Rustic Apple and Pear Galette: An Easy Fall Dessert Everyone Loves
This Rustic Apple and Pear Galette is an easy fall dessert made with cinnamon-spiced apples and pears in a flaky crust. A simple and impressive holiday recipe!
If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert that celebrates fall fruit, you’re in the right place. This Rustic Apple and Pear Galette is one of my favorite go-to treats during the busy fall season. It delivers that warm, cozy homemade pie flavor, but without the stress of making a perfect pie crust or adding a top layer. A galette is beautifully imperfect, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming! I originally made this recipe for Stemilt a few years ago and I am excited to share it with you all here now!
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, attending a fall potluck, or just craving something delicious and freshly baked, this fruit galette checks all the boxes!
What is a Galette?
A galette is a free-form pastry originating from France. Think pie, but with more freedom! There’s no pie dish required, no need to flute crust edges, and it has a rustic, open-faced top that lets the fruit shine. You can fill a galette with fruit, cheese, veggies — the possibilities are endless.
During fall and winter gatherings, apples and pears are a perfect pairing. They become tender and caramelized in the oven, while cinnamon adds a warm, irresistible spice. YUM!
Want more fall desserts for your celebration? Try this Pumpkin Angel Food Cake – light, fluffy, and full of cozy spice!
Why This Galette Works Every Time
Not everyone has time to roll out homemade pie dough when the days get hectic. And guess what? You don’t have to! Using a store-bought pie crust gives this dessert a head start and no one will ever know the difference.
This apple and pear galette recipe is also very forgiving. The fruit doesn’t need to be arranged perfectly, and if your crust folds a little unevenly? That’s what makes it look rustic and handcrafted.
Baking Tip: Try switching up the fruits throughout the season! Cranberries, figs, plums, blueberries or even peaches in summer make delicious variations.
Why You’ll Love This Apple & Pear Galette
- Easy to assemble
- Minimal ingredients
- Bakes in under an hour
- Gorgeous presentation with little effort
- Kid-approved and holiday-party ready!
- Flexible – swap fruit or add nuts like pecans or walnuts
- Budget-friendly
- Picture-perfect without perfection needed
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the galette, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in a gluten-free pie crust.
Should you peel the fruit?
You can, I left it on because I love the skin and the colors are pretty 🙂
Alright, ready to make a picture-perfect galette? Let’s do it!
Rustic Apple and Pear Galette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 11-inch pie crust at room temperature
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 apple core removed, thinly sliced
- 1 pear core removed, thinly sliced
- ½ Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 egg white optional for shine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray well if you don’t have parchment).
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apple and pear with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Place pie crust onto the baking sheet.
- Arrange the fruit in the center, forming a circular pattern if desired, leaving a 1–1.5 inch border around the outer edge.
- Fold that border up and over the fruit, overlapping folds as needed.
- Whisk egg white and brush over the crust for extra shine (optional).
- Bake 40 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing then enjoy warm.
Nutrition
What is one of your favorite fall desserts?
When Are Pears in Season?
Fall is the best time to bake with pears because that’s when they’re at their peak! In the U.S., most pear varieties are harvested from August through November, making them perfect for autumn baking and holiday celebrations. They continue to ripen after harvesting – which means you can usually find ripe, juicy pears well into the winter months too.
If you’re shopping seasonally, look for delicious fall favorites like Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Comice pears. Their natural sweetness and tender texture pair beautifully with apples in this cozy rustic galette!
Serving Suggestions
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A scoop of vanilla bean, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon
It also pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or your favorite fall cocktail!
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