Summer Peach Galette

A delightful Summer Peach Galette brings together a flaky, rustic pie crust and perfectly spiced peaches. This dessert is not only easy to make but also showcases the essence of summer fruits. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this galette offers a unique twist on traditional pies, making it a favorite among fruit lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this galette is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Fruit Options: While peaches steal the show, you can easily substitute with other seasonal fruits like nectarines or blueberries.
• Rustic Appeal: The freeform design gives it a charming, homemade look that impresses guests without requiring expert skills.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of vanilla, cinnamon, and fresh peaches creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a family gathering, this galette fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of making a Summer Peach Galette, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients evenly for the perfect crust and filling.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to an even thickness, ensuring a consistent bake.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for your galette to bake evenly without spilling over.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter
– 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
– 1/2 Tbsp organic cane sugar
– 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt
– 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 4-6 Tbsp ice water
– 3 cups (about 4 medium) peaches, sliced¹
– 1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
– juice of half a lemon
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 Tbsp arrowroot starch²
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp ground ginger
– pinch fine grain sea salt
– optional: 1 Tbsp apricot or peach jelly
– optional: egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 tsp milk) or milk wash and sanding sugar

How to Make Summer Peach Galette

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
* Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Stir in apple cider vinegar.
* Gradually add ice water until the dough holds together.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps develop flavor and makes rolling easier.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake when you’re ready to assemble.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, combine sliced peaches with brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until well mixed.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it onto parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Assemble the Galette

Spoon the peach mixture onto the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving about 2 inches around the edges.
* Fold these edges over the filling pleating as you go.

Step 7: Add Optional Toppings

Brush with egg wash or milk wash if desired. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

Step 8: Bake

Place your galette in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!

How to Serve Summer Peach Galette

Serving a Summer peach galette is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of summer to your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this rustic dessert pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice that complements the sweet peaches and flaky crust.
• Cinnamon ice cream: Adds a warm spice that enhances the flavor profile of the galette.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Caramel sauce: A rich addition that adds sweetness and depth.
• Chocolate sauce: For a decadent twist, try drizzling chocolate over each slice.

Top with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: A medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a burst of freshness.
• Mint leaves: Sprinkle some chopped mint for an herbal note that brightens the dish.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened whipped cream: Light and airy, it balances the richness of the galette.
• Flavored whipped cream: Try infusing it with vanilla or almond extract for added flavor.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Brewed coffee: A warm cup enhances the cozy feel of this dessert.
• Herbal tea: A light tea can cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Summer Peach Galette

Making a perfect Summer peach galette requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. With these suggestions, you can elevate your baking game and ensure your galette turns out beautifully every time.

• Use very cold butter: This helps create a flaky crust. Keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough pastry. Gentle handling is key for tenderness.
• Chill the dough: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling relaxes gluten and keeps your crust flaky.
• Slice peaches evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking and make for an attractive presentation.
• Add spices wisely: Adjust cinnamon and ginger to taste; these enhance peach flavor without overpowering it.
• Brush with egg wash: This gives your galette a golden finish. Use an egg yolk mixed with milk for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Galette

A Summer peach galette is delightful on its own but can be even better with some thoughtful side dishes. Here are some great pairings to consider:

1. Arugula Salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette, this peppery salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the galette.
2. Prosciutto and Melon: The saltiness of prosciutto pairs beautifully with fresh melon, making for a light appetizer before dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese along with nuts for an elegant touch that complements fruit desserts well.
4. Grilled Peaches: Enhance peach flavors by grilling them; serve alongside or on top of each slice of galette.
5. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds tanginess and makes for an easy side that pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts.
6. Roasted Nuts: Crunchy nuts like almonds or walnuts provide texture and balance out the softness of the galette’s filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Summer peach galette is simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: Always use very cold butter for the crust. This ensures a flaky texture. If the butter is warm, your crust may turn out dense.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough crusts. Handle the dough gently to maintain its tenderness.
• Skipping the chill time: Allow the dough to chill before rolling it out. This helps prevent shrinking during baking and keeps the crust flaky.
• Not measuring peaches correctly: Use about 3 cups of sliced peaches for balance. Too many or too few can affect the filling’s consistency.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Bake at the recommended temperature for even cooking. An oven that’s too cool will result in a soggy bottom crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Summer Peach Galette

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Summer Peach Galette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps restore crispness.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds. Be cautious as it may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making a Summer peach galette:

Can I use other fruits in my Summer Peach Galette?

Yes! You can substitute peaches with nectarines, plums, cherries, or blueberries depending on what’s in season.

What is the best way to serve a Summer Peach Galette?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for added indulgence.

How do I know when my Summer Peach Galette is done baking?

The galette should be golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges; this indicates that it’s fully cooked.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using it.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Summer peach galette is not just delightful; it’s also versatile enough to adapt with any seasonal fruit you have at hand! The flaky crust combined with sweet, spiced peaches creates a dessert that’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it further with your favorite flavors or toppings!