A delightful, rustic stone fruit summer galette featuring the perfect blend of sweet cherries, tangy plums, and a uniquely flavorful, flaky hazelnut crust!
Embrace Summer’s Bounty with a Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette
As July draws to a close, we find ourselves marveling at how swiftly summer seems to be slipping by. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming the long, sun-drenched days, and now we’re already halfway through the season. How has your summer unfolded? I sincerely hope you’ve been soaking up the warmth, enjoying leisurely strolls in verdant parks, or perhaps basking by the calming waves of the beach. Most importantly, I hope you’ve been indulging in the vibrant array of fresh, seasonal fruits that generously grace our local farmer’s markets.
My own summer, while perhaps not filled with as much outdoor frolicking as I’d initially hoped, has been immensely fulfilling in its own way. The past four weeks were dedicated to an intense period of revising a significant paper for submission. However, with that milestone achieved and the paper finally sent off to the editors this past Friday, I can now wholeheartedly embrace the essence of summer – at least until those reviews inevitably make their way back!
Even during my most focused and ‘nerdy’ days, my commitment to enjoying summer’s fresh produce remained unwavering. My kitchen has been a hub of fruity goodness, with an abundance of luscious berries, succulent peaches, and juicy stone fruits constantly at hand. Those pristine fruits that don’t make their way into my energizing morning smoothies or serve as a wholesome afternoon snack often find a glorious second life in my oven. This magnificent Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette is a perfect example, born from an irresistible surplus of ripe cherries and plump, juicy plums.
Why Galettes Are the Ultimate Summer Dessert
My affection for galettes has truly blossomed this summer, reaching an almost obsessive level – this particular creation marks the fourth galette I’ve baked just this month alone! It’s not hard to see why they’ve become my go-to dessert. Galettes are, quite simply, a dream to make. They embody a beautiful, rustic simplicity, exuding an effortless elegance that belies their straightforward preparation. There’s no need for perfect crimping or complex pastry techniques; their charm lies in their imperfect, free-form shape.
Beyond their ease, galettes are the quintessential vehicle for showcasing summer’s most exquisite and juiciest fruits. Their open-faced design allows the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the fruit filling to shine, creating a dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. For this particular recipe, I ventured into a combination that might initially sound unconventional but trust me, it’s nothing short of extraordinary: sweet, ruby-red cherries perfectly paired with the subtly tart, deep purple plums. This delightful duo is encased in a uniquely flavored and wonderfully flaky hazelnut thyme crust, elevating this stone fruit galette to new heights of flavor and texture.
The Secret to an Unforgettable Crust: Hazelnut Meal and Thyme
The crust of any good galette is paramount, and for this Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette, I wanted something truly special. Incorporating Bob’s Red Mill Hazelnut Meal/Flour into the dough is a game-changer. This exceptional ingredient not only imparts a fantastic, tender texture but also infuses the crust with a rich, earthy, and distinctly nutty flavor that complements the stone fruits beautifully. Hazelnuts bring a wonderful depth that a regular flour crust simply can’t achieve, along with added health benefits that make this treat even more appealing.
Much like its well-known counterpart, almond flour, hazelnut meal is incredibly versatile and boasts a naturally gluten-free profile, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary sensitivities or anyone looking to add a unique twist to their baking. Its rich, buttery essence makes it a perfect addition to pie crusts, delicate macarons, or chewy cookies. The subtle hint of fresh thyme woven into the hazelnut crust is the final stroke of genius. It introduces an unexpected herbaceous note that brightens the entire flavor profile, creating a sophisticated and wonderfully balanced dessert.
Crafting the Perfect Stone Fruit Galette: Flavor Harmony and Visual Appeal
What truly sets this Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette apart is the harmonious interplay of its complex flavors. The juicy sweetness of the cherries finds its perfect counterpoint in the slight tartness of the plums, a combination that comes alive with a generous splash of fresh lemon juice in the filling. This citrusy zest acts as a natural brightener, enhancing the fruit’s inherent flavors and preventing the galette from being overly sweet. Then, there’s that subtle herbaceous whisper of thyme from the crust, an unexpected note that adds an intriguing layer of sophistication and elevates the entire experience.
The robust, slightly nutty, and earthy character of the hazelnut meal forms a rustic foundation for these vibrant fruits. This delightful combination inspired the vintage aesthetic of these photographs, reflecting the timeless appeal of such a wholesome, homemade dessert. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes – from the tender, slightly yielding fruit to the crisp, flaky edges of the hazelnut crust. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, making it incredibly versatile.
Tips for Galette Perfection
Achieving a perfect galette is simpler than you might think, even for novice bakers. The key to a flaky crust lies in keeping your butter very cold and avoiding overworking the dough. Use a food processor for quick, efficient mixing, ensuring the butter pieces remain pea-sized for that coveted flakiness. When rolling out the dough, a lightly floured parchment paper is your best friend; it prevents sticking and makes transferring the delicate dough to your baking sheet effortlessly easy. Don’t be afraid of the “rustic” look – a galette’s beauty is in its imperfect, charming folds. A quick chill in the freezer before baking helps the crust set, ensuring it holds its shape and bakes up beautifully golden. And for that extra sparkle and crunch, don’t forget a brush of egg wash and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before it goes into the oven. These small steps guarantee a show-stopping dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
This Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette is an absolute must-make. It’s the kind of dessert that fits seamlessly into almost any summer occasion. Imagine serving warm slices at your next picnic, the fruity aroma mingling with the fresh outdoor air. It’s an ideal showstopper for summer entertaining, impressing guests with its homemade charm and sophisticated flavor profile without requiring hours of fuss. For a more intimate setting, it makes a wonderfully romantic treat for date nights, perhaps served à la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the warm, juicy fruit. Whether enjoyed on its own, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or paired with your favorite ice cream, this galette promises a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the very best of summer.
Cherry Plum Hazelnut Galette {Gluten-Free}
A delicious, rustic stone fruit summer galette with cherries, plums and a flaky hazelnut crust!
25 minutes
55 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For Crust:
- 1¼ cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup hazelnut meal/flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup cold milk beaten with 1 egg yolk
For filling:
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 ripe plums, pitted and sliced ½ inch thick
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut meal/flour
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- To make crust: combine all the ingredients except milk in a food processor. Process a few times until butter is about the size of a pea. With processor on, slowly drizzle in ice cold milk to mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Remove dough from bowl and pat down into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large bowl, combine the cherries, plums, sugar and fresh lemon juice.
- When dough is chilled, roll out on a well floured surface into a 12-inch circle. (I rolled mine on a well floured parchment to make transfer easy). Transfer to a baking sheet. Sprinkle hazelnut meal into the center of crust.
- Spoon the fruits into the center of the crust, leaving 2-3 inch borders. Fold up the sides, gently tucking in over the fruit in a folding/pleating pattern. Transfer dough to freezer and let chill for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with heavy cream to make an egg wash. Remove galette from freezer and brush dough with egg wash. Sprinkle dough with turbinado sugar. Bake galette for 50-55 minutes or until crust is golden and juice from the fruit runs out. Let cool before serving warm.
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More Summer Cherry and Stone Fruit Inspired Recipes to Explore:
- Double Crust Cherry Crisp– The Law Student Wife
- Cherry Chip Cupcakes with Bourbon Vanilla Frosting– Baking A Moment
- Bourbon Cherry Sodas– bethcakes
- Bourbon Cherry Apple Pie– A Cookie Named Desire
- Grilled Cherry Milkshakes– An Edible Perspective