Cranberry Crumble Galette with an Oat Streusel Topping

There’s something truly magical about a rustic Galette Cranberry, isn’t there? It’s that perfect blend of effortless elegance and heartwarming comfort, where sweet-tart cranberries burst with flavor beneath a perfectly tender, flaky crust. Each bite of this free-form pie, especially with a delightful oat streusel topping, feels like a warm hug, reminding us that the simplest ingredients, when baked with love, create the most memorable treats.

I remember countless childhood afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, watching her hands expertly transform flour and butter into something extraordinary. She taught me that baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about pouring your heart into every stir and fold, creating edible stories. This Cranberry Crumble Galette always brings me back to those cherished moments, a testament to the joy of homemade desserts.

This recipe is wonderfully approachable, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their sweet journey. It’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family without all the fuss, offering a stunning dessert that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend treat. My top tip for any home baker is to embrace the imperfections; that’s where the rustic charm truly shines!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful dessert begins with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. I always choose fresh cranberries for their vibrant tartness and an orange for its bright zest, which truly makes the cranberry filling sing. The secret to a truly tender crust and crumbly streusel lies in using good quality cold unsalted butter – it makes all the difference in this beautiful Galette Cranberry. You’ll find the full list of measurements and specific ingredients in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Galette Cranberry

Whipping up this charming dessert is much simpler than you might imagine, and that’s part of its allure! You’ll start by preparing a wonderfully pliable crust, then gently fold in that vibrant cranberry filling, infused with orange zest and a touch of vanilla. The final flourish is a golden oat streusel, sprinkled generously before baking. The result is a beautifully rustic Galette Cranberry that’s bursting with seasonal flavors and a comforting, homemade appeal, perfect for any occasion.

Rustic Cranberry Galette

A charmingly rustic, free-form tart bursting with sweet-tart cranberries, nestled in a flaky, buttery homemade crust, perfect for any season.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar for dough
• 1/2 tsp salt for dough
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3-5 tbsp ice water
• 3 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, not thawed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for filling, adjust to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch salt for filling
• 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
• 1 tsp water for egg wash
• 1-2 tbsp turbinado sugar for sprinkling
• 2 tbsp almond meal or finely ground nuts, optional, to absorb moisture

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Food Processor (optional)
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Pastry Brush
• Small Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar (for dough), and salt (for dough). Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
3. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar (for filling), cornstarch, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (for filling). Stir gently to coat the cranberries evenly. Set aside while you roll out the dough.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-14 inch circle (it doesn’t have to be perfect, as it’s a rustic galette). Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet.
6. If using, sprinkle the almond meal evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1 1/2 to 2-inch border around the edge.
7. Spoon the cranberry filling onto the center of the dough, over the almond meal (if used), leaving the border clear.
8. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go, to create a rustic crust around the cranberries. The center of the filling will remain exposed.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the folded dough crust. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar generously over the egg-washed crust.
10. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly and tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
11. Remove from oven and let the galette cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter and water are very cold when making the dough – this helps create a flaky crust. You can serve this galette warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Creating the perfect free-form pie doesn’t have to be intimidating! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that ensure your Cranberry Crumble Galette turns out beautifully every time.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter and ice water for the crust are really cold. This is the absolute key to achieving that wonderfully flaky texture that makes a galette so irresistible. Don’t be shy with the chilling time!

When working with the dough, remember that a light touch is your best friend. Overworking the pastry can make it tough, and we want a tender, buttery base for our vibrant cranberry filling. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface, and if it tears, don’t worry – simply patch it up! That’s part of the rustic charm of a Galette Cranberry.

For the filling, don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s essential for thickening the cranberry juices as it bakes, preventing a watery consistency and ensuring a perfectly jammy, flavorful center. And that touch of orange zest? It truly brightens the cranberries and adds a lovely aromatic depth.

Finally, before baking, brush the edges of your galette with an egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. This not only gives it a gorgeous golden sheen but also adds a lovely, subtle crunch to the crust, making each bite even more delightful.

Fun Variations for Galette Cranberry

One of the most joyful parts of baking is getting creative in the kitchen, and a Cranberry Crumble Galette is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to add your own personal touch to this rustic dessert.

Seasonal Fruit Swaps

While cranberries are divine, feel free to experiment with other fruits. I’ve made this with sliced apples and a pinch of cinnamon for a classic fall feel, or even juicy peaches in the summer. My sister always asks me to swirl in a bit of raspberry jam with the cranberries for an extra burst of berry sweetness!

Nutty Nods

The oat streusel is wonderful, but you could easily incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch and a deeper, nutty flavor. Or, as a friend loves, a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds over the top of the Galette Cranberry right before baking offers a beautiful texture and flavor contrast.

Zesty Twists

Beyond orange zest, try a hint of lemon or lime zest in your cranberry filling for a different citrusy bright note. You could also add a tiny dash of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spicy complexity that pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries.

What to Serve With Galette Cranberry

A warm, freshly baked Cranberry Crumble Galette is a dessert that truly shines on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can elevate it to pure bliss. It’s all about creating that perfect balance of textures and temperatures, making each bite a delightful experience.

I love serving this Galette Cranberry with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream; the cold, creamy sweetness melts beautifully into the warm, tart fruit. Another wonderful option is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps lightly sweetened with a touch of maple syrup, which adds a dreamy cloud-like finish. For a cozy evening, my mom always pairs it with a steaming mug of her homemade chai tea – the spices complement the cranberries perfectly.

How to Store Galette Cranberry

After all the love you’ve poured into baking your delicious Cranberry Crumble Galette, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay as fresh and tasty as possible. Proper storage is key to enjoying that homemade goodness for a little longer!

Fridge Storage

Once your Galette Cranberry has cooled completely, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready for another slice, I find a quick warm-up in a toaster oven brings back that lovely crispness to the crust.

Freezer Friendly Tips

If you want to enjoy a slice of this rustic treat even further down the line, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled galette tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven until warmed through. I like to give it a light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating; it brings it back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

While it’s a sweet indulgence, this Cranberry Crumble Galette also boasts some lovely nutritional highlights. The fresh cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing a healthy dose of goodness. Combined with fiber from the oats in the streusel and the wholesome flour, this Galette Cranberry offers a delightful balance, proving that a homemade treat can be both satisfying and nourishing.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen cranberries for your Galette Cranberry, there’s no need to thaw them first. Simply toss them with the sugar, cornstarch, and zest as directed in the recipe; they will bake up beautifully and burst with flavor.

Faq 2

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To ensure a crisp crust for your Galette Cranberry, make sure your dough is thoroughly chilled before baking. You can also lightly brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier.

Faq 3

Can I make the galette dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The dough for this Galette Cranberry can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling.

Faq 4

What kind of oranges are best for zest?
For the best flavor in your Galette Cranberry, I recommend using navel or Valencia oranges for their bright, aromatic zest. Always make sure to wash and dry your orange thoroughly before zesting to ensure purity of flavor.

Conclusion

Baking this Cranberry Crumble Galette with an Oat Streusel Topping is more than just following a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and delightful memories right in your own kitchen. This rustic, free-form pie, with its sweet-tart cranberry filling and buttery oat streusel, is a testament to the simple joys of homemade desserts. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and let your heart guide your hands. I promise, a slice of this beautiful Galette Cranberry will bring smiles and a touch of magic to your table, proving that the most cherished moments are often the sweetest ones we bake ourselves.