This apricot galette combines the rustic charm of a flaky, buttery pastry with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh apricots and the creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s a beautifully simple dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of apricots, making it perfect for summer. The pastry is crisp yet tender, encasing a juicy apricot filling with a touch of creaminess from the whipped cream cheese. The freeform shape of the galette makes it easy to assemble, and the golden edges with apricots peeking out make it a stunning treat that’s sure to impress. Serve it warm for a comforting dessert or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This galette is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust complements the sweet-tart apricots, while the cream cheese layer adds a luscious creaminess that elevates the dessert. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, thanks to its rustic, no-fuss nature, yet it delivers a stunning presentation. The apricots soften and release their juices as they bake, while the crust turns golden and crisp. This dessert is perfect for using fresh, seasonal apricots, but can also be adapted with other fruits like peaches or plums. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a satisfying treat with minimal effort.
Perfect Occasion: This apricot galette is perfect for summer picnics, weekend gatherings, or when you want a light yet satisfying dessert. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up quickly but still serve proudly at dinner parties or special occasions. The freeform style of the galette makes it casual yet elegant, suitable for both family dinners and more refined settings. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Whether it's for a brunch, afternoon tea, or a barbecue, this galette is a delightful way to enjoy fresh apricots.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle the top of the galette with almond flakes before baking. These will toast up beautifully, adding a lovely crunch and visual appeal. After baking, you can dust the edges with powdered sugar for a refined look. For a rustic feel, serve the galette as is on a wooden board or a large plate, letting its natural beauty shine. If you want to add some color contrast, consider garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey. The golden crust with vibrant apricots will already be visually striking, so these small touches will only enhance its appeal.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 100 grams cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 50 grams powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions for the Crust:
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes. In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cubed butter.
- Using a blender, stand mixer, or your hands, mix the ingredients until they form a yellowish, sandy texture.
- Gradually add the cold water, continuing to mix until the dough comes together into a ball.
- Once the dough forms, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 400-500 grams fresh apricots
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 130 grams cream cheese (room temperature)
- 20 grams sugar
Instructions for the Filling:
- Wash the apricots and cut them into quarters. In a bowl, combine the apricot quarters with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the cornstarch, mixing until the fruit is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with 20 grams of sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 4-5 mm thick, on a floured surface. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread about two-thirds of the apricots onto the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Spoon the whipped cream cheese over the apricots and spread it evenly. Top the cheese with the remaining apricots.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic edge. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps in the dough to prevent juices from leaking out.
- Brush the edges of the galette with a beaten egg for a golden finish, and if desired, sprinkle with almond flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apricots are soft and bubbly.
- Once baked, allow the galette to cool to room temperature before serving.
Enjoy this rustic apricot galette, a simple yet stunning dessert with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors!