Chocolate Cherry Galette: A Decadent, Gluten-Free & Vegan Delight

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this exquisite Chocolate Cherry Galette. Featuring luscious dark chocolate and plump, fresh red cherries, all nestled within a spectacularly flaky pie crust that remarkably is both gluten-free and vegan. If you’re a devoted cherry enthusiast, prepare to fall in love with this chocolatey masterpiece – it’s an absolute must-try!

Creating new recipes is always an adventure, and lately, I’ve found incredible inspiration and guidance from my vibrant community. Through interactive polls on platforms like Instagram, I’ve had the pleasure of involving you in the creative process, and time and again, your insights lead to truly exceptional culinary creations. This particular Chocolate Cherry Galette stands as a testament to that wonderful collaboration.

Initially, when contemplating the filling for this rustic cherry tart, I was torn between pairing the vibrant red cherries with a medley of berries or the rich intensity of dark chocolate. My personal inclination leaned towards berries, envisioning a lighter, brighter flavor profile. However, the overwhelming voice of the community spoke loud and clear: dark chocolate won by a significant margin of approximately 80/20. And oh, how right you all were! It’s moments like these that truly highlight the joy of connecting with fellow food lovers and embracing shared culinary wisdom.

The Irresistible Harmony of Chocolate and Cherries

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when dark chocolate meets fresh cherries. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary match made in heaven. The slight tartness of the cherries beautifully cuts through the bittersweet richness of the dark chocolate, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, reminiscent of black forest cakes and gourmet chocolate bars. This galette truly exemplifies that perfect harmony, and I confess, half of it disappeared on the very night it was baked, shared between just two people!

Beyond their delightful taste, both cherries and dark chocolate offer notable health benefits. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while dark chocolate, in moderation, can contribute to heart health and mood enhancement. Enjoying this galette isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a moment of delicious self-care. If you’re already a fan of this dynamic duo, you might also enjoy my chocolate cherry cheesecake, another delightful recipe that celebrates this beloved flavor pairing.

Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free & Vegan Galette Crust

The foundation of any great galette is its crust, and this one is nothing short of extraordinary. You might find yourself wanting to eat it plain, it’s that good! What makes it truly remarkable is its ability to achieve a super flaky texture without a trace of butter, making it perfectly suited for those following a vegan or paleo diet, as well as being entirely gluten-free. Achieving this incredible texture relies on a thoughtfully chosen blend of ingredients.

Our secret to an effortlessly flaky and structurally sound crust lies in a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour. Almond flour provides a rich, nutty flavor and a tender crumb, while tapioca flour contributes to the elasticity and crispiness, preventing the crust from becoming brittle. Ground flax seeds act as a binding agent, replacing eggs often found in traditional crusts, and also add a subtle earthy note and healthy fats. A touch of coconut sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory notes, and kosher salt enhances all the flavors. The key fat component is coconut oil, which, when properly chilled and incorporated, creates pockets of steam during baking, leading to that coveted flaky texture. Using cold, firm coconut oil is crucial here, mimicking the role of cold butter in traditional pastry making. Just a couple of tablespoons of ice-cold water bring the dough together, ensuring it’s pliable and easy to work with.

The Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Filling

While the crust is a star in its own right, it truly shines when generously topped with our simple yet spectacular chocolate and cherry filling. The beauty of this filling lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the main ingredients to truly stand out. We start with fresh, pitted red cherries, which are then gently tossed with a hint of pure maple syrup. This natural sweetener complements the cherries without overpowering their inherent tang. A dash of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the fruit, elevating its aromatic qualities.

To ensure the filling achieves a perfect, slightly thickened consistency that won’t become too runny during baking, we incorporate a tablespoon of tapioca flour. This starchy binder works wonders, absorbing excess moisture from the cherries and creating a beautifully cohesive filling. Finally, the star of the show: dark chocolate chunks. I highly recommend using high-quality dark chocolate, whether it’s a chopped bar or your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips. The quality of your chocolate will significantly impact the overall flavor of the galette, providing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. No need for complex concoctions here; the inherent deliciousness of fresh cherries and dark chocolate is more than enough.

Galette Assembly: A Rustic Delight for Every Baker

One of the many reasons to adore galettes is their forgiving nature, especially when it comes to assembly. Unlike traditional pies that demand meticulous precision and transfer to a pie plate, galettes celebrate a more rustic, free-form aesthetic. They are, quite simply, the ideal “pies for the lazy chef.” This makes them a perfect baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, promising beautiful results without the stress.

My preferred method for rolling out the dough is directly on a sheet of parchment paper. This clever trick eliminates the need for any awkward transfers and potential breakage, making the process incredibly smooth. Once your dough is rolled out into a roughly 10-inch circle, you can easily slide the entire parchment paper with the dough onto a baking sheet. Then, it’s time for the fun part: piling on your delicious chocolate cherry filling, leaving a generous 2-inch border around the edge. This border is essential for creating the signature rustic fold. Gently, yet firmly, fold the edges of the dough over the filling, crimping and pressing the dough together with your fingers as you go. Don’t worry about perfection; the charm of a galette lies in its imperfect, organic shape. The parchment paper will be your best friend here, providing support as you lift and fold the dough without it tearing. This simple technique ensures a beautiful, professional-looking dessert every time.

Baking to Golden Perfection and Serving Suggestions

Once your galette is assembled, a final optional step can add a beautiful golden sheen to your crust: brushing the exposed edges with a little non-dairy milk. Allow it to dry for a couple of minutes, then give it a second brush for an even richer color. This simple trick adds a professional touch without altering the flavor. Then, it’s off to a preheated oven to bake until the edges are wonderfully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and fragrant. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking is truly intoxicating, a promise of the deliciousness to come.

After baking, the hardest part is waiting! Allow your Chocolate Cherry Galette to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices. While this galette is absolutely heavenly on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream – a classic combination that enhances the warm fruit and melted chocolate. For an extra touch of elegance, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. This versatile dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to an impressive gathering. Leftovers, if any, can be stored tightly sealed in the refrigerator and enjoyed for a few days.

More Galette Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Chocolate Cherry Galette, you’re in luck! The world of galettes offers endless possibilities, from sweet fruit-filled creations to savory delights perfect for appetizers or light meals. Here are a few more galette recipes that embody the same rustic charm and simple elegance:

Bakerita | Rachel Conners

Chocolate Cherry Galette

5 from 1 review

This Chocolate Cherry Galette is made with rich dark chocolate and juicy fresh red cherries, all encased in a gloriously flaky crust that’s both gluten-free and vegan. A perfect dessert for cherry lovers!

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Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1 cup 96g blanched almond flour
• 1 cup 111g tapioca flour
• 3 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil, cool enough to be firm and scoopable
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the filling

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour
• ½ cup 3 oz. dark chocolate chunks, I recommend Enjoy Life or chop up a high-quality chocolate bar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and tapioca flour. Toss gently until the cherries are evenly coated. Stir in the dark chocolate chunks, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking, if desired. Set the filling aside.
2. For the crust, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, ground flax seeds, coconut sugar, salt, and firm coconut oil in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Alternatively, use a pastry blender in a large bowl, cutting the coconut oil into the dry ingredients.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water to the flour mixture. Pulse or mix again until the dough just begins to come together. If using a bowl, you may need to use your hands to gently knead and form the dough into a cohesive ball.
4. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out into a circle approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and about ¼-inch thick. Ensure it’s thick enough to support the filling and be folded without breaking. Carefully slide the bottom parchment paper with the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet.
5. Spoon the cherry chocolate filling onto the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving an empty border of about 2 inches (5 cm) around the edge. Gently fold the exposed edges of the dough over the filling, creating pleats and crimping the dough together with your fingers as you work your way around. Use the parchment paper to assist in lifting and folding the dough to prevent tearing.
6. If desired, brush the visible edges of the galette crust with a little non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk). This optional step helps achieve a beautiful golden sheen. Let it dry for two minutes, then brush one more time for best results.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Remove the galette from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time helps the filling set. Store any leftover galette tightly sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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