Rustic Pear and Cranberry Galette
This delightful Rustic Pear and Cranberry Galette celebrates the flavors of autumn with its charming, rustic appearance and deliciously sweet filling. Drawing inspiration from the classic French tart, this galette is an open-faced pastry that highlights the delicate combination of juicy Bartlett pears and tart dried cranberries. Enhanced by warm spices and a hint of vanilla, this dessert offers a comforting hug on a plate. Topped with a golden, flaky crust that cradles the fruit so lovingly, it's the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Serve warm or at room temperature for an inviting dessert that will remind you of cozy gatherings and cherished moments.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (divided)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
Bartlett pears
4 cups (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
Dried cranberries
1/3 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Refrigerated pie crust
1 (room temperature)
Egg white
1 (none)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a pizza pan or baking sheet by coating it with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, reserve 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and combine the remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly blended.
3
Add the sliced pears, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract to the mixture, tossing gently to coat the fruits evenly with the sugar and spice blend.
4
Carefully unwrap the pie crust and lay it flat on the prepared baking sheet, without any plastic sheets.
5
Spoon the pear and cranberry filling into the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
6
Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, creating a rustic border, and gently crimp the edges together to secure them.
7
In a small bowl, whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water until combined. Brush this egg wash over the exposed crust edges, then sprinkle with the reserved teaspoon of sugar for added sweetness and shine.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the crust is a beautiful golden brown. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, lightly cover them with foil after about 15 minutes of baking.
9
Once baked, allow the galette to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rustic Pear and Cranberry Galette?
It is an open-faced French-style pastry featuring a sweet and tart filling of Bartlett pears and dried cranberries inside a flaky, hand-folded crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for baking the galette.
What type of pears should I use?
Bartlett pears are recommended for this recipe, and they should be peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
Can I use dried cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of dried cranberries is used to add a tart flavor that complements the sweet pears.
How do I prevent the crust from over-browning?
If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, you can lightly cover them with aluminum foil after about 15 minutes of baking.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener for the fruit juices, ensuring the filling has the right consistency and doesn't make the crust soggy.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
The egg wash is made by whisking one egg white with one tablespoon of water until well combined.
Why is sugar sprinkled on the crust?
A reserved teaspoon of granulated sugar is sprinkled over the egg-washed crust to add a sweet crunch and a beautiful golden shine.
How long does the galette need to bake?
The galette typically bakes for 25 minutes until the pears are tender and the crust is golden brown.
How much border should I leave when adding the filling?
You should leave about a 2-inch border around the edges of the pie crust to allow room for folding.
How long should the galette cool before slicing?
It is recommended to let the galette cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Can I serve this galette warm?
Yes, this galette is delicious when served warm or at room temperature.
What spices are used to flavor the fruit?
Ground cinnamon is combined with sugar and vanilla extract to enhance the flavors of the pears and cranberries.
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
You can use a standard pizza pan or a large baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray.
Is the pie crust used at room temperature?
Yes, the refrigerated pie crust should be at room temperature before you unwrap and lay it flat.
What should I do if the fruit isn't tender after 25 minutes?
Continue baking for a few more minutes, monitoring the crust color closely to ensure the pears reach the desired tenderness.
Can I use a homemade crust instead of store-bought?
While the recipe specifies a refrigerated pie crust for convenience, a homemade pastry dough can certainly be used.
How do I secure the edges of the galette?
Fold the crust edges over the fruit filling to create a rustic border and gently crimp the dough to secure it in place.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and depth to the fruit filling, though the recipe still works without it.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Nutritional data such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not specified for this particular recipe.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Pie, specifically a rustic fruit galette.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, the baking sheet or pizza pan should be coated with non-stick cooking spray before placing the crust on it.
How many pears do I need?
You will need approximately 4 cups of sliced Bartlett pears, which is usually about 3 to 4 medium-sized pears.
How much sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, with one teaspoon reserved for the crust topping.
Can I use other types of cranberries?
The recipe specifically calls for dried cranberries, which provide a chewy texture and concentrated tartness.
What does 'rustic' mean for this recipe?
'Rustic' refers to the free-form, hand-folded appearance of the crust, which doesn't require a pie plate or perfect edges.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn?
Yes, the combination of pears, cranberries, and cinnamon makes it an ideal dessert for autumn and holiday gatherings.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in total required to make this Rustic Pear and Cranberry Galette.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is perfect for an afternoon tea or as a comforting ending to a meal, served either warm or at room temperature.