Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette – A Comforting, No-Nonsense Dessert!
Winter has settled in, the days are shorter and the air is crisp. At this time I seek comfort in my kitchen. The Pacific Northwest, with its gray skies and drizzling rain, calls for warm, sweet treats that can brighten even the dreariest of days. There’s no better way to embrace this season than with a homemade Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette that celebrates the flavors of winter.
Rediscovering Pears: Not some mushy fruit from a can!
I hated pears as a kid. We never ate them fresh, only syrupy blobs pulled from a can or mason jar. Certainly not made into a special dessert. However, as an adult I’ve come to appreciate their versatility in the kitchen. Simply baked…made into a buttery topping for toast…tossed in a salad with a savory cheese…delicately sauteed and used in a tart – pears are subtly sweet, and can be a nice change from apples. And when caramelized, pears transform into a rich filling that elevates any dish, especially my gluten-free caramel pear galette.
A Seasonal Favorite: Why Pears Shine in this Galette
This galette captures the essence of winter baking – transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The gluten-free crust provides a delicate foundation for caramelized pears, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and refined.
I chose pears for this galette because they are naturally sweet, tender when baked, and readily available during the colder months. Their subtle flavor pairs beautifully with caramel and a flaky gluten-free crust. Moreover, pears are not just delicious; they are also packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them a wholesome addition to this indulgent treat.
On these dark, damp Pacific Northwest days, a slice of this galette offers a moment of pure comfort – proving that sometimes the simplest desserts can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a gluten-free caramel pear galette that’s both flavorful and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Dough
- Follow the instructions found here for my gluten free pie dough recipe.
Unsalted Butter
- Unsalted butter is used to create the caramel sauce for the filling. Its creamy richness combines with brown sugar to form the perfect base for tender pears.
Brown Sugar
- Brown sugar adds depth to the caramel sauce with its molasses undertones, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of pears.
Pears
- Choose ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett) for this recipe. Their texture holds up well during baking while absorbing the flavors of caramel and spices.
Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness of the filling while adding warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Cinnamon (optional)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with both caramel and pears.
Egg White (for egg wash) or cream
- An egg white mixed with a bit of water creates an egg wash. It’s brushed onto the galette’s edges before baking to give the crust a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish. If you prefer not to use eggs, cream is a great alternative.
Coarse Grained Sugar (optional)
- Used to sprinkle on the folded edges of the galette just prior to baking. This will add a crunchy texture to the pastry, as well as create a sparkling, decorative finish.
Sliced Almonds (optional)
- Used to sprinkle on the galette prior to baking. The almonds introduce a nutty flavor and crunch and enhance the visual appeal of the galette.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette that’s both flavorful and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Equipment
Essential Equipment to Prepare the Gluten-Free Caramel Galette Recipe:
Food Processor (optional)
- A food processor is handy for making the gluten-free dough quickly and efficiently. However, you can also mix the dough by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
Rolling Pin
- You’ll need a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a circle of the desired size. This will help create the crust for your galette.
Mixing Bowls
- Use mixing bowls to combine and mix various ingredients throughout the recipe, including the dough and filling components.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, water, and sugar. Measuring spoons help you measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, xanthan gum, sprinkling sugars.
Skillet
- Use a skillet or frying pan to caramelize the pears.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
- A rimmed baking sheet or platter can be used to cool the sautéed pear slices. A rimmed baking sheet is also essential for baking the galette in the oven. It provides a flat surface for the galette to cook evenly.
Parchment Paper
- I use parchment paper is to line the baking sheet and prevent the galette from sticking. It also makes it easier to transfer the galette in and out of the oven.
Peeler, Knife and Cutting Board
- You’ll need a peeler, knife and cutting board to peel, core and thinly slice the pears.
Pastry Brush (Optional)
- A pastry brush is used to apply the egg yolk wash to the edges of the galette for a golden finish. You can also use a clean brush or your fingers for this step.
Oven
- You’ll use a conventional oven to bake the galette to perfection.
Cooling Rack (Optional)
- While not essential, a cooling rack can help cool the galette evenly once it’s removed from the oven. Just don’t place a hot pan directly on a heat sensitive counter.
Substitutions
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or personal preferences when making substitutions. The key is to adapt the recipe to your needs while still maintaining the overall structure and flavors of the galette. Enjoy your customized Caramel Pear Galette!
These ingredients have easy substitutions.
Xanthan Gum
- Gluten free flour blends don’t bind together like a traditional wheat based flour. That’s why I use xanthan gum to hold the dough together. If your gluten-free flour mix contains xanthan gum, you can omit it from the recipe. If you choose to use a recipe that does not contain xanthan gum, the dough may be slightly more fragile without it, so handle it carefully.
Unsalted Butter
- If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute cold dairy-free margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the unsalted butter. Make sure it’s cold and solid when you use it. Additionally, if you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just reduce the salt in the dough by ½.
Pears
- Replace with apples or stone fruits like peaches if pears aren’t available.
Cinnamon
- Try nutmeg or cardamom for an alternative spice note.
Sliced Almonds
- Replace the sliced almonds with chopped nuts or seeds of your choice. Or prepare the galette without any added decoration.
Egg Yolk (for egg wash)
- If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use dairy-free milk, like almond or soy milk, as a wash to give the crust a golden color.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or personal preferences when making substitutions. The key is to adapt the recipe to your needs while still maintaining the overall structure and flavors of the galette. Enjoy your customized Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette!
What to serve with Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette?
The Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette is a versatile is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as the perfect ending to a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions – feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the occasion.
Vanilla Ice Cream
- The cool creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm galette.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch.
Hot Tea or Coffee
- Pair it with Earl Grey tea or a rich espresso for an indulgent treat.
Cheese Platter
- For something unique, serve alongside mild cheeses like mascarpone or brie.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the occasion. The Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette is easy to make and a great ending to any meal.
Why will you love this savory Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette?
Delicious Flavor
- This Caramel Pear Galette features a delightful combination of flavors that work together seamlessly. The natural sweetness of caramelized pears perfectly complements the buttery, flaky gluten-free crust. The addition of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon enhances the overall taste, creating a mouthwatering and well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Gluten-Free Option
- For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding delicious gluten-free recipes can be a challenge. This galette offers a gluten-free alternative to traditional pastry, allowing those with dietary restrictions to indulge in a flavorful dessert without compromising on taste.
Rustic Charm
- The galette’s rustic appearance and free-form shape add to its appeal. It’s an inviting and visually pleasing dish that feels cozy and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or special occasions.
Perfect for Gatherings
- Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or a cozy family meal, this galette can be a delightful dessert. It’s easy to serve, and its rustic charm makes it an excellent conversation starter among guests.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs
- The recipe can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. You can easily make it dairy-free or vegan by using suitable substitutions, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy this delectable dessert.
Kid-Friendly Appeal
- The combination of sweet caramelized pears is often a hit with children, making this galette an excellent choice for family meals. Its fun, rustic presentation can also engage kids in the cooking process, encouraging them to try new foods.
Seasonal Adaptability
- While this recipe features pears, it can easily be adapted to incorporate other seasonal fruits like apples or stone fruits when they are in season. This versatility allows you to enjoy variations throughout the year, keeping your meals fresh and exciting.
In summary, the Caramel Pear Galette is a simple dessert that offers a rich blend of flavors while catering to various dietary needs. Its rustic and seasonal charm make it a recipe that’s likely to be enjoyed by many for its taste, appearance, and adaptability.
Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette
Description
Simple and elegant winter dessert - Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette - It's a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Gluten Free Dough
Caramel Pear Filling
Instructions
Prepare the Gluten-Free Crust
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Prepare a single gluten-free pie crust according to the recipe found here.
Caramelize the Pears
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- Heat 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Carefully stir over medium-low heat until the mixture begins to boil and the butter/sugar is completely emulsified.
- Whisk in cream - the mixture will bubble and begin to thicken. Keep on low heat and add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional).
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- Peel pears, cut into 4 quarters lengthwise, cut out core and slice into ¼” slices.
- Place pear slices into a pan with caramel sauce and saute until soft.
- Remove pear slices from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. (I like to use a rimmed cookie sheet to lay all of the slices flat.
- Reserve remaining caramel liquid until you are ready to assemble the galette.
Assemble the Galette
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 14 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment to a rimmed baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Note that depending on the size of your baking sheet, the dough will hang over the edges of the pan.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator; Leaving a 2-3 inch border, arrange the cooled pear slices in an overlapping circular pattern starting 2 inches from the outside of the dough. You should be able to create 2-3 overlapping rings.
- Take the remaining caramel and drizzle over the pears.
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- Fold the edges of the dough over onto the filling.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the cream or egg whites across the entire surface of the dough edge, then sprinkle the dough edges with coarse granulated sugar.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the galette.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 - 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
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- Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- If you have caramel sauce left over, drizzle on top of the cooled galette.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy flavors of the Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette.
- Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
This Gluten-Free Caramel Pear Galette is all about satisfying your cravings with ease. Its buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the sweetness of caramel and pears.
Gluten-Free Caramel Galette, ready to serve.
Note
- Gluten-Free Flour: I use a blend that I have modified, based on a recipe from ATK, The ATK recipe can be found in this cookbook. That blend does not contain xanthan gum, so I add it separately depending on the recipe.
- If you are using a gluten-free blend that is not listed as a one-to-one replacement, it is important to weigh the flour. My gluten-free flour blend weighs 140 grams.
- There are, however, many commercially available gluten-free flour blends at your local grocer or online. Here are several that are available from Amazon:
- All of these flours do contain xanthan gum. So omit the extra xanthan if using one of these blends. All of the manufacturers promote these products as a one-to-one replacement.
