Strawberry Cream Cheese Galette
The idea of making a pie from scratch can be a little intimidating. There’s the crust, the filling, the assembly—it’s a lot. But what if I told you that you can get all the flavors of a homemade pie with half the effort? Enter the galette—a rustic, freeform pastry that’s as beautiful as is is delicious. And when you fill it with sweet strawberries and creamy, tangy cream cheese, you’ve got a dessert that’s nothing short of spectacular.
One of the best things about a galette is its laid-back vibe. Unlike a pie that requires precision and a perfectly crimped crust, a galette is about embracing imperfection. The dough is simply rolled out, the filling is piled in the center, and the edges are folded up in a way that’s charmingly rustic. It’s meant to look homemade—in the best possible way.
But don’t let its casual appearance fool you. The flavors in this strawberry cream cheese galette are anything but simple. The buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect base for a luscious filling of sweet strawberries and creamy vanilla cream cheese. The dessert makes you want to close your eyes and savor every bite.
If making pie dough from scratch sounds daunting, I promise this galette dough is a game-changer. You can create a perfectly flaky crust with just a few simple ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, butter, and water. The key is to keep the butter cold and work quickly to get those lovely, buttery layers that make every bite of the galette so delicious. If the edges of your dough crack as you fold them over the filling, that’s okay. In fact, it’s encouraged! Those imperfections give the galette its rustic charm.
Strawberries and cream cheese are a match made in heaven, and this galette showcases them beautifully. The strawberries are juicy and sweet, with a hint of tartness that pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese. A touch of vanilla in the cream cheese mixture adds warmth and depth, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the strawberries and keeps the flavors balanced.
The strawberries get tossed with a bit of cornstarch, which helps thicken their juices as they bake, ensuring that the filling stays nicely contained within the crust. If you’re feeling a little extra, you can drizzle the strawberries with honey or sprinkle them with additional sugar before baking for an extra layer of sweetness. When the galette comes out of the oven, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves makes it look beautiful!
A strawberry cream cheese galette is the kind of dessert that works for any occasion. Need something impressive for a dinner party? Done. Looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee? Perfect. Want a simple dessert to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon? This galette is calling your name.
What’s more, this galette is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the strawberries for whatever fruit is in season—peaches, blueberries, or even a mix of berries would be delicious. The cream cheese layer is the secret ingredient that makes this galette stand out, but feel free to get creative with your fillings!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Galette
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or additional sugar (optional)
- powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
- fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss until the strawberries are well coated.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as needed to create a rustic edge. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the galette to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with additional sugar if desired. Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves if using.
