Rustic Strawberry Cinnamon Galette: An Easy & Delicious Autumn Dessert

As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, autumn officially arrives, bringing with it a longing for comforting, warm treats and the comforting aroma of fragrant spices. This season, our cravings were perfectly satisfied by this exquisite Cinnamon Strawberry Galette – a simple yet profoundly delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall baking.

The word “Galette” itself evokes a charming sense of rustic elegance. While some might find its French pronunciation with an English accent amusing, for many, it conjures images of grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warmth of homemade goods and a nostalgic return to simpler, unpretentious baking. But beyond its romantic appeal, galettes truly shine for one significant reason: their celebrated imperfections. Unlike their more structured cousins, the meticulously crafted French Tarts (yes, Chocolate Cherry Tart, we’re looking at your flawless edges!), galettes are all about embracing a free-form, “perfectly imperfect” aesthetic. This Strawberry Cinnamon Galette, with its delightfully uneven crust and bubbling fruit, might not fit the mold of a polished patisserie creation, but its taste is undeniably sublime!

Perhaps it’s the cozy ambiance of the season – sitting beside the first lit fireplace or watching the early evening darkness descend – that makes this galette feel like the quintessential autumn companion. It inspires a desire for a warm cup of tea (even for those of us who typically prefer coffee!) and a moment of quiet indulgence. It’s what we affectionately call the “Galette Syndrome” – a compelling urge to bake, savor, and share these rustic delights.

Making this galette marked my first foray into the world of free-form tarts, and it quickly became an obsession. Since then, I’ve experimented with numerous fruit galettes, discovering new favorites like the wonderfully simple Apple Galette and the delightful Peach Galette. The versatility is truly endless, making it a go-to for seasonal produce.

The allure of galettes extends far beyond sweet desserts. I’m already envisioning a savory version to grace our dinner table soon. As a lover of savory tarts and cakes, such as a hearty Onion, Fig and Feta Tart, I can assure you that a delicious dinner adaptation of this rustic concept is definitely on the horizon. Imagine fresh garden vegetables, herbs, and cheeses encased in a golden, flaky crust – truly a treat!

Explore Savory Galette Recipes:

Cherry Tomato and Pesto Mini Galettes
Tomato, Basil and Feta Galette

Delicious Strawberry Cinnamon Galette with a rustic crust

What Exactly is a Galette?

Let’s get back to the heart of the matter: the food! A galette is a traditional French term referring to a flat, round, free-form cake or tart. It’s essentially a rustic pie, celebrated for its simplicity and charmingly “undone” appearance. While tarts often demand a perfect crust pressed into a tart pan, a galette is lovingly shaped by hand, with the edges folded artfully over a delicious filling. This less formal approach is what makes it so appealing, especially for home bakers who appreciate delicious results without the pressure of perfection.

Just like its more structured counterparts, the pie or tart, a galette requires two fundamental components:

A delicious pastry crust
A flavourful filling, typically seasonal fruits (or vegetables, if you’re venturing into savory territory)

The beauty is that you can use nearly any pastry recipe you’d normally choose for a pie or tart. The preparation process for the dough is essentially the same: combine your ingredients, mix to form a cohesive dough, and allow it to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial for developing flavor and making the dough easier to handle. Then, simply roll it out into a roughly circular shape.

As highlighted earlier, the truly amazing aspect of a galette is that it doesn’t need to be geometrically perfect! An approximate circle, or even an oval, will work just as beautifully as a perfectly uniform one. This relaxed approach removes much of the intimidation often associated with pastry making, making galettes a fantastic entry point for new bakers or a comforting go-to for experienced ones.

How to Effortlessly Create a Galette

Once your pastry dough is rolled out, the assembly couldn’t be simpler. Scatter your chosen chopped fruits (or vegetables for a savory twist) generously in the center, leaving a border of about 1.5 to 2 inches. Then, gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a charmingly crinkled border. Voila! There’s no need for complex cake batters, delicate curds, or intricate mousses. This minimalist approach means less fuss and more enjoyment. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfectly uniform or if the pastry slightly shrinks in the oven; these are the hallmarks of a true rustic galette.

To embark on your galette-making journey, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools that are likely already in your pantry:

A sturdy flat baking tray
Reliable baking paper (parchment paper)
A classic rolling pin

These essential items are all you need to create a truly impressive, homemade dessert with minimal effort and maximum reward!

Close-up of a Strawberry Cinnamon Galette before baking, showcasing the folded pastry edges

The Star of the Show: Our Strawberry Cinnamon Galette

There’s something incredibly comforting about baked strawberries, especially when paired with a crumbly, golden pastry. This particular Strawberry Cinnamon Galette is, in my opinion, close to dessert perfection! I have a profound love for cinnamon in virtually all my baked goods – from desserts and cakes to even breads (you absolutely must try my Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread!). I firmly believe that cinnamon’s warm, woody notes are the ideal complement to the sweet, slightly tart burst of freshly baked strawberries.

In this recipe, cinnamon isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a star player integrated into multiple elements. First, it’s generously mixed with the fresh strawberries for the filling, ensuring every bite is infused with that delightful spice. But for an extra layer of warmth and flavour, I’ve incorporated Cinnamon Powder directly into the Pastry Crust itself. This addition is truly a game-changer and might just be my favourite feature of this recipe, creating an aromatic and flavorful base that elevates the entire galette.

For those who crave an even more pronounced Cinnamon Taste, consider a final flourish. Before placing the galette into the oven, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon powder over the exposed fruit and pastry edges. Not only will this intensify the spice, but it will also help create a beautiful, rich golden-brown color on the dough as it bakes, making your galette even more visually appealing.

One of the many practical advantages of this Strawberry Cinnamon Galette is that it can easily be prepared in advance. If you opt to make it ahead, simply pop it back into a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to revive its warmth and crispness. It’s truly best enjoyed when warm, perhaps with a luxurious scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting delicately over the top, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm fruit and cold cream is simply divine!

Slice of Strawberry Cinnamon Galette served with vanilla ice cream

Discover More Tarts and Pies:

White Peach Frangipane Tart
Apricot Tarte Tatin
Chocolate Cherry Tart
Fresh Pear Pie
Pear Tarte Tatin
Blackberry Panna Cotta Tart with Passion Fruit

Strawberry Galette with Cinnamon Pastry: The Full Recipe

Ready to bake your own rustic masterpiece? Below, you’ll find the complete, step-by-step recipe for this delightful Strawberry Cinnamon Galette. Follow these instructions to create a flaky, spiced crust embracing a juicy, warm strawberry filling – perfect for any occasion, especially during the cozy autumn months!

Recipe

Strawberry Cinnamon Galette

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Nothing says Fall Dessert like this delicious Strawberry Cinnamon Galette. The warm Strawberries mixed with a cinnamon-y, crumbly pastry is simply delicious!

Servings:
6

Author:
Sylvie

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Resting Time
15 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust

1 1/2 cup Plain Flour
1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
2/3 cup Butter at room temperature, or 160gr
1 teasp. Cinnamon Powder
2 tbsp. Water

For the Filling

17 oz Strawberries, or 500gr
1 teasp. Cinnamon Powder
1 tbsp. Butter
1 tbsp. Semolina Flour, Optional

Instructions

To make the Pastry Crust

Mix the Flour, Sugar and Cinnamon Powder in a large bowl.
Add the Butter at room temperature, quickly mix with the Flour then rub the dough between your palms to form a thin crumble texture.
You want the Butter to be warm enough to spread around the Flour but cold enough that it is not melting.
Add the Water, one spoon at the time while kneading the dough.
When a uniform ball of dough as formed, stop adding water.
If too sticky, add a little bit more Flour. If too dry, a bit more water.
Wrap the Dough and leave in the fridge to rest for at least 30minutes to an hour.

To Assemble the Galette

Turn on the oven on 180°C (350°F).
Place a sheet of Baking Paper on your kitchen bench then start rolling the pastry on it with your rolling pin. Sprinkle more flour if needed.
You do no need to get a perfect shape, but try to make something round. The dough needs to be not too thick , nor to thin.
Optional: sprinkle the Semolina Flour over the dough before placing the Strawberries. It’s a great tip to make sure the dough below the Fruits doesn’t get soaked in the Strawberries Juice.
Cut the Strawberries in quarters, place them in a bowl and mix with the Cinnamon. I would also recommend to taste a strawberry and consider whether or not you want to add some sugar. Mine were really sweet so no need for extra sugar!
Place the Strawberry in the center of the dough, then fold each side on top of the strawberries.
Optional: add a little bit of butter to the strawberries where not covered by the dough for a nice shine.
Optional: Sprinkle more cinnamon over the Galette before putting in the oven.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make sure the dough as cooked throughout with a knife before turning off the oven.
Let it cool down a bit before serving, or serve cold.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Strawberry Cinnamon Galette served on a white plate, showing the rustic edge

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the Strawberry Cinnamon Galette offers a wonderfully forgiving and rewarding experience. Its rustic charm, combined with the irresistible flavors of warm strawberries and aromatic cinnamon, makes it the perfect dessert to usher in the cooler months. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade galette. Happy baking!