Peach Galette: A Rustic and Delicious Summer Dessert
A peach galette is a delightful and rustic dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. This free-form tart is easy to make and perfect for showcasing summer’s ripe, juicy peaches. With its flaky crust and caramelized fruit filling, it’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
What Makes Peach Galette Great
- Rustic Appeal: The free-form style of the galette gives it a charming, homemade look.
- Deliciously Sweet: Fresh peaches provide a juicy, sweet filling that’s enhanced by a touch of sugar and spice.
- Easy to Prepare: Unlike traditional tarts, a galette doesn’t require precise shaping or a tart pan, making it simpler to prepare.
- Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
Components of Peach Galette
- Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are the star of the galette. They should be firm but ripe to hold their shape during baking.
- Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust forms the base. You can use store-bought or homemade pastry dough.
- Sweetener: Sugar adds sweetness to the peaches and helps with caramelization.
- Spices: Cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg enhance the flavor of the peaches.
- Egg Wash: An egg wash adds a beautiful golden color to the crust.
- Flour: A light dusting of flour on the crust prevents sogginess from the peach juices.
How to Make Peach Galette
- Prepare the Peaches:
- Wash, peel (if desired), and slice the peaches into thin wedges. Place them in a bowl.
- Make the Filling:
- Toss the peach slices with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.
- Prepare the Crust:
- If using store-bought pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. For homemade dough, roll out according to recipe instructions.
- Assemble the Galette:
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the peach slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Pile the peaches slightly in the center for a rustic look.
- Fold the Edges:
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the peaches, pleating as you go to create a circular shape. The center will remain exposed.
- Add an Egg Wash:
- Beat an egg and brush it over the exposed dough. Sprinkle with a little sugar for added sweetness and color.
- Bake the Galette:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the galette cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Peach Galette
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor, but ensure they are not overly soft to avoid a mushy filling.
- Avoid Sogginess: Dust the dough with a little flour before adding the filling to absorb excess juices.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with egg wash helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Peach Galette Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 4-5 ripe peaches peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
For assembly:
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Toss gently to coat the peaches evenly.
Assemble the galette:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the peach filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the peaches, pleating as needed to create a rustic look. The center will be open.
- Brush the folded edges of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake the galette:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the galette to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve:
- Serve the peach galette warm or at room temperature. Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Why You’ll Love Peach Galette
Peach galette is loved for its rustic charm and deliciously sweet filling. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, makes it a perfect summer dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this galette is sure to impress with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
Ready to Enjoy?
When you’re craving a simple yet impressive dessert, try making a peach galette. With its flaky crust and sweet peach filling, it’s a delightful way to savor the flavors of summer. Enjoy each slice of this rustic treat, and celebrate the season with every bite!