A Summer Fruit Galette is a rustic, free-form tart that beautifully showcases the season’s freshest fruits. This versatile dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. The buttery, flaky crust combined with the sweet, juicy fruit filling creates a delightful treat that is sure to impress. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a perfect Summer Fruit Galette, highlighting the ingredients and techniques that make this dessert truly special.
Ingredients for Summer Fruit Galette
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Fruit Filling:
- 3 cups mixed summer fruits (such as peaches, berries, cherries, and plums), sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Summer Fruit Galette
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
- Slice the Fruit: If not already done, slice the summer fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced fruits, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat the fruit evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Galette
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the fruit filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Fold the Edges: Fold the edges of the dough over the fruit, pleating as necessary to create a rustic look. The center should remain exposed.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the folded edges of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Galette
- Bake: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Remove the galette from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Enjoy: Once the galette has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the galette crust. It provides structure and a tender crumb, making it ideal for this rustic tart. The right balance of flour and butter is crucial for achieving a flaky, buttery crust.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the crust. Using chilled butter and working it into the flour mixture creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a beautifully flaky texture. It’s essential to keep the butter cold to prevent it from melting into the dough before baking.
Mixed Summer Fruits
The star of this galette is the mixed summer fruits. Using a combination of peaches, berries, cherries, and plums adds a variety of flavors and textures to the filling. The natural sweetness of the fruits is enhanced by a touch of sugar, while lemon juice and zest add brightness and a hint of tartness.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the fruit filling. It helps to balance the tartness of the fruits and contributes to the caramelization that occurs during baking, giving the galette a beautiful golden finish.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the fruit filling. It helps to absorb the juices released by the fruits as they bake, preventing the galette from becoming too runny and ensuring the filling holds together well when sliced.
Lemon Juice and Zest
Lemon juice and zest add a fresh, citrusy note to the fruit filling. They enhance the natural flavors of the fruits and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to balance the overall taste of the galette.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the fruit filling. It complements the sweetness of the fruits and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the galette.
Egg Wash
The beaten egg used for the egg wash helps to give the crust a beautiful, glossy finish. It also helps the coarse sugar adhere to the crust, adding a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Coarse Sugar
Sprinkling coarse sugar on the crust before baking adds texture and a bit of extra sweetness. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, contributing to the overall flavor and appearance of the galette.
Creating a Summer Fruit Galette is a rewarding experience that combines the best of summer’s bounty with a rustic, homemade touch. This versatile dessert is perfect for showcasing a variety of seasonal fruits and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful treat!
