If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a rustic charm, this Strawberry Galette Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy, fresh strawberries enveloped in a golden, flaky crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This dessert is not only stunning to serve but also incredibly simple to make, bringing an inviting warmth to your kitchen and dining table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a passionate beginner, the Strawberry Galette Recipe will quickly become your go-to for an effortless yet impressive treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Galette Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery shortcrust pastry providing the perfect flaky base to the fresh strawberries that burst with summer sweetness. The subtle hints of brown sugar and honey add depth and caramel notes that elevate the galette to something simply unforgettable.
- Frozen shortcrust pastry: Using two sheets ensures a buttery, flaky crust that’s easy to handle and bake.
- Fresh strawberries (2 ½ cups): The star of the dish, bringing bright color and juicy sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 ½ tbsp): Helps to thicken the strawberry juices and keeps the filling from becoming too runny.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a warm, caramel flavor that balances the strawberries’ tartness.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Provides natural sweetness and a little extra moisture to the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp, optional): A touch of vanilla deepens the flavors, making every bite richer.
- Raw (demerara) sugar (3 tbsp): Sprinkled on top for a perfectly crunchy, sparkling crust.
How to Make Strawberry Galette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 210°C (190°C fan forced) or 400°F (375°F fan forced). This temperature ensures a beautifully crisp and golden crust. Then, set your frozen sheets of pastry on the counter to thaw for about 10 minutes – this makes them easier to work with without being too warm and sticky.
Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Filling
While the dough is thawing, combine your halved strawberries, cornstarch, brown sugar, honey, and the optional vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly. This mixture will balance the sweetness and thicken the strawberry juices during baking, giving your galette that luscious, jammy filling.
Step 3: Shape the Galette Base
Stack the two dough sheets on top of each other and place them on a lined baking sheet. Tear or gently cut the dough into a large circle – this rustic, freeform edge is what gives a galette its charming, homemade look. The slight imperfections are part of the appeal!
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the dough, but leave about a 5-centimeter (2-inch) border around the edges. This border will be folded over the filling in the next step, creating the galette’s signature shape and helping to contain those juicy berries.
Step 5: Fold the Edges and Add Sugar
Carefully lift the dough edges and fold them over the strawberry filling, pleating as you go for a beautiful rustic look. Then, sprinkle the raw sugar generously over the crust edges. This sugar caramelizes nicely in the oven, giving the crust a delightful crunch and sparkle.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your galette into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is deeply golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling deliciously inside. The aroma at this point is irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the galette cool for about 15 minutes. This rest time allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and more enjoyable to eat. Transfer the galette to a serving platter and get ready for some serious compliments.
How to Serve Strawberry Galette Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic companion to the warm galette, adding a creamy contrast to the fruity, flaky pastry. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the presentation, offering a pop of freshness or a delicate sweetness that enhances the dessert’s appeal.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Strawberry Galette Recipe with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a drizzle of crème fraîche elevates the experience with added richness. For something more substantial, a small salad with peppery arugula and a citrus vinaigrette can complement the sweet flavors beautifully if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn your galette into mini individual ones by using smaller dough circles and less filling—perfect for parties or picnics. Plating it alongside fresh berry compote or a drizzle of balsamic glaze also creates a sophisticated touch that makes this humble dessert shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Strawberry Galette Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days without losing its delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze an unbaked galette by assembling it on a baking tray and wrapping it well with cling film and foil. When you’re ready, just bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Once baked, the galette can also be frozen, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or the day after baking.
Reheating
To bring your galette back to life, reheat slices in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy. Pair with a fresh scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener and prevents the strawberry juices from making the crust soggy. You might skip it if you prefer a very juicy filling, but the galette could be messier to serve.
Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using frozen pastry?
Absolutely! A homemade shortcrust pastry will work wonderfully and can add an extra layer of flavor. Just ensure it’s well-chilled before assembling the galette for clean edges and easy folding.
What if I don’t have raw sugar for sprinkling on top?
If raw (demerara) sugar isn’t available, regular granulated sugar will work just fine. It won’t have quite the same crunch or color, but your galette will still taste amazing.
Can I add other fruits to the Strawberry Galette Recipe?
Yes! Strawberries are fantastic on their own or mixed with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You could also experiment with stone fruits like peaches or plums for a seasonal twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about the simplicity and elegance of the Strawberry Galette Recipe that makes it truly special. It celebrates fresh ingredients and the joy of home baking without needing complicated techniques. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, making and sharing this galette is sure to bring smiles and happy hearts. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert!
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Strawberry Galette Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Strawberry Galette features a flaky homemade shortcrust pastry filled with fresh, juicy strawberries slightly thickened with cornstarch and sweetened with brown sugar and honey. Baked until golden brown and topped with crunchy raw sugar, it’s a rustic, easy-to-make tart perfect for dessert or afternoon tea, served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen shortcrust pastry (pie dough)
Filling
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, stems removed, halved (approximately 350 grams)
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Topping
- 3 tbsp raw (demerara) sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 210°C (190°C fan forced) or 400°F (375°F fan forced) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the galette.
- Thaw the dough: Take the sheets of frozen shortcrust pastry out and let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to just thaw enough for handling without becoming too soft.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved strawberries, cornstarch, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, which will help thicken the juices during baking.
- Shape the dough: Stack the two sheets of dough on top of each other on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently tear or cut the combined dough into one large circle shape, about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
- Assemble the galette: Arrange the strawberry filling in the center of the dough circle, leaving about 5 centimeters (2 inches) of dough around the edges. Carefully lift the edges of the dough and fold them over the filling, pleating as needed to form a rustic crust edge.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the folded crust edges generously with the raw (demerara) sugar for a crunchy, caramelized finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. Then transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade shortcrust pastry for convenience.
- Make sure not to overfill the galette to avoid juice spillage while baking.
- Letting the galette cool slightly helps the filling set for easier slicing.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
