Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette is everything you want in a cozy, seasonal dessert. It’s warm, lightly spiced, not overly sweet, and wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that feels both rustic and elegant. Juicy pears soften as they bake, fresh cranberries burst with tartness, and gentle spices tie everything together beautifully.

Unlike traditional pies, a galette is free form and forgiving. There’s no crimping, no stress, and no perfection required. You simply roll out the dough, pile on the fruit, fold the edges, and bake. The result is a stunning dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

This galette is perfect for fall and winter baking, holiday dinners, brunch tables, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special without being complicated.

Rustic Holiday Apple Cranberry Galette

What Is a Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette?

A galette is a French style rustic tart made by baking fruit on a flat pastry dough with the edges folded over. Unlike pies, galettes are meant to look imperfect. That rustic shape is part of the charm.

In this version:

• Pears provide sweetness and soft texture
• Cranberries add brightness and tart contrast
• Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavor
• Buttery crust crisps while staying tender

It’s simpler than pie but delivers just as much flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No pie dish required
• Easier than traditional pie
• Balanced sweet and tart flavor
• Perfect for holidays and entertaining
• Can be made ahead
• Looks bakery worthy with minimal effort

This is the kind of dessert that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Galette Crust

• 1¼ cups all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Pear Cranberry Filling

• 3 ripe but firm pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Pears: Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape best.
• Cranberries: Fresh is ideal, but frozen works without thawing.
• Sugar: Adjust based on pear sweetness.
• Spices: Ginger or cardamom can be added for warmth.
• Crust Shortcut: Store bought pie dough works if you’re short on time.

How to Make Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette

Step 1: Make the Galette Dough

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or fingers until pea sized crumbs form.

Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Cold dough is essential for a flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, toss pear slices and cranberries with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice.

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so flavors blend and juices begin to release.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer carefully to the baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

Arrange the pear and cranberry filling in the center, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

Fold the dough edges over the filling, overlapping slightly. The center should remain open.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Brush crust edges with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Galette

• Keep dough cold at all times
• Don’t overfill the galette
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Let filling bubble fully to thicken
• Rest before slicing to avoid runny filling

These small details make a big difference.

Flavor Variations

Apple Pear Cranberry Galette

Replace half the pears with thinly sliced apples.

Honey Spiced Galette

Swap brown sugar for honey and add extra cinnamon.

Nutty Galette

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling before folding.

Vegan Galette

Use plant-based butter and skip egg wash (brush with almond milk).

Gluten Free Galette

Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the crust.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• Pair with whipped cream or mascarpone
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving
• Serve with coffee or spiced tea
• Add to a holiday dessert spread

This galette works equally well for casua ldinners or festive occasions.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for 1 day
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes
• Avoid microwaving to keep crust crisp

Make Ahead

• Dough can be made 2 days ahead
• Filling can be prepared 1 day ahead
• Assemble and bake fresh for best results

Freezing Tips

• Freeze unbaked galette on baking sheet
• Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)

• Calories: 260–300
• Protein: 3–4g
• Fat: 14–16g
• Carbs: 35–38g

Values vary based on portion size and ingredients.

Common Problems & Solutions

Soggy crust:
Too much liquid. Add more cornstarch or reduce fruit juices.

Filling too tart:
Add extra tablespoon of sugar or honey.

Crust cracking:
Dough too dry. Add 1 tsp water next time.

Leaking juices:
Use parchment and leave enough dough border.

Recpe FAQ,s

Can I use canned pears?
Fresh pears are best. Canned release too much liquid.

Can I skip cranberries?
Yes, but they balance sweetness nicely.

Do I need a galette pan?
No. A baking sheet works perfectly.

Can I make this dairy free?
Yes, use plant based butter.

Is this good for holidays?
Absolutely. It’s festive, rustic, and crowd-pleasing.

Why This Recipe Works

• Firm pears hold their shape
• Cranberries add contrast
• Cornstarch thickens juices perfectly
• Free form crust reduces stress
• Balanced sweetness and spice

It’s a dependable dessert that always looks and tastes amazing.

Conclusion

This Spiced Pear and Cranberry Galette is the perfect mix of rustic charm and cozy flavor. With tender pears, bright cranberries, warm spices, and a flaky crust, it’s a dessert that feels comforting yet elegant.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday table, weekend guests, or just yourself, this galette delivers beautiful results with minimal effort. It’s proof that simple ingredients, treated well, can create something truly special.