How to Make Pear and Walnut Galette: A Rustic, Elegant Dessert for Every Occasion

Pear and Walnut Galette

Have you ever craved a dessert that feels fancy but doesn’t demand perfection? The kind that looks effortlessly beautiful, smells like autumn, and tastes like something straight from a cozy countryside bakery? That’s exactly what a Pear and Walnut Galette delivers — flaky pastry, caramelized pears, and crunchy walnuts all baked into one rustic, golden masterpiece.

This galette proves that you don’t need a pie pan or pastry chef skills to make something truly stunning. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or even a simple weekend treat.

Overview

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Pear and Walnut Galette

Pear and Walnut Galette: A Rustic, Elegant Dessert for Every Occasion


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  • Author: nakisha
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

This Pear and Walnut Galette combines buttery, flaky pastry with sweet caramelized pears and crunchy walnuts for a rustic yet elegant dessert. Simple to make and beautifully imperfect, it’s perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 34 tablespoons ice water
  • 3 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, melted butter, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Roll Out the Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about ⅛ inch thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Assemble the Galette: Spoon the pear mixture into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go. Brush the crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  5. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the pears are tender. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Tip: For an extra shine, brush the baked pears with a bit of warmed apricot jam. To prevent sogginess, dust the dough center with a little flour or almond meal before adding the filling.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Rustic French-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

The Pear and Walnut Galette is a rustic, free-form pie that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears paired with the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts. Wrapped in a buttery, golden crust, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.

  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Servings: 6–8 slices

Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a drizzle of honey, this galette is always a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Pear and Walnut Galette:

For the crust:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

  • 3 ripe pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett), thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

For finishing:

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Substitutions and Variations:

  • Butter: Swap for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Walnuts: Try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
  • Pears: Apples or peaches work beautifully too.
  • Flour: For a gluten-free crust, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the pastry dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough starts to come together.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making your crust flaky and golden when baked.

Step 2: Prepare the filling
While the dough chills, combine sliced pears, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and chopped walnuts in a large bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the pears can release a bit of their natural juices.

Step 3: Roll out the crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about ⅛ inch thick. Transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the galette
Spoon the pear mixture into the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go to create a rustic edge. Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra touch of sparkle.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Let the galette cool slightly before slicing. The filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to cut. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Assembly Tips

  • For a professional look, brush the pears with a bit of warmed apricot jam once baked for a glossy finish.
  • Serve on a wooden board for a rustic presentation, or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp crust.
  • Freeze: The unbaked galette can be frozen for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations

  • Pear and Almond Galette: Replace walnuts with slivered almonds and add a layer of almond paste beneath the pears.
  • Maple Pear Galette: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
  • Savory Twist: Skip the sugar, add a sprinkle of blue cheese, and serve it as an appetizer.
  • Mini Galettes: Divide the dough into smaller circles for individual servings — perfect for parties or brunch tables.

Health Benefits

Pears are naturally high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, while walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This dessert is a great way to enjoy a touch of sweetness with wholesome ingredients. Plus, using less refined sugar makes it lighter than most traditional pies.

Conclusion

The beauty of this Pear and Walnut Galette lies in its simplicity — no fancy tools, no perfect edges, just deliciously rustic flavor in every bite. It’s a dessert that celebrates imperfection and warmth, ideal for cozy fall evenings or festive gatherings.

Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make a dessert that feels special yet totally approachable. So, grab those ripe pears and give this recipe a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will think you spent hours crafting it.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a store-bought crust works perfectly. Just roll it out slightly thinner for a flakier result.

2. What kind of pears work best?
Bosc pears hold their shape best, but Bartlett or Anjou pears are also great options for a softer texture.

3. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — use vegan butter and skip the egg wash. Brush the crust with plant-based milk instead.

4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Dust the center of the dough with a little flour or almond meal before adding the pear filling. This helps absorb extra moisture.

5. Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it’s delicious cold too! The flavors become even more pronounced after chilling.

By Nakisha
Homemade, simple, and irresistibly good — this Pear and Walnut Galette will make you fall in love with rustic baking all over again.

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