Pear and Cherry Galette Recipe: A Delight for Any Season

Last Updated on May 27, 2024 by Ellen Christian

Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of rustic French baking with a delightful Pear and Cherry Galette recipe. Try it today.

Pear and Cherry Galette Recipe

This simple yet elegant dessert combines the sweetness of ripe pears and tart cherries in a flaky, buttery crust guaranteed to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

What is a Galette?

A galette is a free-form pastry originating from France, celebrated for its versatility and rustic charm. Unlike traditional pies, galettes are easier to assemble and have a more relaxed aesthetic, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. The edges of the pastry are folded over the filling, creating an open-faced tart that showcases the vibrant fruits within.

You may want to learn more about poaching pears without wine.

Ingredients for Pear and Cherry Galette Recipe

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

How to Make Galette Crust

Creating the perfect galette crust is all about keeping your ingredients cold and working quickly. Here’s how to do it:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough begins to form. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Best Fillings for Galette

While today’s focus is on pear and cherry, the beauty of a galette lies in its versatility. Other delicious fillings include:

Apples with a dash of caramel sauce

Mixed berries with a sprinkle of lemon zest

Peaches and raspberries with a touch of honey

Savory options like tomatoes, goat cheese, and herbs

Feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits or your favorite flavor combinations.

What Kind of Cherries to Use for Galette

For this recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen cherries. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them first. Bing cherries are a popular choice due to their sweet flavor, but feel free to experiment with tart varieties like Montmorency for a contrasting taste. If opting for frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy crust.

Try this cherry sauce for ice cream.

Tips for Making a Perfect Galette

Creating a galette that is both visually stunning and delectable requires a few key techniques and considerations. Here are some tips to help you achieve galette perfection:

Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the butter and water, are cold. This helps to create a flaky crust. You can even chill your mixing bowl and utensils before you start.

Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, handle it as little as possible to prevent the butter from melting. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust.

Roll Evenly: Roll the dough out evenly on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a round shape, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—part of the charm of a galette is its rustic look.

Distribute the Filling Evenly: Spread the filling out evenly across the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. This border will be folded over the filling to create the galette’s characteristic look.

Fold and Seal: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating it as necessary. Be sure to press the folds firmly to seal them, which helps to keep the juices from leaking out during baking.

Chill Before Baking: Once assembled, chill the galette in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the dough to firm up, which maintains its shape and flakiness in the oven.

Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the crust with an egg wash to give it a glossy, golden finish. For added crunch and sweetness, sprinkle turbinado or coarse sugar on the crust.

Baking Time: Bake the galette at a high temperature initially to set the crust, then reduce the heat to ensure the filling cooks thoroughly without the crust burning.

Cooling Time: Allow the galette to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect galette, whether it’s filled with sweet fruits or savory ingredients. Happy baking!

How to Prevent a Soggy Bottom

To avoid a soggy crust, sprinkle a thin layer of flour, ground nuts, or breadcrumbs on the dough before adding the fruit filling. This helps absorb excess moisture from the fruit.

How to Assemble the Pear and Cherry Galette

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the sliced pears, cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.

Assemble the Galette: Spoon the fruit mixture onto the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go.

Egg Wash and Sprinkle: Brush the folded edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.

Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the galette to cool slightly before serving.

What to Top a Galette With

A galette is delicious on its own, but adding a complementary topping can elevate it even further. Here are some ideas:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

A dollop of whipped cream

A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce

A sprinkle of powdered sugar

How to Store Leftover Galette

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly will ensure they stay delicious. Cover the galette loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy yet impressive Pear and Cherry Galette recipe that will delight foodies and guests alike. The combination of sweet pears, tart cherries, and a buttery crust is truly irresistible. 

Finally, I hope this recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and create your own delicious galette. Try my Strawberry Galette next.