Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette with Walnut Crumble: A Rustic Autumn Delight

The crisp air bites with a hint of winter’s promise, and the leaves crunch underfoot in a symphony of reds, oranges, and golds. It’s late autumn, the time when the garden’s bounty has mostly been gathered, and we find ourselves savoring the last of the season’s treasures. I remember as a child, my grandmother would take us to the local orchard to pick pears, their skins still warm from the sun, and gather the last of the cranberries from the bush. There was something magical about those late-season harvests, a feeling of accomplishment and gratitude for the gifts of nature. And now, I honor that tradition with this Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette – a rustic, free-form tart that perfectly captures the bittersweet beauty of autumn winding down.

This galette is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season. It’s a way to preserve the flavors of autumn, to savor the sweetness of pears and the tartness of cranberries before winter sets in. Unlike a fussy pie, this galette is wonderfully forgiving and embraces a rustic charm. The sweet pears, tart cranberries, fragrant spices, and crunchy walnut crumble combine to create a symphony of flavors that is sure to warm your heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette is destined to become a new family favorite, and here’s why:

• Simple Elegance: It looks stunning but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Seasonal Showcase: The combination of sweet pears and tart cranberries is a match made in autumn heaven.
• Minimal Waste: Imperfect fruit pieces? No problem! The free-form nature of a galette welcomes them with open arms, reducing food waste.
• Easy Clean-Up: Forget mountains of dishes. This recipe only requires one baking sheet and a few mixing bowls.
• Adaptable: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer.

A close-up, slightly overexposed shot of freshly picked pears and cranberries in a weathered wicker basket, dappled with late afternoon sunlight.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors

Here's what you'll need to create this rustic masterpiece. I source my pears from Johnson Family Orchard, a local farm committed to sustainable practices. By supporting local farmers, we not only get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients, but we also reduce our carbon footprint. For a truly homesteading experience, consider making your own oat milk for the egg wash (recipe below!).

Pastry Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon granulated or brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 4 medium pears, firm but ripe (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett – a mix is great!)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, no need to thaw)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your pears)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch (optional, for thickening the filling)

Walnut Crumble:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Egg Wash (optional):

• 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water or oat milk (see homemade oat milk recipe below)

Homemade Oat Milk for Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 4 cups water
• Pinch of salt

A top-down shot showcasing all the ingredients arranged artfully on a rustic wooden table. Include pears, cranberries, flour, spices, butter, and walnuts. Emphasize natural lighting.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Rustic Masterpiece

Now, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated by the pastry – it’s easier than you think.

1. Make the Pastry Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small bits of butter – this is key for a flaky crust!
• Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the dough just comes together. Don't overwork the dough; it’s better to be slightly under-mixed than over-mixed.
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).

A close-up shot of butter being cut into flour using a pastry blender or fork, with visible bits of butter remaining.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Core and thinly slice the pears.
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, cranberries, brown sugar (or maple syrup), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If your pears are very juicy, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or tapioca starch to help thicken the filling.
• Toss the pears with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.

A shot showing sliced pears and cranberries being mixed together in a bowl with spices and lemon juice.

3. Make the Walnut Crumble:

• In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix well with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.

A close-up photo showing the texture of the walnut crumble in a small bowl before it's added to the galette.

4. Assemble the Galette:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough into a 12-inch circle. Don't worry if it's not perfect – a rustic shape is part of the charm!
• Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
• Arrange the pear and cranberry filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
• Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic border.
• Brush the crust with the egg wash (optional, but it will give it a beautiful golden sheen).
• Sprinkle the walnut crumble evenly over the filling.

An overhead shot showing hands carefully folding the edges of the dough over the pear and cranberry filling of the galette.

5. Bake the Galette:

• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

A slightly blurry shot of the galette baking inside the oven, visible through the oven door. Light should emanate from within the oven.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Let the galette cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Allowing it to cool slightly will help the filling set and make for cleaner cuts.

Homemade Oat Milk Instructions:

1. Combine 1 cup of rolled oats and 4 cups of water in a blender.
2. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds, until the mixture is smooth but not overly processed. Over-blending can make the milk slimy.
4. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the oat pulp.
5. Store the oat milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using. Use in place of egg wash for a vegan option.

Serving Suggestions: A Cozy Finale

The aroma alone is intoxicating, but the real magic happens when you take that first bite. Here are a few ideas for serving your Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.
• Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. A drizzle of raw honey straight from the honeycomb offers a special touch.
• Pairs perfectly with a cup of hot apple cider or spiced tea.
• Enjoy it for dessert, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.
• Consider serving with a dollop of mascarpone or crème fraîche for a touch of richness.

A styled shot showing a slice of the galette on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slightly on top. Maybe include a fork and a cup of tea in the background.

Embrace the Season, Share the Joy

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette is a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty of the season, and share the joy of homemade food with loved ones.

I encourage you to experiment with different fruits and spices to create your own unique version of this galette. Try adding apples, quince, or even a touch of cardamom.

Don't forget to share your creations on social media using #BetterHomesHarvestsGalette!

Remember, every time you choose to eat seasonally and support local farms, you're making a positive impact on the environment. Choosing farm-to-table helps you nourish your body, support your community, and protect our planet. What are your favorite fall baking traditions? Share them in the comments below!
A slightly blurred photo of a happy person holding the finished galette outside in natural light, possibly with an orchard or garden in the background.
A slightly out-of-focus photo of a small group of friends or family laughing and enjoying slices of the galette around a rustic table, perhaps outdoors with fall foliage in the background.