Spiced Pear Galette (classic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Spiced Pear Galette
The spiced pear galette is a delightful dessert that brings together the warmth of baked pears and the comforting embrace of a flaky crust. This rustic tart is not only visually appealing but also incredibly simple to make, allowing the natural sweetness of the pears to shine through. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is a cozy reminder of autumn, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
Historically, galettes have their roots in French cuisine, where they were often made with whatever ingredients were on hand. This classic version celebrates the beauty of simplicity, showcasing the pears in a way that feels both elegant and homey. The beauty of a galette lies in its free-form shape, which means you don’t need to worry about perfecting a pie crust. Just roll it out, fill it, and fold the edges over—easy as pie, or should I say, galette?
As you prepare this dish, you’ll find that it’s a wonderful opportunity to experiment with different spices and sweeteners. While this recipe calls for classic cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or even a splash of vanilla extract for a personal touch. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might even consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because who doesn’t love a little extra indulgence? Just remember, the only thing better than a slice of galette is a slice of galette with ice cream on top!
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with this spiced pear galette. It’s a dish that not only tastes great but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Just be prepared for the inevitable question: “Is there any more?” Spoiler alert: there probably won’t be!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons ice water
- 4 ripe pears
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoons milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Begin by making the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.25 cups of granulated sugar, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Use a whisk to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of sugar and salt.
- Cut 0.5 cups of unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
- Gradually add 4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Once formed, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Peel and core 4 ripe pears, then slice them into thin wedges. In a large bowl, toss the pear slices with 0.5 cups of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 0.25 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mixture will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden-brown crust while allowing the pears to soften beautifully.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. The rustic look of a galette means perfection is not required—embrace the imperfections!
- Arrange the pear filling in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the pears, pleating as you go to create a beautiful, rustic edge. This is where the galette gets its charm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the galette with the egg wash to give it a lovely golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle a little extra sugar on the crust for added sweetness and crunch. This step is optional but highly recommended for that extra touch.
- Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender. You’ll know it’s done when the kitchen smells like a cozy bakery.
- Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the juices to settle, making it easier to slice.
- Slice the galette into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Enjoy your spiced pear galette with friends and family, and be prepared for compliments. Just remember to share the recipe—after all, good food is meant to be shared!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs g: 35
- Protein g: 3
- Fat g: 12
- Sugar g: 10
