Spiced Pear and Almond Galette
Spiced Pear and Almond Galette
Step into the delightful world of rustic baking with this irresistible Spiced Pear and Almond Galette, a charmingly unpretentious "sweet snack" that captures the essence of homemade comfort. Originating from French baking traditions, galettes are free-form tarts known for their ease and the beautiful, natural presentation of their fruit fillings. This particular galette celebrates the harmonious marriage of sweet, juicy pears and the warm, aromatic embrace of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of cardamom, offering a sophisticated yet accessible dessert option. As you bake, your kitchen will fill with the enticing fragrance of spiced fruit and buttery pastry, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, a casual dessert, or a standout addition to any brunch. The buttery, flaky crust, studded with toasted slivered almonds, provides a delightful contrast in texture to the tender, spiced pears. This galette truly lets the natural sweetness of the fruit shine, making it a wonderful sweet snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of decadence. It's a perfect fall or winter sweet snack, but delicious any time of year.
- Preparation time
- 30 min
- Cooking time
- 45 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- 1In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- 2Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- 1While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced pears with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
Assembly and Baking
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-14 inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- 3Arrange the pear slices in a single layer over the dough, leaving a 1.5-2 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the pears.
- 4Fold the edges of the dough over the pear filling, pleating it as you go to create a rustic, free-form crust. Brush the folded crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- 5Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender and bubbling. If the crust browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- 6Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before sliding onto a wire rack to cool completely, or serve slightly warm. Enjoy this delightful sweet snack!
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 350 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Carbs
- 45 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
Tips
- Ensure your butter is very cold for the flakiest crust. Cube it and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before mixing.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, sprinkle a teaspoon of finely ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the dough before adding the fruit filling.
- Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an extra special treat.