Gluten-Free Cherry Galettes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten-Free Cherry Galettes are everything you love about traditional fruit pies, but without the hassle of a full pie crust or the need for gluten. The crust is perfectly flaky and buttery, and the fresh cherries bring a delightful sweetness with just a hint of tartness. These galettes are also highly customizable — you can make them as sweet as you like or add in a touch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a little extra flair. They’re simple, yet satisfying, and a treat anyone (gluten-free or not) will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon if not)

• 1/4 cup almond flour (optional for added richness)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option)

• 4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the cherry filling:

• 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten (or use a dairy-free option like almond milk for a vegan alternative)

• 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the crust:

   • In a food processor, pulse the gluten-free flour, almond flour (if using), sugar, and salt to combine. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water — the dough should be crumbly but able to hold together when pressed.

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times to bring it together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the cherry filling:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside while you prepare the crust.

3. Assemble the galettes:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4-6 circles, depending on the size you want for your galettes (you can use a bowl as a guide).

   • Place a few tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

   • Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go, to create a rustic edge. Don’t worry if the folds aren’t perfect — the beauty of a galette is in its rustic charm.

4. Add the egg wash:

   • Brush the exposed dough with the beaten egg wash (or almond milk for a dairy-free option) and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

5. Bake the galettes:

   • Bake the galettes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. Cool and serve:

   • Allow the galettes to cool for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 4-6 galettes, depending on size

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding chill time)

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)

Variations

• Other fruits: You can substitute cherries with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a different flavor. A mix of berries works wonderfully, too!

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor, or try a bit of almond extract in place of vanilla.

• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a plant-based milk for the egg wash to make this recipe fully dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Gluten-Free Cherry Galettes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the crust crisp, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. You can also freeze the galettes for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

3. What can I substitute for almond flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, you can omit it and use more gluten-free flour. Alternatively, you can use oat flour or coconut flour, but these may alter the texture slightly.

4. How do I prevent the galette crust from being soggy?

Make sure the cherry filling is thickened with cornstarch and avoid adding too much liquid. Also, don’t skip the chilling step for the dough, as a cold dough will hold up better during baking.

5. Can I use store-bought gluten-free pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought gluten-free pie crust, but homemade dough gives the galettes a much more delicate and flavorful texture.

6. How do I keep the galette edges from burning?

To prevent burning, you can cover the edges with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove it for the last 10-15 minutes.

7. Can I add a streusel topping to these galettes?

Yes, you can add a streusel topping by mixing together gluten-free oats, sugar, and butter. Sprinkle it over the cherries before folding the dough.

8. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make these galettes vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, and use a non-dairy milk (like almond milk) for the egg wash. You can also use a flax egg in place of the egg wash.

9. How long can I store these galettes?

These galettes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. Can I freeze these galettes before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled galettes before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen for an extra 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Gluten-Free Cherry Galettes are a simple, delicious, and beautiful dessert that brings all the flavors of summer into one flaky, golden pastry. Whether you’re gluten-free or just craving a fresh fruit dessert, these galettes are sure to hit the spot. With a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, juicy cherry filling, they’re perfect for any occasion — or just a cozy night in. Enjoy them with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!