The BEST Rustic Pear Galette you've ever had

Imagine a leisurely Sunday afternoon, with the delightful scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. You find yourself in the kitchen, embarking on a relaxed culinary adventure with a Rustic Pear Galette. This delightful treat takes you on a journey of simplicity, where juicy pears find their cozy place in a flaky and forgiving crust. It's more of a carefree embrace than the precise art of a traditional pie.

The galette radiates a homemade charm that thrives on imperfections, allowing you to savor the pure joy of folding the edges just so. It's a celebration of the natural sweetness of pears, harmonizing with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, creating a warm and comforting symphony of flavors. When served fresh from the oven, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is not merely a sweet conclusion; it's a rustic tribute to the comforts of home.

This is more than just a dessert; it's a journey into the heart of comfort

The sweetness of the pears is elevated by the subtle interplay of vanilla undertones. As you relish each mouthful, time seems to slow down, and you find solace in the simplicity of the experience. The galette, adorned with its golden-brown edges and a comforting warmth, embodies the spirit of a kitchen filled with laughter and shared moments. The contrasting textures, from the slightly crisp exterior to the luscious pear filling, create a delightful symphony on your taste buds. This is more than just a dessert; it's a journey into the heart of comfort, where the true artistry lies in the unassuming beauty of flavors blending effortlessly. With every bite, the Rustic Pear Galette whispers the language of home, transcending mere indulgence to become a treasured memory in the making.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 50 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes, plus 10 minutes to cool
Serves: 6-8

Jump to:

• This is more than just a dessert; it's a journey into the heart of comfort
• Ingredients needed to make Rustic Pear Galette
• How to make Rustic Pear Galette
• Variations on the Rustic Pear Galette recipe
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tips to know when making Rustic Pear Galette
• Related
• Pairing
• The BEST Rustic Pear Galette you've ever had

Ingredients needed to make Rustic Pear Galette

• 1-½ c. All-purpose flour, plus a few tablespoons extra for working the dough
• 5-½ T. sugar, divided
• ¼ t. salt
• 10 T. cold butter, cubed
• ¼ c. very cold water
• 3 large pears, sliced
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1 t. ground cinnamon
• ¼ t. ground cardamom
• 1 large egg, whisked with 1 T water or milk to make egg wash
• 1-2 T. turbinado sugar, to taste
• powdered sugar, to serve

How to make Rustic Pear Galette

1. Make dough:  Add flour, 2-½ tablespoons of sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Add cold butter cubes. Cut butter into the flour with a pastry blender or by using two forks to mash butter into the dry ingredients.  The mixture should be crumbly with very small pieces of butter sprinkled all throughout the flour. 
3. Pour in cold water and stir until the dough begins to come together. 
4. Sprinkle your work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough onto the floured surface. Work it into a ball and then flatten into a round disc. Wrap the disc in a piece of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rest for at least 30 minutes.
5. In the meantime, in the same bowl you used for the dough, toss the pears with 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. Place in the refrigerator while the dough rests. 
6. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
7. Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Unwrap the disc of dough and place it on top of the parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle, anywhere between 10 and 12 inches in diameter. 
8. Add the pear filling to the center of the rolled out galette, leaving a 3-inch border of dough around the filling to allow for proper overlapping of the filling to create a beautiful rustic crust. Fold the dough over the pears, working in a circle, overlapping slightly as needed, and lightly pressing to seal dough any cracks. This does not need to be perfect. 
9. Brush the galette crust with egg wash mixture and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. 
10. Bake the galette until the crust is deep golden-brown, approximately 35-40 minutes. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The galette will taste best if served warm on the day it is made. Enjoy!

Variations on the Rustic Pear Galette recipe

1. Spiced Honey Drizzle: Elevate your Rustic Pear Galette by mixing honey with a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Drizzle this spiced honey over the galette just before serving for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
2. Almond Crunch Topping: Sprinkle a generous handful of toasted almond slices on top of the galette before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch, complementing the softness of the pears.
3. Ginger-infused Pear Filling: Grate fresh ginger into your pear filling for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness. It adds a zesty note that pairs wonderfully with the mellow warmth of the galette.
4. Cardamom Vanilla Cream: Whip up a simple cardamom-infused vanilla cream to serve alongside the galette. This creamy addition brings a touch of sophistication to the rustic charm.
5. Bourbon-soaked Raisins: Soak raisins in bourbon until plump, then scatter them over the pear filling. The boozy infusion adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall richness.
6. Citrus Zest Zing: Grate a bit of orange or lemon zest into the pear mixture for a citrusy twist. The bright notes will cut through the sweetness, providing a refreshing element.
7. Caramelized Walnut Crust: Mix finely chopped caramelized walnuts into the galette crust for a toasty, nutty undertone. It's a subtle modification that transforms the entire pastry.
8. Rosemary Infusion: Infuse your galette crust with finely chopped fresh rosemary. This unexpected herb adds a savory element that beautifully contrasts with the sweet pears.
9. Maple Glaze Finish: Brush the galette with a light layer of maple syrup right before it comes out of the oven. This simple glaze imparts a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness.
10. Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the pear filling before baking. The tangy and creamy cheese creates a delightful savory counterpoint to the sweet pears, making each bite a flavor revelation.

Equipment

large bowl
pastry blender
parchment paper

Storage

A Rustic Pear Galette can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To maintain its texture, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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