Pear & Frangipane Galette: A Touch of French Country Charm

Do you remember the scent of late summer afternoons, the sun slanting golden through the orchard branches, the air thick with the promise of ripening fruit? I cherish those memories, especially the ones where the whole family would gather after a day of picking, the table laden with pears, ready to be transformed into something special. This Pear & Frangipane Galette is a direct descendant of those happy days - a simple, rustic dessert that celebrates the season's bounty with a touch of French elegance. It's a celebration of warmth, simplicity and the inherent goodness found in from-scratch cooking.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Pear & Frangipane Galette is the answer to those late-summer/early-fall cravings for something comforting and not too sweet. Need a delightful dessert to showcase your beautiful pear harvest? Want a rustic yet impressive dish for a weekend brunch or casual get-together? Or simply want to whip up something easy, where the pastry isn't too fussy? This galette is perfect!

• Incredibly Easy to Make: This free-form tart is much simpler than a traditional pie, requiring no fancy crimping or precise shaping.
• Showcases Seasonal Fruit: The delicate sweetness of ripe pears shines through, complemented by the nutty, buttery frangipane filling.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe with different types of pears, nuts, or spices to suit your preferences.

Imagine the scene: a warm slice of galette, the flaky crust crumbling gently, the sweet pear filling oozing slightly, served with a dollop of crème fraîche. It’s autumn comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients List

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Frangipane Filling:

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Pear Topping:

• 3-4 ripe pears, such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (use agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Ingredient Notes:

• Opt for locally sourced butter for the best flavor in your crust.
• Use organic pears whenever possible.
• If you don't have almond extract, a splash of vanilla extract works well too.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   Tip: Work quickly to keep the butter cold – this is crucial for a flaky crust.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Chilling the dough is essential to prevent shrinking during baking.

Preparing the Frangipane Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.

Assembling the Galette:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
   Tip: If the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour underneath.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread the frangipane filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
5. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern on top of the frangipane.
6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Brush the pear slices with this mixture.
7. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the pear filling, pleating as needed.
8. Brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
   

Baking the Galette:

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Don't overbake the tart; the filling should still have a slight wobble.
2. Let the galette cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

This galette is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Leftovers are delicious cold for breakfast or a quick snack.
• Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey before serving.
• Serve on a rustic wooden platter for a charming presentation.
• A glass of chilled Moscato or dry Riesling would be the perfect beverage pairing.

Closing

This Pear & Frangipane Galette embodies the spirit of the season – simple, wholesome, and bursting with natural flavors. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures of home cooking. After all, nothing beats a cozy harvest meal with family and friends!

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your own tastes – try adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the frangipane filling or using a different type of fruit, like apples or plums. The possibilities are endless!

We'd love to hear how you make this galette your own! Share your variations and photos in the comments below.

For more seasonal recipes and homesteading tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter! And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with your friends or exploring our other fall-inspired dishes, like our Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup or our guide to Preserving the Autumn Harvest.