Ina Garten’s Rustic Pear Galette Recipe for Perfect Fall Baking

Pear galettes bring rustic elegance to any dessert table with their free-form charm and delicate pastry edges.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike cherish this simple yet sophisticated treat that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Delicate fruit nestled against buttery, golden crust creates a visual masterpiece that seems complex but requires minimal technical skill.

Sweet, juicy pears mingle beautifully with flaky pastry, promising a sensory experience that delights both eye and palate.

The magic of a pear galette lies in its imperfect, handcrafted appearance that signals authentic, homemade goodness.

Each slice promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels simultaneously comforting and elegant.

Your kitchen will radiate warmth and invitation as this rustic dessert bakes to golden perfection: get ready to impress.

Tips for a Buttery Galette Crust

• Pick Perfect Pears: Select Anjou pears that are ripe yet slightly firm to maintain structure and deliver delicious flavor during baking.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create thin, consistent pear slices that cook evenly and look professionally elegant.
• Protect the Pastry Base: Sprinkle a light layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs beneath the pears to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust beautifully crisp.
• Create Beautiful Edges: Fold the pastry edges roughly and unevenly for a rustic, homemade appearance that looks artfully imperfect and delightfully authentic.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Dust the galette with a sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle honey before baking to add warmth and complexity to the pear's natural sweetness.

How to Store That Beautiful Galette

• Refrigeration Method: Seal completely cooled galette slices in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture absorption and maintain crisp pastry texture. Place container in the coldest part of refrigerator, typically back shelf.
• Freezing Method: Individually wrap each galette slice in parchment paper, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Transfer wrapped slices into a labeled freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag, removing maximum air possible. Consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep freshly baked galette at room temperature for maximum 24 hours, covering loosely with clean kitchen towel. Place on ceramic plate away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent pastry from becoming soggy or developing condensation.

Change It Up With These Filling Swaps

• Autumn Harvest Blend: Incorporate diced apples alongside pears for a multi-fruit galette, adding warm nutmeg and a handful of chopped walnuts for extra crunch and seasonal flavor.
• Rustic Spiced Version: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup, increase cinnamon, and sprinkle ground cardamom for an intensely aromatic dessert that captures woodland warmth.
• Mediterranean Almond Fusion: Swap pears with fresh figs, scatter sliced almonds across the surface, and drizzle honey after baking to create a Mediterranean-inspired pastry with elegant, sophisticated notes.
• Caramel Ginger Splash: Mix minced crystallized ginger into the pear coating, add a light caramel drizzle after baking, and garnish with toasted pecans for a rich, complex dessert experience that balances sweet and spicy elements.

Why Pear Galette by Ina Garten Deserves Praise

• Rustic Charm in Every Bite: This pear galette showcases a beautiful, imperfect dessert that looks artisanal and homemade, making it perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
• Flavor Explosion with Minimal Effort: The simple combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice creates a deep, complex taste that transforms ordinary pears into a sophisticated dessert without complicated techniques.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between the flaky, golden pie crust and the soft, tender pears that melt in your mouth, offering a sensory journey with each forkful.
• Quick and Stress-Free Baking: With just 35-40 minutes of baking time and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create a stunning dessert without kitchen stress.

Must-Have Ingredients for the Perfect Pear Galette

• Pie Crust Dough: Homemade or store-bought pastry that creates a flaky, buttery base for the galette, best when chilled and rolled thin.

• Pears: Sweet, ripe fruit with soft texture that caramelizes beautifully when baked, choose firm but slightly soft pears for best results.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic warm spices that enhance pear's natural sweetness and add depth to the dessert's flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps intensify overall taste.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit juices and prevent a soggy crust.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness, prevents fruit browning, and provides subtle tangy contrast.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crisp edge.
• Egg: Creates a beautiful golden sheen when brushed on the crust.
• Water: Helps create a smooth egg wash for browning.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides extra sweetness and sparkle on the crust.

Slice and Bake the Ina Garten Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure a perfectly golden crust.

Step 2: Roll Out Dough

Place pie crust on parchment paper and gently roll into a 12-inch circular shape. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Pear Coating

• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Stir in lemon juice until ingredients are thoroughly blended. Gently toss pear slices in the mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Arrange Pear Filling

Spread coated pear slices across the dough’s center, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Layer slices in overlapping circles or artfully pile in the middle.

Step 5: Shape Galette

Carefully fold the dough’s outer edges over the pear filling, creating a rustic border. Dot small butter pieces across the top of the filling.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk egg and water together in a small bowl. Brush the egg mixture over the folded dough edges. Sprinkle sugar generously on top for extra crispness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and pear filling bubbles invitingly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the galette rest on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the delightful blend of flavors.

Dessert Thoughts to End the Galette Chapter

Ina Garten’s pear galette whispers rustic elegance through its simple yet sophisticated design.

Fresh pears nestled in buttery pastry create an irresistible dessert experience that connects culinary tradition with modern comfort.

Delicate flavors dance between sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon, promising a memorable taste journey.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this classic French-inspired treat that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this approachable recipe with confidence and creativity.

Complex yet straightforward, this galette invites passionate food enthusiasts to savor each remarkable bite.

Hungry for more deliciousness?

Scroll down, share this mouthwatering recipe with friends, drop a comment about your baking adventure, and spread culinary joy across your network!

Ina Garten Pear Galette Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pear galette brings rustic French elegance to dessert tables with minimal effort. Delicate pastry folds embrace ripe pears, creating a simple yet sophisticated treat you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Produce:

• 4 medium Anjou pears, peeled, cored, and sliced

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 milliliters) salt

Crust and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made refrigerated pie crust dough (Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) light butter (Land O’Lakes light butter spread with canola oil)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Gently stretch the pie crust dough on parchment paper into a circular shape approximately 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) in diameter, then carefully slide onto a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Create a seasoning mixture by combining brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour fresh lemon juice into the dry ingredients and thoroughly incorporate until a consistent texture emerges.
4. Delicately fold the sliced pears into the spice mixture, ensuring each slice receives an even coating of the fragrant seasoning.
5. Artfully distribute the seasoned pear slices across the dough’s surface, maintaining a generous 2-inch (5 centimeters) border around the edges. Layer the slices either in concentric circles or casually pile them toward the center.
6. Tenderly fold the exposed dough edges inward, creating a rustic, free-form border that partially covers the pear filling.
7. Dot the surface with small, cold butter pieces, strategically placing them across the galette to enhance richness and flavor.
8. Whisk an egg with water to create a glossy egg wash, then gently brush the exposed dough edges and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crisp finish.
9. Transfer the galette to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a deep golden crust and bubbling pear filling.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the galette to rest on a wire cooling rack for at least 20 minutes, permitting the filling to set and the crust to firm slightly before serving.

Notes

• Check pear ripeness by gently pressing near the stem; if it yields slightly, it’s perfect for baking.
• Slice pears uniformly using a sharp knife or mandoline to create consistent, elegant layers in your galette.
• Keep pastry crisp by sprinkling ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the dough before arranging pear slices.
• Chill the assembled galette for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain its structured shape and prevent spreading.
• Brush edges with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish that adds professional-looking shine to your rustic dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 246 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 158 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg