough or forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix.
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Remove the dough from the food processor and gently shape it into a flat disk. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. This chilling process is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and ensuring a tender, flaky crust.
To Assemble the Galette:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier, especially if any cherry juices bubble over.
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On a lightly floured surface (or between two sheets of parchment paper for easier handling), roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfection – the rustic look is part of its charm! In a large bowl, gently toss together the pitted and halved sweet cherries, cornstarch, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the cherries are evenly coated. Pour this vibrant cherry mixture into the center of your rolled-out dough, leaving a border of about 2-3 inches around the edges.
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Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the cherry filling, pleating the dough as you go to create a beautiful, free-form rim around the entire galette. Once pleated, transfer the galette on its parchment paper to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the folded crust with the lightly beaten egg wash for a golden sheen, and generously sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sparkle and crunch.
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Bake the galette in the preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the hazelnut crust is beautifully golden brown and the cherry filling is visibly bubbling and thickened. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven. Allow the galette to cool completely on the baking sheet on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture, or reheat gently for a warm treat.
To Make the Fresh Whipped Cream:
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In the chilled bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn grainy.
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For an extra touch of indulgence and to highlight the hazelnut crust, serve individual slices of the galette with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts. A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream would also be absolutely divine!
Why This Cherry Hazelnut Galette is a Must-Try
This Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette stands out as the perfect summer dessert for so many reasons. First, the combination of sweet, juicy cherries and the earthy, aromatic hazelnut crust is simply divine. It’s a pairing that feels both classic and subtly sophisticated. The natural sweetness of seasonal cherries, enhanced by a hint of lemon, bursts through with every bite, while the hazelnut crust provides a delightful contrast in flavor and texture – a tender, flaky base with a rich, nutty undertone.
Beyond its incredible taste, the galette’s rustic charm is undeniable. Unlike a traditional pie, there’s no need for precise measurements or intricate crimping techniques. Its free-form nature embraces imperfections, making it a stress-free baking project even for those who might feel intimidated by pie crusts. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal dessert for summer entertaining; you can bake it ahead of time, and it’s perfectly delicious served at room temperature, which is a huge bonus when you want to enjoy your guests without being tied to the kitchen.
Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Galette
- Keep Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are as cold as possible. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour too quickly, creating those desirable pockets of steam during baking.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Pulse just until the butter is pea-sized and add water sparingly until the dough just comes together.
- Choose Ripe Cherries: The quality of your cherries will significantly impact the flavor of your galette. Look for plump, firm, and deep-colored sweet cherries. A cherry pitter is a valuable tool for speeding up the pitting process!
- Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you might want to slightly adjust the amount of granulated sugar in the filling. Taste a cherry first!
- Serve with Style: While delicious on its own, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts truly elevates this dessert into a gourmet experience.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual dinner with friends, or simply craving a taste of summer, this Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. It embodies everything wonderful about seasonal baking: fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and incredible flavor that brings smiles to every face. So go ahead, grab some fresh cherries, break out that hazelnut flour, and get ready to create a dessert that will be the star of your summer table. Happy baking!