Autumn brings with it the perfect combination of crisp air, golden leaves, and an undeniable craving for warm, comforting desserts. If you’re looking for a cozy yet refined treat, then a Spiced Pear and Almond Galette is exactly what you need. This delightful dessert features a buttery, flaky pastry crust, a fragrant almond cream filling (frangipane), and beautifully spiced pears, all baked into a rustic yet elegant free-form tart. It’s the ideal dessert for cozy gatherings, family dinners, or a sweet treat after a chilly autumn day.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone new to the kitchen, this spiced pear and almond galette is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this rustic yet refined dessert that blends the sweetness of pears with the warmth of spices and the nutty richness of almond cream.
What is Spiced Pear and Almond Galette?
A Spiced Pear and Almond Galette is a free-form, rustic tart made from a buttery pastry dough, almond cream (frangipane), and ripe, spiced pears. The dough is rolled out into a rough circle, and the filling is spread inside before folding the edges of the dough over the filling to create a beautiful, rustic presentation. It’s then baked until golden and bubbling with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond.
The combination of spiced pears and frangipane offers a balance of textures and flavors: the crispness of the pears, the softness of the almond cream, and the flakiness of the pastry come together beautifully. This dessert has become a classic fall favorite, celebrated for its warmth, simplicity, and elegant look.
The Origin of Spiced Pear and Almond Galette
The concept of galettes is rooted in French cuisine, where the term refers to free-form, round tarts. Galette means “flat cake” in French, and the idea behind a galette is that it doesn’t require the precision and structure of a traditional pie or tart. Instead, the dough is rolled out in a rough, circular shape, and the filling is placed in the center before folding the edges over.
Pears and almonds have been paired together for centuries, particularly in French desserts. The combination of pears’ natural sweetness with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds is a perfect match. Frangipane, a traditional almond cream filling, has been used in French pastry since the 16th century and adds a luxurious depth to the dessert.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to create the perfect Spiced Pear and Almond Galette:
For the Galette Dough:
- 1¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 tbsp ice water
Almond Cream (Frangipane):
- ½ cup (50g) almond flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
Spiced Pear Filling:
- 3 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (for glazing, optional)
For Finishing:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method for Spiced pear galette
Follow these detailed instructions to make your Spiced Pear and Almond Galette:
1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.
- Once the dough holds together, shape it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2: Prepare the Almond Cream (Frangipane)
- In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Stir in the almond flour until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate the frangipane until ready to use.
3: Prepare the Pears
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the pears.
- In a bowl, toss the pear slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release some of their juices.
4: Assemble the Galette
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Spread the almond cream (frangipane) evenly over the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border.
- Arrange the spiced pears on top of the frangipane.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating the dough as needed to create a rustic, free-form tart.
5: Bake the Galette
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and milk to create the egg wash. Brush the edges of the galette with the egg wash and sprinkle the crust with sliced almonds (if using).
- Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- If you like a glossy finish, brush the warm pears with honey after baking.
- Let the galette cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
6: Serve
Slice the galette and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the delightful combination of spiced pears, frangipane, and buttery pastry!
Tips & Variations for Spiced Pear and Almond Galette
- Use Bosc or Bartlett pears for the best texture—they hold up well during baking.
- Add a splash of brandy or amaretto to the frangipane for an extra layer of depth and flavor.
- Swap pears for apples or stone fruit like peaches or plums depending on the season.
- Make mini galettes for individual servings—perfect for a more personal dessert experience.
FAQs About Spiced Pear and Almond Galette
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before using. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Q2: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?
While homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor, you can substitute with a store-bought pie crust in a pinch. Just be sure to roll it out and follow the same assembly instructions.
Q3: What other fruits can I use for the filling?
You can use other fruits like apples, plums, or peaches. Each fruit brings a unique flavor, but the spices in the pear filling will complement most fruit choices.
Conclusion
In summary, the Spiced Pear and Almond Galette is a perfect dessert to serve on a crisp autumn day, combining the rustic charm of a galette with the warmth of spiced pears and the luxurious taste of almond cream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a dessert that’s sure to impress. The flaky, buttery crust, paired with the spiced pear filling and creamy frangipane, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
So next time you’re in the mood for a cozy, elegant dessert, try making this Spiced Pear and Almond Galette—it’s the perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season and share a little homemade love with your friends and family.
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Spiced Pear and Almond Galette Recipe: A Cozy and Elegant Autumn Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Spiced Pear and Almond Galette is a free-form, rustic tart made from a buttery pastry dough, almond cream (frangipane), and ripe, spiced pears. The dough is rolled out into a rough circle, and the filling is spread inside before folding the edges of the dough over the filling to create a beautiful, rustic presentation. It’s then baked until golden and bubbling with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond.
Ingredients
For the Galette Dough
- 1¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 tbsp ice water
For the Almond Cream (Frangipane)
- ½ cup (50g) almond flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
For the Spiced Pear Filling
- 3 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (for glazing, optional)
For Finishing
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Dough
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Add ice water gradually until dough holds together.
- Shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Frangipane
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Stir in almond flour until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Prepare the Pears
- Toss sliced pears with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Assemble the Galette
- Roll out dough into a rough circle (~12 inches).
- Spread frangipane in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Arrange pears over the frangipane.
- Fold edges over the filling, pleating as needed.
- Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Brush pears with honey for shine (optional).
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve
- Slice and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra-indulgent treat. This rustic galette also pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or mulled wine, making it a cozy dessert for fall and winter gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Spiced Pear and Almond Galette Recipe
