Pear and Cranberry Galette Recipe | The Kitchens Aid

Pear and Cranberry Galette

Introduction

If you’ve been looking for a delightfully rustic fall dessert that’s both beautiful and fuss-free, then you’re in the right place! This Pear and Cranberry Galette pulls together those warm, cozy autumn flavors we love. Think juicy pears, bursts of tart cranberries, and buttery, flaky pastry—all with minimal effort but maximal payoff. Perfect to share with friends around the table or snuggle up with a cozy cup of tea.

But let’s be honest—for something that sounds fancy, a galette is one of the easiest desserts you can make! No need for a pie tin or fancy lattice work, just pure rustic charm. If you’re ready to bring the taste of autumn into your kitchen, let’s get to it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy as Pie…But Easier! No need for intricate pie crust work—just roll and fold the dough!
Perfect for Fall: Pears and cranberries are in season, and their flavors just sing when baked together.
Customizable: You can switch things up with apples, plums, or other fruit for a year-round favorite.
Minimal Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is likely already in your pantry or easily found at the grocery store.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials

Pears: Choose Bosc or Anjou for their firm texture that holds up beautifully when baked.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work, providing a lovely tart contrast to the sweet pears.
Pastry dough: A pre-made dough will save you time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade is always a delicious option.
Brown sugar: Adds a depth of caramel flavor to balance the fruit.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give your galette that warm, cozy feeling.
Butter: Just a bit for brushing the crust—richness, crispiness, and all the yum.

Pro Tips

If your pears are super ripe and sweet, feel free to dial back the sugar!
Don’t have cranberries? Dried cranberries or even raisins could work in a pinch.
Making your own pastry? Add a touch of lemon zest—it’ll make the flavors pop!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make this easy and fun, step by step!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out your pastry dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic is the name of the game! Transfer it to your prepared baking sheet.
Slice the pears: Core your pears and slice thinly, aiming for even slices. No need to peel—keeping the skin on is both rustic and adds texture.
Toss with cranberries: In a bowl, gently mix the pear slices and cranberries with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Arrange the fruit: Lay the pears and cranberries in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-3 inch border. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the fruit, folding as you go.
Brush with butter: Melt some butter and brush over the edges of the crust. Sprinkle a little more sugar on the crust if you’re feeling fancy!
Bake: Place the galette in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let the galette cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Chill your dough: If you’re making homemade dough, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling. It makes it easier to handle and bakes up even flakier!
Thicker or thinner crust? Roll it thinner for a crispier texture or thicker for more chew—either way is okay!
Watch the edges: If your crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the edges with foil midway through baking to avoid burning.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Switch up the fruit: Try apples, peaches, or plums if you want to mix things up throughout the year.
Herbal twist: For a fun twist, add a few thyme leaves to your fruit filling—pears and thyme are a *chef’s kiss* combo.
Serve this galette with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle it with salted caramel for that extra indulgence.
Pair it with a cup of chai tea or your favorite fall cocktail for a cozy seasonal treat.

FAQs

Can I make this galette ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the galette up to the baking step and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover galette covered at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a low oven to crisp it back up!

Can I freeze this galette?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap the galette tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.

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