Heavenly Chocolate Cherry Galette with Whipped Cream Topping Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance through this chocolate cherry galette, where rich cocoa meets bursting fresh cherries in a rustic, free-form pastry.

Delicate layers of buttery crust cradle juicy fruit with unexpected depth and complexity.

Crisp edges promise a delightful contrast between flaky pastry and luscious filling.

Mountain-grown cherries bring intense natural sweetness that complements deep chocolate notes perfectly.

Delicate whipped cream adds a cloud-like finish to this elegant dessert.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore how simple yet impressive this treat becomes.

You can create bakery-quality magic with just a few ingredients and minimal technique.

Grab a fork and prepare for pure culinary bliss!

Why Chocolate Cherry Galette Is a Delight

• Whip Up Chocolate Delight: Create a showstopping dessert that's both rustic and elegant, perfect for impressing friends and family.
• Effortless Rustic Charm: Embrace the free-form galette style that forgives imperfections, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels who want a stress-free baking experience.
• Cherry Chocolate Magic: Combine rich chocolate crust with sweet-tart cherries and boozy bourbon for a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates traditional fruit desserts.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a stunning finale to dinner parties, summer gatherings, or enjoy as a decadent weekend treat that requires minimal specialized baking skills.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Galette with Whipped Cream

• All Purpose Flour: A classic base for creating a tender and flaky galette crust.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the pastry.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.

• Cold Butter: Creates layers and flakiness in the pastry dough.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.

• Fresh Cherries: The star ingredient that brings juicy and vibrant flavor to the galette.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling and prevent excess liquid.
• Bourbon, Vanilla, Lemon Zest: Add depth and complexity to the cherry mixture.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and airy topping for the galette.
• Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Optional Bourbon: Provides an extra layer of flavor to the cream.

• Cocoa Powder: Optional dusting that adds visual appeal and extra chocolate flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Galette with Topping

Step 1: Craft Chocolate Crust

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until perfectly combined.

The key is creating a smooth, even mixture that will become the foundation of your delightful dessert.

Step 2: Work Cold Butter Into Dough

Drop cold butter slices into the flour mixture and coat them thoroughly.

Using a pastry cutter or fork, chop the butter into tiny pea-sized crumbs.

This technique ensures a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Form Dough Consistency

Slowly introduce cold water, adding two tablespoons at a time.

Mix until the dough starts pulling away from the bowl’s sides, creating a cohesive texture.

The goal is a soft, pliable consistency that will roll out beautifully.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, and park it in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Chilling helps the butter firm up and prevents the crust from becoming tough.

Step 5: Prepare Cherry Filling

In a separate bowl, tenderly combine cherries, brown sugar, cornstarch, bourbon, vanilla, and lemon zest.

Let the mixture sit and mingle its flavors while you prepare the next steps.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Surface

Warm up the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Remove the chilled dough and place it between parchment paper sheets.

Roll it into a graceful 12-inch circle.

Trim the edges for a polished look, using a plate as a guide if needed.

Step 8: Transfer and Fill

Carefully move the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

Spoon the cherry mixture into the center, leaving a 2-inch border.

Discard any extra liquid to prevent a soggy bottom.

Step 9: Create Rustic Edges

Gently fold the dough’s edges over the cherries, creating beautiful, rustic pleats.

This technique gives the galette its characteristic free-form charm.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the galette into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for a firm crust and bubbling cherries – the signs of a perfectly cooked dessert.

Step 11: Cool and Rest

After removing from the oven, let the galette rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the filling to set and makes cutting easier.

Step 12: Whip Cream Topping

In a medium bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, sugar, and bourbon until stiff peaks form.

This creates a luxurious, cloud-like topping that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Dollop the whipped cream over the cooled galette.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust with cocoa powder.

Slice and serve this stunning dessert that’s sure to impress!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Galette

• Drain cherries thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp, flaky chocolate pastry base.
• Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the cherry filling for a rich, complex taste that complements the chocolate crust.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent butter from melting and create a tender, layered galette crust.
• Whip cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-beating, which can make the topping grainy and dense.
• Dust cocoa powder lightly over the galette for an elegant finish that enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors.

Flavor Twists for Chocolate Cherry Galette

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Galette: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Rustic Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use aquafaba or coconut cream for whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
• Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Swap cherries with mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries. Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetes-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Fruit Galette: Use coconut cream for whipped topping. Select plant-based butter alternatives like olive oil or coconut oil for the crust.

Serving Ideas for Cherry Galette with Cream

• Sweet Celebration Pairing: Serve this rich chocolate cherry galette alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Elegant Dessert Finale: Drizzle a bit of dark chocolate sauce over the whipped cream topping to elevate the presentation and add extra indulgence.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Present the galette as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend gathering, paired with freshly brewed French press coffee or a light champagne.
• Seasonal Party Delight: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or toasted almond slivers to add a pop of color and subtle crunch to the dessert.

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Galette

• Wrap the galette tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped cream separate in an airtight container.
• Freeze the baked galette without whipped cream for up to 2 months. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Let the galette cool completely, then cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Consume within 1-2 days at room temperature, keeping away from direct sunlight.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chocolate crust unique?

The chocolate crust uses cocoa powder mixed with flour, creating a rich, dark chocolate base that complements the sweet cherries and adds depth to the galette’s flavor.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just thaw and drain them completely before mixing with the other filling ingredients to prevent excess liquid in the galette.

• Is bourbon necessary for the recipe?

No, bourbon is optional. You can omit it entirely or substitute with a splash of cherry liqueur or vanilla extract for added flavor complexity.

• How do I know when the galette is properly baked?

The galette is done when the crust edges are firm and golden, and the cherry filling is bubbling. The total baking time is typically 35-40 minutes at 400°F.

Chocolate Cherry Galette with Whipped Cream Topping Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate cherry galette whispers rustic French charm, inviting dessert enthusiasts into a world of delightful contrasts. Buttery pastry cradles rich chocolate and juicy cherries, crowned with pillowy whipped cream that melts effortlessly on your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
• 12 tablespoons (170 grams) unsalted butter (cold and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces)
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) cold water

Filling:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh cherries (stems removed and pitted)
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) bourbon (optional, replace with water or juice for non-alcoholic)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) bourbon (optional)

Garnish:

• Sweetened cocoa powder for dusting

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a dry foundation for the pastry.
2. Introduce cold butter pieces, ensuring thorough coating within the flour mixture.
3. Utilize a pastry cutter to fragment butter until the texture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
4. Incrementally introduce chilled water, stirring until the dough coheres and separates from the bowl’s edges.
5. Compress the dough into a flattened circular shape, encase with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify.
6. Gently amalgamate cherries with brown sugar, cornstarch, bourbon, vanilla, and lemon zest in a separate container.
7. Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Extract chilled dough and roll between parchment sheets into a 12-inch circular form.
9. Refine the dough’s perimeter for a polished appearance, optionally using a plate as a precise cutting guide.
10. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
11. Distribute cherry mixture centrally, maintaining a 2-inch border, and discard any remaining liquid.
12. Elegantly fold dough edges over the cherries, creating artistic, overlapping pleats.
13. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust hardens and cherries become effervescent.
14. Allow the galette to cool for 10 minutes post-baking.
15. Whip heavy cream, sugar, and bourbon using an electric mixer until stiff peaks emerge.
16. Adorn the cooled galette with whipped cream and optionally dust with cocoa powder.
17. Slice and savor this luxurious dessert.

Notes

• Swap cherries with seasonal fruits like peaches or berries for year-round enjoyment and variety.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust with crisp edges that won’t become soggy.
• Use a light touch when mixing the dough to prevent overworking, which can make the crust tough and dense.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same rich chocolate flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 312 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg