Caramel Pecan Pear Galette

If you’re craving a dessert that’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet packed with flavor, the Caramel Pecan Pear Galette is exactly what you need. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, nutty crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. Drizzled with a luscious caramel sauce, every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering, a festive occasion, or just a sweet weekday indulgence, this galette promises to impress without any fuss.

Why This Caramel Pecan Pear Galette Stands Out

The beauty of this Caramel Pecan Pear Galette lies in its simplicity and the harmony of classic autumn flavors. Unlike traditional pies, a galette is free-form, which means less time fussing with perfect edges and more time enjoying the process and flavors. The use of just one sheet of refrigerated pie crust makes it incredibly accessible, while the combination of caramel, pecans, and pears delivers a rich depth that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The pecans add a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy pears, and the caramel glaze brings everything together with a silky sweetness that’s not overpowering. Plus, it’s a dessert that looks stunning with minimal effort — rustic, golden, and inviting.

What Goes Into Caramel Pecan Pear Galette

• 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust: The base for the galette, offering buttery flakiness with minimal effort.
• 2 ripe pears, sliced: Choose firm yet juicy pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and flavor.
• 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pears beautifully.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and depth.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted to create the caramel sauce and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and adds warmth.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings a cozy, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with pears.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 egg, beaten: Used for egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden finish.

Before You Start: Equipment

• Baking sheet: For baking the galette; line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Rolling pin: Optional, in case you want to roll out your pie crust slightly.
• Mixing bowl: To toss pears with spices and sugar.
• Small saucepan: For melting butter and making the caramel glaze.
• Pastry brush: To apply egg wash evenly on the crust.
• Knife & cutting board: For slicing pears and chopping pecans.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Directions: Caramel Pecan Pear Galette

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the pears thinly, aiming for even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Chop the pecans roughly and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Pecan Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Galette

Unroll the refrigerated pie crust onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, gently roll out the crust to a roughly 12-inch circle. Arrange the sliced pears in the center, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. Pour the caramel pecan mixture evenly over the pears.

Step 4: Fold the Crust

Fold the edges of the dough up and over the pear filling, pleating gently to create a rustic border. Make sure some filling peeks through the center.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the folded crust edges with the beaten egg. This step will give your Caramel Pecan Pear Galette a beautiful golden and glossy finish when baked.

Step 6: Bake

Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender and bubbling. Keep an eye on the crust to avoid over-browning; if it browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the galette to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the caramel set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Seasonal Spins

• Autumn: Add a handful of dried cranberries or swap pears for apples for a more traditional fall flavor.
• Winter: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cloves into the caramel mixture for extra warmth.
• Spring: Use fresh figs or apricots instead of pears and sprinkle with toasted almonds instead of pecans.
• Summer: Try stone fruits like peaches or plums with a drizzle of honey instead of caramel.

Problems & Prevention

If your crust turns out soggy, it’s often due to excess moisture from the fruit. To avoid this, make sure to slice your pears thinly and avoid overly ripe or watery pears. You can also sprinkle a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch over the fruit before adding the caramel pecan mixture to absorb juices.

For a crust that browns too quickly, tent the edges with foil halfway through baking. This protects the pastry from burning while the filling finishes cooking.

If the caramel doesn’t thicken as expected, be patient with the heat and stir gently. Removing it from the heat too early can result in a thinner sauce, but it will still taste delicious!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the galette a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just cover it with plastic wrap and bake it fresh when needed. After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days.

Reheat gently in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes to bring back its flaky texture and warm filling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

Caramel Pecan Pear Galette FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! A homemade pie crust works wonderfully with this recipe and adds an extra layer of flavor. Just roll it out to about 12 inches in diameter before assembling the galette.

How do I prevent the pears from making the crust soggy?

Using firm pears and slicing them thin helps reduce moisture. Sprinkling a little flour or cornstarch over the pears before adding the caramel mixture also absorbs excess juice and keeps the crust crisp.

Can I make this galette vegan?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg wash with a mixture of maple syrup and almond milk or aquafaba for a similar glossy finish.

What’s the best way to serve the galette?

This galette is delightful on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.

Because You Liked This

• Apple Caramel Galette – A cozy twist on the classic, bursting with apple goodness.
• Pecan Pie Bars – All the pecan pie flavors in easy, portable bars.
• Simple Peach Galette – A fresh and fruity summer galette with minimal ingredients.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pear Crisp – Warm, spiced pear dessert with a crunchy topping.

Final Bite

The Caramel Pecan Pear Galette is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Its rustic charm, combined with the harmony of sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel, makes it a dessert that’s both approachable and impressive. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a stunning dessert that tastes like it took hours to craft. Perfect for any season and any occasion, this galette will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy autumn’s bounty wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. So, grab that pie crust, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a slice of warm, caramel-pecan-pear heaven.

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