Streusel Topped Cherry Almond Galette

Streusel-Topped Cherry Almond Galette is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweet cherries and toasted almonds with a crispy, buttery crust. This rustic French pastry is the perfect way to showcase the beauty of seasonal cherries while adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table. The addition of streusel on top gives it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the juicy cherries. Galettes are known for their free-form, easy preparation, making this recipe accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Let’s embark on a culinary journey through the long and storied history of this delectable treat before diving into the ingredients and instructions for making it at home.

The galette, a term derived from the Old French word “gale,” meaning flat cake, has a rich history dating back centuries in European baking traditions. Originally a term for a variety of flat, round cakes or pastries, galettes have evolved into a wide range of sweet and savory creations.

Cherry galettes, in particular, gained popularity in France during the 19th century, when cherries were abundant in the summertime. The simple, rustic nature of galettes made them a favorite among both home bakers and professional pastry chefs. They are often described as the country cousin of the more intricate tart, as they require less precision in shaping and are typically free-form.

The streusel topping, a crumbly mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, is a German addition that brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to the galette. Its history can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany, where it was first used as a topping for streuselkuchen, a sweet yeast cake. Over time, streusel found its way into various European pastries, enhancing their appeal.

INGREDIENTS

For the Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Dough:

1. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Pulse to mix.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients in the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the Cherry Filling:

1. In a bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the cherries evenly. Set aside.

For the Streusel Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sliced almonds, and cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

Assembling the Galette:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a rough circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Spoon the cherry filling onto the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the cherry filling, creating pleats as you go. This should leave the center of the cherry filling exposed.
6. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherries.
7. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the galette crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
10. Before serving, dust the galette with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
11. Slice and enjoy your homemade Streusel-Topped Cherry Almond Galette either warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Streusel-Topped Cherry Almond Galette combines the best of French and German baking traditions, resulting in a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether enjoyed as a summer treat or a year-round indulgence, this galette is sure to impress your family and friends. Bon appétit!