Spiced Pear and Ginger Galette with Walnut Streusel

Spiced Pear and Ginger Galette with Walnut Streusel

Step into autumn with this breathtaking Spiced Pear and Ginger Galette, a perfect showcase for seasonal pears and an ode to rustic French baking traditions. Unlike a classic pie, a galette is a free-form pastry, offering a charmingly imperfect, hand-crafted look that's incredibly appealing and less intimidating for home bakers. This particular galette takes humble pears and elevates them with the warm embrace of cinnamon, a vibrant kick from fresh ginger, and a delightful crunch from a buttery walnut streusel. The flaky, golden-brown crust cradles the sweet and slightly tangy fruit filling, making each bite a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of baking spices, a scent that transports you to cozy evenings. Whether you're looking for an impressive dessert for Thanksgiving, a simple weeknight treat, or an offering for a festive gathering, this galette delivers. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to complete a truly memorable dessert experience. It’s an accessible yet elegant tart, perfectly suited for those who appreciate homemade goodness without the fuss.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
45 min
Total time
1 hr 15 min
Servings
8

Instructions

Prepare the Galette Dough

  1. 1In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
  2. 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.

Prepare the Pear Filling

  1. 1In a separate bowl, combine the sliced pears, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, grated fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure the pears are evenly coated. Set aside.

Prepare the Walnut Streusel

  1. 1In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

Assemble and Bake the Galette

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled galette dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet.
  3. 3Arrange the pear filling in a single layer over the dough, leaving a 1.5 to 2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the pears.
  4. 4Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic, free-form crust. Brush the folded crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with a little granulated sugar.
  5. 5Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
  6. 6Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.

Nutrition Information

Calories
341 kcal
Protein
4 g
Fat
16 g
Carbs
45 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories341 kcal
Protein4 g
Fat16 g
Carbs45 g

Tips

  • Ensure your butter is very cold for the dough and streusel to achieve the flakiest texture.
  • Avoid overworking the dough to prevent a tough crust. Handle it minimally for a tender, flaky result.
  • Serve this rustic galette warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for an indulgent treat.

By Chef Michael Ilin