Strawberry Mascarpone Galette

There’s something magical about the moment you pull a warm galette from the oven. The crust is golden and flaky, the filling is bubbling and fragrant, and the air is sweet with strawberries and vanilla. This Strawberry Mascarpone Galette is rustic elegance at its best — juicy, sweet strawberries nestled into a creamy mascarpone base, all wrapped in a buttery, free-form crust that feels as effortless as it is beautiful. Each bite is a symphony of crisp edges, tender fruit, and rich cream, kissed with lemon zest and just the right touch of sugar.

Behind the Recipe

This galette was born out of a late spring afternoon when the strawberries at the market looked too perfect to pass up. I had mascarpone leftover from brunch, and the idea came together like a whisper. No fancy tart pans. No perfection needed. Just a handful of ingredients, a bit of folding, and a whole lot of flavor. It quickly became my go-to for picnics, dinner parties, or quiet evenings when I just needed something sweet and homemade.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Galettes come from French baking traditions, where they’ve long been appreciated for their free-form beauty and adaptability. Unlike a tart, a galette doesn’t require a tin, which makes it perfect for casual baking. The name itself means “flat cake” in French, and while savory versions exist, the fruit-filled ones like this strawberry mascarpone classic have become beloved for their balance of crisp crust and juicy, tender interiors.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Mascarpone Galette

This dessert is more than a treat. It’s an experience you’ll come back to again and again.

Versatile: Works beautifully with other fruits like raspberries, peaches, or blueberries depending on the season.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, yet deliver bakery-quality results.
Quick and Easy: No pie tin or perfection required — just roll, fill, fold, and bake.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, swap fruits, or even add herbs like basil or thyme for a twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: It looks stunning and tastes even better. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dough and filling in advance for a faster assembly.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat slices gently or enjoy them cold the next day — it’s still dreamy.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

This dessert is forgiving, but here are a few tips to ensure yours turns out like a bakery masterpiece.

• Use cold butter and water when making the dough for the flakiest crust.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch in the filling — it helps thicken the berry juices so the galette isn’t soggy.
• Let the galette cool slightly before slicing so everything sets properly.
• Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for that golden, glistening edge.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey before serving for extra indulgence.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets — just the essentials.

Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and mascarpone filling.
Pastry Cutter or Fork: To blend the butter into the flour.
Rolling Pin: To flatten the dough into a rustic circle.
Baking Sheet: To bake the galette on a flat surface.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash to the crust.

Ingredients in Strawberry Mascarpone Galette

There’s harmony in simplicity, and this galette proves it. The creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and flaky crust come together like a dream.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups – forms the base of the crust with structure and softness.
2. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (cold, cubed) – creates a flaky, tender crust.
3. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – balances and enhances the flavors in the crust.
4. Ice Water: 3 to 4 tablespoons – brings the dough together without making it sticky.
5. Mascarpone Cheese: 1/2 cup – adds a rich, creamy layer beneath the fruit.
6. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – infuses warmth and sweetness into the mascarpone.
7. Granulated Sugar: 3 tablespoons (divided) – sweetens the filling and the crust edge.
8. Fresh Strawberries: 2 cups (hulled and halved) – the star of the show, juicy and sweet.
9. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – thickens the strawberry juices while baking.
10. Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon – adds brightness and contrast to the rich cheese and sweet berries.
11. Egg Yolk: 1 (beaten with 1 teaspoon water) – creates a golden, glossy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps.

Mascarpone Cheese: Cream cheese or ricotta.
Strawberries: Mixed berries, peaches, or plums.
All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or light brown sugar.
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mascarpone Cheese: This ultra-creamy Italian cheese is less tangy than cream cheese, lending a luxurious richness and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit.

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries offer a burst of juicy sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking, making them even more irresistible.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Mascarpone Galette

This rustic dessert comes together with just a few easy steps. Let’s bake it like we mean it.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until dough holds together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix mascarpone, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. In another bowl, toss strawberries with cornstarch, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Remove the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread the mascarpone mixture over the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Pile the strawberries on top. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as needed. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle remaining sugar over the edge.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool slightly before slicing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with ice cream or a drizzle of honey.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Every bite delivers contrast. The crust is buttery and crisp, while the mascarpone stays creamy beneath juicy strawberries that soften and caramelize in the oven. The lemon zest and vanilla bring brightness, and the crust’s sugar crunch adds that perfect final touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

This galette is beginner-friendly, but here are a few tips to make it shine:

• Chill your dough before rolling to keep it easy to handle and prevent shrinking.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and color.
• Don’t overload the galette with filling or it may leak during baking.
• Let it rest before slicing so the filling sets up properly.

What to Avoid

Here’s what to watch out for, so your galette doesn’t go sideways:

• Skipping the chilling step — warm dough will tear and spread too much.
• Using overly wet mascarpone — it can make the crust soggy.
• Underbaking the crust — it should be deeply golden for the best texture.
• Piling on too much fruit — keep it balanced to avoid leaks.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge or freeze it for up to a month. The mascarpone filling can be mixed and chilled ahead too. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven for a crisp crust or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

How to Serve Strawberry Mascarpone Galette

Serve slices with vanilla bean ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of cold almond milk or a warm cup of tea. For brunch, try it alongside a yogurt parfait or light green salad.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn slices into something new:

• Dice and layer with yogurt and granola for a breakfast parfait.
• Reheat and top with whipped cream for a quick dessert.
• Crumble over oatmeal for a sweet morning treat.

Additional Tips

• Always work with cold butter for the best crust texture.
• If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain excess liquid before assembling.
• You can freeze the baked galette and reheat in a low oven.

Make It a Showstopper

Brush the crust edge with egg wash and coarse sugar for sparkle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or edible flowers before serving. Slice on a wooden board for that rustic, charming presentation that gets all the oohs and ahhs.

Variations to Try

• Peach Thyme Galette: Swap strawberries for sliced peaches and add fresh thyme leaves.
• Berry Medley Galette: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
• Chocolate Chip Mascarpone Galette: Fold mini chocolate chips into the mascarpone filling.
• Citrus Galette: Add orange zest and juice for a tangy twist.
• Almond Crust Galette: Replace part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty depth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for a month.

Q3: What’s a good mascarpone substitute?

Cream cheese works great, or ricotta for a lighter option.

Q4: Do I need to use cornstarch?

It’s recommended to thicken the berry juices. You can also use arrowroot.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend and check your cornstarch label.

Q6: Is this dessert overly sweet?

Not at all. The sweetness is balanced by tart fruit and creamy mascarpone.

Q7: Can I make individual galettes?

Yes, divide the dough and filling to create mini versions. Just reduce baking time.

Q8: How do I know when it’s done baking?

The crust should be deeply golden and the fruit bubbling in the center.

Q9: Can I add herbs?

Definitely. Basil or thyme work wonderfully with strawberries.

Q10: How should I reheat leftovers?

Pop slices into a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh the crust.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Mascarpone Galette is rustic baking at its finest. Easy, elegant, and packed with vibrant flavor, it’s a recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, trust me, this one’s a total game-changer. Now go on, roll out that dough and let the magic begin.

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