A Valentine’s Offering: Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to create a dessert as extraordinary as the person you’re celebrating. Join me in crafting a Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette—a love letter baked from the heart!
Beyond Basic Berries: Finding Winter’s Sweetest Treasure
Even in the heart of February, we can discover pockets of pure delight. While not traditionally in season, a carefully selected batch of strawberries can still bring a burst of flavor and color, reminding us of sunnier days and the sweetness we cherish. In this galette, they transform into something truly exceptional.
The Story Behind the Galette: Inspired by Pure Sweetness
This galette is extra special because it’s inspired by a cherished dessert I made a few months ago. The joy it brought then sparked an idea to recreate that magic in a new form. This galette is the result—a treat crafted with love, for someone who embodies sweetness in every way.
Why Strawberries Shine in This Galette
In this Valentine’s Day creation, strawberries are more than just a pretty topping; they’re essential. Their natural sweetness and tender texture are baked right into the cheesecake, perfectly complementing the rich cheesecake filling and flaky crust.
A Crust with a Secret: From My Kitchen to Yours
I started with a homemade gluten-free crust that I had prepared last week and tucked away in the freezer. To give it a Valentine’s Day touch, I sprinkled about a tablespoon of sugar over the dough as I rolled it out. This simple act created a delicate, caramelized sweetness that elevates every bite.
This galette is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary embrace. A sugar-kissed gluten-free crust cradles a luscious cheesecake filling studded with vibrant strawberries. I topped it off with a bit of lemon zest and crushed dehydrated strawberry dust. It’s rustic, elegant, and made with love.
So, this Valentine’s Day, embrace the extraordinary. Share a slice of this Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette and savor the moment. It’s a celebration of love, expressed through the simple joy of baking something truly special. It is “sweetness” in every bite.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette that’s both flavorful and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Dough
- Follow the instructions found here for my gluten free pie dough recipe.
Granulated Sugar
- I sprinkled about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the dough as I rolled it out. This adds a bit of sweetness and caramelizes the crust as it bakes. Sugar is also used as the sweetener for the cheesecake filling.
Strawberries
- Choose small to medium sized ripe strawberries for this recipe. Their texture holds up well during baking.
Cream Cheese & Eggs
- Cream cheese and and an egg are used for the rich and creamy filling for the cheesecake.
Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness of the filling while adding warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Egg White (for egg wash) or cream
- An egg white mixed with a bit of water creates an egg wash. It’s brushed onto the galette’s edges before baking to give the crust a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish. If you prefer not to use eggs, cream is a great alternative.
Coarse Grained Sugar (optional)
- Used to sprinkle on the folded edges of the galette just prior to baking. This will add a crunchy texture to the pastry, as well as create a sparkling, decorative finish.
Sliced Almonds (optional)
- Used to sprinkle on the galette prior to baking. The almonds introduce a nutty flavor and crunch and enhance the visual appeal of the galette.
Lemon Zest (optional)
- Lemon zest is added to brighten up the flavor of the cheesecake batter. It is also used to decorate the galette after it is removed from the oven.
Dehydrated Strawberry Powder (optional)
- Used to decorate the galette after it cools.
Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment to prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Galette Recipe. Make sure to have them ready before you start cooking for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Food Processor (optional)
- A food processor is handy for making the gluten-free dough quickly and efficiently. However, you can also mix the dough by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
Rolling Pin
- You’ll need a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a circle of the desired size. This will help create the crust for your galette.
Mixing Bowls
- Use mixing bowls to combine and mix various ingredients throughout the recipe, including the dough and filling components.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Measuring spoons are used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, xanthan gum, and sugar.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
- A rimmed baking sheet is also essential for baking the galette in the oven. It provides a flat surface for the galette to cook evenly.
Parchment Paper
- I use parchment paper is to line the baking sheet and prevent the galette from sticking. It also makes it easier to transfer the galette in and out of the oven.
Knife and Cutting Board
- You’ll need a knife and cutting board to prepare the strawberries.
Pastry Brush (Optional)
- A pastry brush is used to apply the egg yolk wash to the edges of the galette for a golden finish. You can also use a clean brush or your fingers for this step.
Oven
- You’ll use a conventional oven to bake the galette to perfection.
Cooling Rack (Optional)
- While not essential, a cooling rack can help cool the galette evenly once it’s removed from the oven. Just don’t place a hot pan directly on a heat sensitive counter.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette Substitutions
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or personal preferences when making substitutions. The key is to adapt the recipe to your needs while still maintaining the overall structure and flavors of the galette. Enjoy your customized Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette!
These ingredients have easy substitutions.
Xanthan Gum
- Gluten free flour blends don’t bind together like a traditional wheat based flour. That’s why I use xanthan gum to hold the dough together. If your gluten-free flour mix contains xanthan gum, you can omit it from the recipe. If you choose to use a recipe that does not contain xanthan gum, the dough may be slightly more fragile without it, so handle it carefully.
Unsalted Butter
- If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute cold dairy-free margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the unsalted butter. Make sure it’s cold and solid when you use it. Additionally, if you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just reduce the salt in the dough by ½.
Strawberries
- Replace with blueberries or raspberries if strawberries are not available. Or you can make this dessert without berries at all.
Sliced Almonds, Dehydrated Strawberry Powder and Lemon Zest
- Replace the sliced almonds with chopped nuts or seeds of your choice. Or prepare the galette without any added decoration.
Sliced Almonds
- Replace the sliced almonds with chopped nuts or seeds of your choice. Or prepare the galette without any added decoration.
Egg Yolk (for egg wash)
- If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use dairy-free milk, like almond or soy milk, as a wash to give the crust a golden color.
What to serve with Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette?
The Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as the perfect ending to a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions – feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the occasion.
Vanilla Ice Cream
- The cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the galette.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch.
Hot Tea or Coffee
- Pair it with Earl Grey tea or a rich espresso for an indulgent treat.
Why will you love this savory Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette?
A Symphony of Flavors
- It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of cheesecake, strawberries and sweetened crust flavors will tantalize your taste buds, creating an utterly decadent, harmonious and unforgettable bite.
Gluten-Free? No Compromise on Taste!
- If you’re gluten-free, you know the struggle of finding desserts that actually deliver on flavor. I’ve created a gluten-free crust that’s so flaky and delicious, you won’t believe it’s not the “real” thing.
Rustic Charm
- Forget fussy, complicated desserts. This galette is the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel instantly cozy and comfortable, perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories.
The Perfect Gathering Treat:
- Whether you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day celebration, a cozy family dinner, or a romantic dinner for two, this galette is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to slice and serve, and its rustic appearance is a natural conversation starter. Get ready for compliments!
Kid-Approved Goodness:
- The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling is a surefire win with kids (and adults who are kids at heart!). The galette’s fun, rustic presentation can also spark their interest in cooking, encouraging them to try new foods and get involved in the kitchen.
A Dessert for All Seasons (and Occasions!):
- While this recipe features strawberries for Valentine’s Day, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in other seasonal fruits throughout the year: blueberries in summer, raspberries in the fall. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create variations that are fresh, exciting, and perfect for any occasion.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette
Description
Simple and elegant dessert - Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette - It's a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Gluten Free Dough
Caramel Pear Filling
Instructions
Prepare the Gluten-Free Crust
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Prepare a single gluten-free pie crust according to the recipe found here.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon over the dough as you are rolling it out.
Prepare the Filling
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Prepare the Strawberries
- Thoroughly wash the strawberries and set on a paper towel dry.
- After the berries are dry, use a knife to slice off the green end of the strawberries, cut each berry in half (you can also chop or slice the berries - get creative!).
- Set berries aside until you are ready to assemble.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
- Place the room temperature cream cheese in a bow with the sugar. Mix using a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add in the egg, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix until incorporated with no lumps of cream cheese. Don’t overmix.
- Set aside.
Assemble the Galette
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 14 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment to a rimmed baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Note that depending on the size of your baking sheet, the dough will hang over the edges of the pan.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator; Leaving a 2-3 inch border, arrange the strawberries slices in a circular pattern starting 2 inches from the outside of the dough.
- Pour the batter into the “ring" of berries.
- Top with additional strawberries.
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- Fold the edges of the dough over onto the filling.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the cream or egg whites across the entire surface of the dough edge, then sprinkle the dough edges with coarse granulated sugar.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the edges of the galette.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 - 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. (Note: the cheesecake should still jiggle and not look completely set when you pull it out of the oven.)
Serve and Enjoy
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- Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for at least 60 minutes.
- Decorate with lemon zest and dehydrated strawberry dust (optional).
- Even better if you have time to chill the cheesecake in the fridge or 1 - 2 hours.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy flavors of the Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Galette.
Note
- Gluten-Free Flour: I use a blend that I have modified, based on a recipe from ATK, The ATK recipe can be found in this cookbook. That blend does not contain xanthan gum, so I add it separately depending on the recipe.
- If you are using a gluten-free blend that is not listed as a one-to-one replacement, it is important to weigh the flour. My gluten-free flour blend weighs 140 grams.
- There are, however, many commercially available gluten-free flour blends at your local grocer or online. Here are several that are available from Amazon:
- All of these flours do contain xanthan gum. So omit the extra xanthan if using one of these blends. All of the manufacturers promote these products as a one-to-one replacement.
