Description
Summer Berry Galette is a delightful rustic free-form pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. This easy-to-make dessert highlights the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of seasonal berries, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Best served warm, it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to retain flakiness. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the galette. Ensure the oven reaches the full temperature before baking for optimal crust texture.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the mixed fresh berries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The cornstarch will thicken the berry juices as they cook, preventing a soggy crust.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch diameter circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Try to keep the shape as round as possible for even folding.
- Assemble the galette: Transfer the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the berry filling into the center, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges free of filling. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up over the berries, pleating as needed to encase the filling partially, maintaining an open center.
- Finish the crust: Brush the folded dough edges with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy crust after baking. Sprinkle with coarse sugar to add a slight crunch and sweetness to the crust surface.
- Bake the galette: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling, indicating the sugars have caramelized and the fruit is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the galette from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use any combination of fresh seasonal berries for variety and personal preference.
- Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling is key to achieving a flaky, tender crust.
- This galette is delicious served warm, ideally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired