- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a few pea-size pieces.
- Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time (and vinegar if using) until dough just comes together.
- Form into a disk, wrap, and chill at least 30 minutes (60 minutes is even better).
2) Make the filling
- Peel pears if desired (optional), then slice thinly.
- In a bowl, toss pears with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon juice, salt.
- Let sit 5–10 minutes while you roll the dough (the pears release a little juice).
3) Roll and assemble
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Arrange pears in the center, leaving a 2-inch border (layer slices in a spiral for a pretty look).
- Dot with tiny butter pieces (optional).
- Fold edges over the fruit, pleating as you go.
4) Bake
- Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, until crust is deep golden and pears are tender.
- Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing (filling thickens as it cools).
Serving and Storage:
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a caramel drizzle.
- Room temp: Up to 1 day, lightly covered.
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days.
- Reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to crisp the crust again.
Tips:
- Choose firm pears: Overripe pears turn mushy and release too much liquid.
- Slice evenly: Thin slices bake evenly and look prettier.
- Use parchment: It makes transferring the galette easy and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overload filling: Too much fruit can leak juices and soften the crust.
- Chill dough: Cold dough = flakier crust.
Variations:
- Pear + cranberry: Add 1/2 cup fresh cranberries for tart contrast.
- Pear + chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips under the pears.
- Pear + almond: Add almond extract and scatter sliced almonds on top.
- Pear + caramel: Drizzle caramel before serving for a richer dessert.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix (keep dough well chilled).
Tips:
- Prevent soggy bottom: Sprinkle 1–2 tbsp ground almonds or cookie crumbs under pears to absorb juice.
- Extra shine: Brush warm galette with a little honey or warmed apricot jam.
- Make-ahead: Dough can be made 2 days ahead; assembled galette can chill 15 minutes before baking.
- Cutting tip: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean wedges.
Conclusion:
Spiced Pear Galette is the kind of dessert that feels cozy and elegant at the same time—flaky crust, tender pears, warm
cinnamon spice, and a rustic look that’s impossible to mess up. It’s perfect for holidays, winter weekends, and any moment
you want an easy bake that tastes like pure comfort.
FAQ:
Do I need to peel the pears?
Not necessarily. Pear skin softens as it bakes. Peel them if you want a smoother, more “pie-like” texture.
What pears work best?
Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well. Bartlett is delicious but can get softer—use it when slightly firm.
How do I keep the galette from leaking?
Don’t overload the filling, use cornstarch, and leave a good border so the folded edge seals the juices in.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make the dough ahead, or assemble the galette and chill it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze the galette?
You can freeze it baked (wrap well) up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to crisp the crust again.



