The Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Strawberry Chocolate Galette: Gluten-Free & Vegan Perfection

Prepare to be amazed by this incredible Strawberry Chocolate Galette! With a rustic, perfectly textured cornmeal crust, a vibrant filling of fresh strawberries sweetened with natural maple syrup, and delightful pockets of rich, melty chocolate, this dessert is truly a show-stopper. It’s not just beautiful to look at; every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. What makes it even more extraordinary is that it’s completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Yes, that means it’s a top 8 allergen-free and fully vegan delight that everyone can enjoy without worry!

The Unexpected Journey to Dessert Perfection

There are some cravings that simply cannot be ignored, even when life is pulling you in a hundred different directions. This strawberry chocolate galette was one of those cravings. I was absolutely dying to make this dessert – not just wanting it, but truly *craving* it with every fiber of my being. I remember hoping and praying, maybe even making a small sacrifice to the dessert gods, and somehow, miraculously, it all worked out!

Have you ever felt such an intense desire for something sweet that you decide to make it, even when your schedule is already overflowing? That was exactly my situation this morning. I had an appointment, followed by only about an hour of free time before my friend’s two energetic boys were due to arrive, joining my own two. Four boys were about to take over my house, and yet, I thought – “Yes, I simply cannot put this off any longer. I bet I can quickly whip this up before the chaos begins.”

I was incredibly nervous, rushing through the steps, convinced I would somehow mess it up. But as you can see from the pictures, she’s an absolute beauty, isn’t she? The result was far beyond my expectations. You’d truly never guess that this magnificent dessert is entirely gluten-free and vegan. It’s a complete game-changer, a real “BOOM” moment in allergy-friendly baking.

Why This Rustic Galette Steals the Show

My oldest son had been begging for a “strawberry pie,” and while I adore the idea, I’m simply not a fan of the meticulous process of forming a crust to a pie pan. Call it #LazyPersonProblems, but sometimes you just want deliciousness without the fuss. That’s precisely why I have such a deep affection for galettes. Their rustic, free-form nature eliminates the need for perfection, and honestly, the slight imperfections only add to their charm.

What truly sets a galette apart, for me, is the extra fold of crust. Bring on that thick, chewy, flavorful crust – YUM! And being the devoted chocolate addict that I am, I couldn’t resist elevating a regular strawberry galette to new heights. I decided to introduce a generous half-cup of dairy-free chocolate chips, ensuring plenty of pure, gooey puddles of chocolaty goodness throughout the dessert. It was undeniably a brilliant decision on my part, adding another layer of indulgence to this already fantastic allergy-friendly dessert.

One of the few “downfalls” of a galette, if you can even call it that, is just how wonderfully easy they are to eat. You can simply cut yourself a slice and enjoy it without the need for a plate or fork. This portability makes them incredibly tempting, almost dangerously so. It means it’s all too easy to sneak a piece every time you walk by. Let’s just say, I wasn’t entirely sure if there would be any left by the time my husband got home tonight after experiencing its irresistible allure firsthand!

The Day’s Reward: A Slice of Vegan Heaven

Needless to say, it had been quite a day. I successfully navigated the wild energy of four young boys, which included adventures like them accidentally locking the youngest out of their room and the inevitable few tears that followed. It was a whirlwind of boy-energy (PHEW!). And at the end of it all, I had this beautiful gluten-free vegan galette waiting for me – a perfect, well-deserved reward for putting up with all that joyful chaos. Diving into a slice of this dessert was pure bliss, a moment of peaceful indulgence that made all the day’s excitement worthwhile.

The Secret to an Unforgettable Crust: Cornmeal

Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of this Strawberry Chocolate Galette: the crust. It’s truly a critical component, and the little bit of cornmeal you add to it makes all the difference. This isn’t just any crust; it’s an incredible foundation that elevates the entire dessert. The cornmeal adds a subtle, yet distinct, texture, a wonderful depth of flavor, and a beautiful golden color. It imparts a rustic charm and a delightful chewiness that you just won’t get with standard flour alone.

I understand some might be hesitant if they’re not typically a cornbread fan, but I promise you, this is different. The cornmeal here isn’t overwhelming; it simply enhances the crust in a way that truly makes it special. Do NOT skip this part of the recipe – it seriously elevates the entire experience, transforming a good crust into an extraordinary one. Trust me on this, your taste buds will thank you.

Making the Most of Strawberry Season

This allergy-friendly strawberry galette is the quintessential summer dessert. The sweet, juicy strawberries are at their peak, and combined with rich chocolate and that phenomenal cornmeal crust, it’s an unbeatable combination. Pinky swear to me that you’ll make this recipe before the summer strawberries are gone. You will be so incredibly happy you did. It’s a vibrant celebration of seasonal produce, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring by yourself (no judgment here!).

The simplicity of a galette also means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying those precious summer moments. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue, a casual family gathering, or just a quiet evening on the porch. The fresh fruit, combined with the indulgent chocolate, creates a balanced sweetness that’s not too heavy, making it an ideal ending to any meal. And the fact that it caters to so many dietary needs just adds to its appeal, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Gluten-Free & Vegan Galette

Achieving a perfect gluten-free and vegan galette is easier than you might think, especially with a few pointers. Firstly, ensuring your coconut oil is properly chilled is crucial for a flaky crust. It mimics the role of butter in traditional pastry, creating those desirable pockets of steam that result in a light texture. When adding the rice milk mixture, go slowly. The dough needs to just come together; over-mixing can lead to a tough crust, even with gluten-free flour. If your flour mix doesn’t contain xanthan gum, don’t skip adding it – it provides necessary elasticity to gluten-free dough, preventing it from crumbling.

For the filling, fresh, ripe strawberries are key. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness are perfectly complemented by the maple syrup and vanilla. Make sure they are thoroughly washed and patted dry before cutting. The tapioca flour helps to thicken the juices released by the strawberries during baking, preventing a soggy crust. And those dairy-free chocolate chips? They’ll melt into luscious pools, so choose a high-quality brand you love for the best flavor payoff.

When handling the dough on parchment paper, be gentle. If it cracks, simply pinch it back together. The beauty of a galette is its rustic appearance, so don’t strive for absolute perfection. A generous sprinkle of sugar on the crust before baking will give it a beautiful sparkle and a delightful caramelized crunch. Finally, resist the urge to cut into your galette immediately after it comes out of the oven. Allowing it to cool to room temperature helps the filling set properly, ensuring clean slices and preventing it from oozing out, though a little ooze is part of the charm!

This top 8 allergen-free dessert is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying baking can be, even with dietary restrictions. So gather your ingredients, set aside an hour of your day, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this unforgettable Strawberry Chocolate Galette. You won’t regret it!

Strawberry Chocolate Galette (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)

Yield:
8 slices

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

With a rustic, cornmeal crust, strawberries sweetened with maple syrup and bites of melty chocolate this dessert is a show stopper. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts. This is also top 8 free and vegan!

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• 1/3 cup vanilla or plain rice milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 and 3/4 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour mix already has this)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, chilled
• 1 Tablespoon ice water, if necessary
• FILLING:
• 1 pound of strawberries, washed and cut
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Tablespoon tapioca flour
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• Sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Combine the rice milk and lemon juice and set aside to sour.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
3. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, cornmeal, xanthan, salt and sugar until combined.
4. Add the oil, dropping a spoonful at a time while the mixer is on slow. You will have a coarse meal, a lot like crumbled playdoh.
5. With the mixer on slow, slowly pour the rice milk mixture until it begins to ball in the center. If it’s still too dry, add in the ice water while mixing. If not, you can just omit the ice water.
6. Lay a sheet of parchment paper out on top of a cookie sheet and drop the dough onto it. Mold it into a ball and then flatten it into a disk. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into approximately a 13-inch circle.
7. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.
8. In a separate bowl, stir together the filling ingredients.
9. Pour the filling into the middle of the dough, being sure to keep several inches of a border.
10. Fold the edges of the dough toward the middle. I find it’s easier to just lift the parchment paper than do it with your fingers–it breaks less. If it does break, simply pinch it back together with your fingers. Make sure any cracks are sealed so that the filling doesn’t ooze out.
11. Sprinkle sugar on top of the crust and then place in the oven.
12. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are nice and brown. Let cool to room temperature before cutting.

The incredible crust for this galette was inspired by Cybele Pascal’s “The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook”, an invaluable resource for anyone navigating food allergies. The delightful filling was thoughtfully adapted from a recipe found on Bakerita, which provided a fantastic starting point for our delicious blend of strawberries and chocolate.