Ah, summer evenings! There’s something truly magical about dining al fresco, especially when shared with cherished friends. The gentle hum of conversation, the soft glow of twilight, and the irresistible aroma of good food coming together – it’s a scene I eagerly anticipate all year round. Recently, my husband Steve and I had the pleasure of hosting our wonderful friends, Becky from Vintage Mixer and her husband Josh, for one such memorable gathering on our deck. These opportunities to share our space and our culinary delights are treasures, and I seize every chance to create an unforgettable experience. For this particular evening, while Becky graciously handled the main course with her delightful pasta featuring a vibrant garlic scape and almond pesto, savory squash, and crispy bacon, my heart was set on crafting the perfect dessert: a Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette, a rustic masterpiece designed to capture the essence of summer in every single bite.
The inspiration for this particular galette had been simmering for a while. A month prior, at the BlogHer Food conference, I received a generous bag of hazelnut flour from Bob’s Red Mill. This wasn’t just any flour; it was a promise of something extraordinary, and I had been patiently saving it for a special occasion. As summer ripened, bringing with it an abundance of luscious sweet cherries, the vision crystallized: a nutty, aromatic crust cradling the jewels of the season. The idea of a hazelnut-infused pastry paired with the vibrant sweetness of cherries felt undeniably special, a blend of flavors that promised sophistication and comfort. This harmonious marriage of ingredients was precisely how this delightful galette came to be, transforming a simple bag of flour into a centerpiece dessert. It was the perfect opportunity to experiment with a unique ingredient and create a dessert that felt both familiar and excitingly new.
My affection for summer galettes runs deep. They embody everything one adores about a traditional fruit pie but with a wonderfully relaxed, “no-fuss” attitude. Forget the meticulous crimping and elaborate crust work often associated with pies; galettes embrace a beautiful, free-form elegance that is both appealing and incredibly forgiving. This rustic charm makes them an absolute dream for entertaining. You can effortlessly bake them earlier in the day, freeing you up to enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress. They are perfectly delightful served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and eliminating the need for precise timing. This ease of preparation is a major win for any host who wants to serve a show-stopping dessert without being tethered to the kitchen during their own party. The simple act of folding the dough edges over the fruit creates a visually stunning, artisanal look that belies its straightforward nature. It’s baking at its most approachable and rewarding.
The combination of sweet cherries and the rich, earthy notes of the hazelnut crust in this recipe proved to be an absolute revelation. While the hazelnut-infused dough presented a slightly different texture to work with compared to a conventional all-purpose flour pie crust, requiring a touch more patience and perhaps a lighter hand, the resulting depth of flavor and wonderfully crumbly texture made every bit of effort worthwhile. The unique nutty undertone of the crust provided an unexpected sophistication that beautifully complemented the bright, juicy cherries. It’s a dessert that speaks of relaxed indulgence, perfect for a balmy summer evening, and one that guests will undoubtedly remember long after the last slice has been savored. The tender, slightly chewy crust, rich with the subtle sweetness of hazelnuts, contrasts exquisitely with the soft, bursting fruit filling, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
The magic of this galette truly lies in the exquisite pairing of sweet cherries and hazelnuts. Cherries, with their plump juiciness and delightful tart-sweet balance, are a quintessential summer fruit. When baked, their natural sugars caramelize slightly, intensifying their flavor to a truly irresistible degree. The hazelnut crust, however, is what elevates this galette from delightful to extraordinary. The finely ground hazelnuts imbue the pastry with a subtle, earthy nuttiness that provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the bright fruit. It’s a flavor profile that feels both comforting and elegant, a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something truly special. Preparing the cherries requires a little patience, as pitting them can be a task, but the effort is rewarded tenfold in the final product. A cherry pitter makes the job quick, but even a paring knife can do the trick by slicing the cherry in half and carefully removing the pit. The goal is perfectly prepared fruit, ready to be enveloped in its nutty embrace, ensuring that each bite is free from pits and full of flavor. The addition of a touch of lemon zest and juice in the filling further brightens the cherries, preventing the galette from becoming overly sweet and adding a refreshing tang.
The entire evening was a testament to the simple joys of life: fantastic food, wonderful company, and the kind of relaxed camaraderie that truly nourishes the soul. Our deck transformed into a vibrant hub of conversation and laughter, illuminated by soft string lights and the setting sun. Becky’s garlic scape and almond pesto pasta was an absolute triumph – fresh, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the savory notes of squash and bacon. It was the ideal main course for a warm summer night, light yet satisfying, and a testament to her culinary creativity. As the evening progressed and the last crumbs of the galette were savored, a truly heartwarming moment unfolded with Becky and Josh’s son, Everett. Cuddling a newborn has a unique way of offering perspective. You don’t always realize just how quickly your own children are growing until you hold a tiny baby in your arms. My little one, who will be celebrating his 15-month milestone this month, suddenly seemed like such a big boy in comparison. These precious, fleeting moments underscore the importance of slowing down and cherishing the connections we have, whether with longtime friends or the newest additions to our lives. Shared meals, I’ve always believed, are truly the best meals. They’re not just about the food on the plate; they’re about the stories exchanged, the laughter shared, and the memories woven together, creating a rich tapestry of friendship and family. Thank you, Becky and Josh, for gracing our table and making the evening so genuinely special and memorable.
For anyone considering making this Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette, I offer a few tips to ensure your baking experience is as delightful as the dessert itself. Firstly, don’t be intimidated by the hazelnut crust. While it may feel a bit different from a traditional all-purpose flour crust due to the finer texture of hazelnut flour, it’s remarkably manageable. Ensure your butter is truly cold and cut into small cubes; this is crucial for a flaky crust. Work the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough – overworking dough is a common pitfall. Chilling the dough for the recommended two hours is absolutely crucial; it allows the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax, making it significantly easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking. When rolling, aim for a roughly 12-inch circle, embracing its imperfect, rustic shape – that’s part of a galette’s charm! As for the filling, don’t skip the lemon zest and juice; they brighten the cherry flavor, preventing it from tasting overly sweet and adding a wonderful dimension that balances the richness of the hazelnuts. Feel free to experiment with other summer fruits as well; peaches, plums, or a mix of berries would be equally splendid with this versatile hazelnut crust, offering endless possibilities for seasonal variations. And for serving, while the galette is fantastic on its own, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts truly elevates it to a gourmet experience, adding another layer of texture and flavor that is simply divine. It’s a dessert that promises to impress with its sophisticated flavors while still offering the comforting embrace of homemade goodness.
Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette
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Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ¾ cup hazelnut flour (65 grams)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (57 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (113 grams)
- 1-3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for wash
- Coarse sugar , for sprinkling
For the filling:
- 2 lbs sweet cherries , pitted and halved (900 grams)
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For serving (optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup hazelnut , chopped (35 grams)
Instructions
To make the crust:
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Combine the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, powdered sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Add the cubed, cold butter and pulse in short bursts until the butter is the size of small peas or coarse meal. With the food processor running, gradually add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time, continuing to pulse until the mixture just begins to come together into a shaggy dough. Add up to 2 additional tablespoons of water if needed to form a cohesive ball.
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Remove the dough from the food processor and gently shape it into a flat disk. Wrap the disk tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
To assemble the galette:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a rough 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfect edges; the rustic nature is part of the galette’s charm. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet. In a large bowl, gently toss together the pitted and halved sweet cherries, cornstarch, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the fruit is evenly coated. Spoon the cherry mixture into the center of the dough circle, leaving a clear border of about 2-3 inches around the edges.
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Carefully fold the bare edges of the dough up and over the cherry mixture, pleating the dough as you go to create a charming, free-form rim around the entire galette. Lightly brush the exposed dough with the egg wash (1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water) and generously sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful sparkle and crunch.
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Bake the galette in the preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling thickly in the center. Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor, or gently reheat for a warm treat.
To make the whipped cream (optional):
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In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until soft, billowy peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter!
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If desired, serve generous slices of the cooled Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
This Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to savor the simplicity and beauty of summer. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating joyful memories around the table. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this galette offers a taste of artisanal baking without the intimidation. Its elegant flavors and rustic appearance make it a showstopper, yet its preparation remains approachable. The interplay of the sweet, tart cherries and the rich, earthy hazelnuts creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season. I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe and experience the delightful combination of sweet cherries and nutty hazelnut for yourself. Happy baking, and here’s to many more delicious moments shared with loved ones!