Peach Galette

A peach galette is the epitome of rustic elegance, a free-form pastry that showcases the beauty of fresh, ripe peaches. The buttery, flaky crust cradles the sweet and juicy peach filling, enhanced with just a touch of vanilla and optional cinnamon for warmth. Its charm lies in its imperfections: the folds of golden pastry, the bubbling fruit juices, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.

This dessert is a celebration of simplicity. It requires no special tart pans or intricate latticework, yet it delivers a stunning centerpiece worthy of any summer table. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed plain with a cup of coffee, the peach galette captures the essence of summer in every bite, making it a must-bake for anyone who loves seasonal fruit and homemade pastries.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
3–4 tablespoons ice water
4 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice until well coated.
On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Arrange peach slices in the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of border around the edges.
Fold the edges over the peaches, pleating the dough as needed to create a rustic look.
Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Peach Galette: A Rustic Summer Dessert Worth Savoring

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a galette, a free-form pastry that doesn’t demand perfection yet always delivers stunning results. Among the many varieties, the Peach Galette holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers. It’s rustic yet elegant, sweet yet refreshingly fruity, and an absolute celebration of seasonal produce.

Peaches are one of nature’s sweetest gifts, especially during peak season when their juicy flesh is dripping with flavor. Transforming them into a galette takes their charm to the next level. With its flaky, buttery crust encasing tender peach slices, this dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or even as a late-night treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, and techniques behind the peach galette, share tips for success, and show you how to make it your own with a few creative twists, all while keeping the essence of this French-inspired classic intact.

What is a Galette?

The term “galette” comes from French cuisine, referring to a flat, round pastry that can be either sweet or savory. Unlike a pie or tart, a galette is free-form the dough is rolled out, filled, and the edges are folded over the filling without the need for a baking dish or tin.

This method makes it an approachable dessert for both seasoned bakers and beginners. It’s less fussy than pie-making but still offers the same irresistible combination of crust and filling. When made with peaches, the galette takes on a sunny, summery character that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Galette

Effortless yet impressive – You don’t need pie-making skills to create a beautiful dessert.
Seasonal freshness – The natural sweetness of ripe peaches means less added sugar is required.
Customizable – Works just as well with nectarines, plums, or a mix of summer fruits.
Perfect texture contrast – Crisp, flaky crust paired with juicy, tender fruit.
Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Choosing the Best Peaches for a Galette

The star of this dessert is undeniably the peach, so quality matters. For the best flavor:

Seasonality is key – Buy peaches during their peak summer months.
Look for ripeness – The fruit should be fragrant and yield slightly when pressed.
Freestone vs. Clingstone – Freestone peaches are easier to slice and pit, making them ideal for baking.
Avoid overly soft fruit – Too ripe and the peaches may turn mushy in the oven.

Pro Tip: If your peaches are underripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1–2 days to ripen.

The Secret to a Perfect Galette Crust

A galette’s charm lies in its crust: golden, flaky, and tender. Here’s how to get it right:

Use cold butter – Cold butter creates steam pockets in the dough, resulting in flakiness.
Don’t overwork the dough – Too much mixing will develop gluten, making the crust tough.
Chill before baking – Refrigerating the assembled galette helps prevent spreading.
Brush with egg wash – This gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
Add a sugar sprinkle – A light dusting of sugar over the crust adds sweetness and texture.

Flavor Enhancements

While the classic peach galette is delicious as is, a few subtle additions can elevate the flavor profile:

Vanilla extract – Deepens the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Cinnamon or cardamom – Adds warmth and complexity.
Lemon juice – Balances sweetness and prevents browning.
Almond flour base – Sprinkling almond flour under the peaches helps absorb juices and adds a nutty note.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of a peach galette is its versatility:

Warm with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pastry.
With whipped cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the fruit without overpowering it.
Plain and rustic – Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
At a picnic – Slice and serve at room temperature for an easy, transportable dessert.

Storing and Reheating

Room temperature – Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Tips for Success

Peel the peaches – The skins can toughen during baking. Blanching peaches for 30 seconds in boiling water makes peeling easy.
Control excess juice – Toss peaches with a little cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Avoid soggy bottoms – Use parchment paper and bake on a preheated baking sheet.
Work quickly – Keep the dough cold for the flakiest results.
Rustic is beautiful – Don’t worry about perfect folds; the charm is in the imperfections.

A Brief History of Fruit Galettes

Galettes have deep roots in French country cooking, where home bakers made them with whatever fruits or vegetables were in season. They were designed to be easy, economical, and flexible, a way to enjoy pastry without the need for elaborate molds or techniques.

Over time, the galette has traveled and transformed, appearing in bakeries, fine dining menus, and home kitchens around the world. Today, it’s often a go-to summer dessert for showcasing fresh produce with minimal effort.

Conclusion

The Peach Galette is more than just a dessert, it’s a celebration of simplicity, seasonality, and rustic beauty. Every element of this pastry invites you to slow down and savor life’s small pleasures: the gentle resistance of a flaky crust beneath your fork, the syrupy sweetness of perfectly ripe peaches, the warm hint of vanilla and spice, and the cozy satisfaction of something made by hand.

What makes it truly special is how approachable it is. You don’t need a pastry chef’s precision or a kitchen full of specialty tools, just a few fresh peaches, a bit of butter, and the willingness to fold and bake something perfectly imperfect. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and endlessly rewarding, whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends.

Serving a peach galette fresh from the oven is like sharing a slice of summer itself. It carries the nostalgia of orchard-picked fruit, the joy of seasonal eating, and the artistry of homemade baking. With each bite, you’re reminded that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest ones, crafted with care, enjoyed with good company, and savored slowly.

So the next time peaches are in season, gather a handful and give yourself the pleasure of making this timeless pastry. In its golden crust and tender fruit, you’ll find not just a dessert, but a little piece of joy: warm, fragrant, and utterly unforgettable.

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