A Gorgeous, Fuss-Free Tart to Celebrate the Season
There’s something beautifully simple about a galette—and this Cherry Almond Galette is no exception. With its flaky, golden crust, sweet cherry filling, and nutty almond undertones, it’s an effortless dessert that looks and tastes like you spent all afternoon baking (spoiler: you didn’t).
Galettes are trending in 2024 as a rustic, easy alternative to traditional pies, and this version celebrates seasonal cherries with a hint of almond extract and optional frangipane-style almond cream. Perfect for brunch, Easter, picnics, or just a sweet spring afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Galette
- Rustic yet elegant – No pie tin or crimping needed
- Showcases seasonal fruit – Perfect for fresh or frozen cherries
- Naturally adaptable – Vegan- and gluten-free options included
- Flaky crust meets juicy filling – The best of both textures
- Lightly sweet, subtly nutty – Almond flavor enhances the cherries
Ingredients Overview
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¼ cups | Or gluten-free 1:1 blend |
| Sugar | 1 Tbsp | Just a touch of sweetness |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the crust |
| Cold vegan butter (or regular) | ½ cup (1 stick) | Cut into cubes |
| Ice water | 3–4 Tbsp | Add gradually until dough forms |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted) | 2 cups | Sweet or sour varieties |
| Sugar | 2–3 Tbsp | Adjust depending on cherry sweetness |
| Cornstarch | 1 Tbsp | Thickens the filling |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp | Adds a delicate flavor |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp | Brightens the fruit |
| Optional: sliced almonds | 2 Tbsp | For topping |
Optional Almond Cream Base (Frangipane-style):
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Almond flour | ¼ cup | Or finely ground almonds |
| Maple syrup or sugar | 1 Tbsp | Sweetener of choice |
| Plant-based milk | 2 Tbsp | Or dairy milk |
| Almond extract | ¼ tsp | Boosts the almond profile |
How to Make Cherry Almond Galette
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix cherries with sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and cornstarch. Let sit while rolling the dough.
Step 3: Roll and Assemble
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll dough into a 10–12 inch circle on parchment paper. (Optional: spread almond cream in the center.) Pile cherry mixture in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold edges of dough over filling, pleating as you go.
Step 4: Finish and Bake
Brush crust with plant milk and sprinkle with sugar (optional). Top with sliced almonds. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Slice – serves 6)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
A light, flaky, and fruit-forward dessert that satisfies without being overly rich.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer
Wrap baked galette tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen.
Make-Ahead
Prepare dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
Variations & Creative Twists
Use Other Fruits
Swap cherries for berries, peaches, apricots, or plums depending on the season.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
Add Chocolate
Sprinkle chopped dark chocolate over the almond cream before adding fruit.
Nut-Free Option
Omit almond cream and sliced almonds—add vanilla extract instead of almond extract.
Mini Galettes
Make smaller, personal-sized galettes for individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! No need to thaw—just increase baking time by 5 minutes and use 1 extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
What is a galette?
A galette is a free-form French tart with rustic edges. It’s simpler than pie and equally delicious.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Absolutely—if you’re in a hurry, a quality pre-made pie crust will work fine.
Is this dessert vegan?
Yes, if made with plant-based butter and milk. It’s easy to adapt!
What’s the best way to pit cherries?
Use a cherry pitter, or press each cherry with the flat side of a knife and remove the pit by hand.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple glaze
- Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of prosecco
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh thyme for a modern twist
- Serve warm or room temperature for best flavor
Snap the Rustic Sweetness
Bake this Cherry Almond Galette, capture the golden crust and ruby-red filling, and tag @YourFoodBlog with #GaletteGlowUp. We love sharing our readers’ sweet successes!
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