Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette: A Delicious Fall Dessert Recipe

Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette: Prepare to be transported to a rustic Italian countryside with every delectable bite! This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Imagine the sweet, juicy pears, perfectly softened and caramelized, nestled atop a creamy, tangy mascarpone cheese, all infused with the earthy aroma of fresh thyme.

Galettes, with their free-form, rustic charm, have a rich history rooted in French peasant cuisine. They were originally a simple way to use seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked in a straightforward crust. Over time, they’ve evolved into elegant desserts, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and fresh ingredients. This Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette elevates the classic galette with the addition of Italian mascarpone, adding a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pears.

People adore this dish for its delightful combination of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft, sweet pears and creamy mascarpone create a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The thyme adds a subtle, herbaceous note that balances the sweetness and adds depth. Plus, its rustic appearance makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect dessert to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise, this Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette will become a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
• ½ cup ice water, plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• For the Filling:
• 1 pound ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed and strained (for glaze)
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small pieces of butter. This is crucial for a flaky crust!
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ice water and apple cider vinegar.
4. Gradually add the ice water mixture to the flour and butter mixture, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix. You want the dough to just come together. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more ice water, one teaspoon at a time.
5. Once the dough comes together, form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to chill, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. This will help draw out some of the moisture from the pears and prevent the galette from becoming soggy. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the remaining granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the egg yolk mixture to the mascarpone cheese mixture and beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves.

Assembling and Baking the Galette:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 14-inch circle. The dough should be about ?-inch thick.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread the mascarpone cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge.
5. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern over the mascarpone cheese mixture, slightly overlapping them.
6. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the pears, pleating the dough as you go.
7. Brush the folded edges of the dough with the melted butter.
8. Sprinkle the pears and the edges of the dough with turbinado sugar. This will add a nice crunch and sweetness.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender. Keep an eye on it, and if the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
10. Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.
11. While the galette is still warm, brush the pears with the warmed apricot jam. This will give them a beautiful shine.
12. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
13. Let the galette cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the butter cold! This is the most important tip for a flaky crust. Use very cold butter and ice water.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
• Chill the dough. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which will also contribute to a flaky crust.
• Use ripe but firm pears. You want pears that are sweet and flavorful but not too soft, as they will become mushy during baking.
• Don’t overload the filling. Too much filling can make the crust soggy.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter galette, you can add more sugar to the filling.
• Get creative with the fruit! While this recipe calls for pears, you can easily substitute other fruits, such as apples, peaches, or berries.
• Make it ahead of time. The crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. The filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect complement to this delicious galette.

Variations:

• Add nuts. Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the pears before baking.
• Use different herbs. Substitute rosemary or sage for the thyme.
• Add spices. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling.
• Make it savory. Omit the sugar and vanilla extract from the filling and add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs. Use savory ingredients like caramelized onions, roasted vegetables, or goat cheese.

Troubleshooting:

• Crust is tough: You may have overmixed the dough or not used enough fat.
• Crust is soggy: You may have used too much filling or not baked the galette long enough.
• Filling is too runny: You may have used pears that were too ripe or not drained them properly.
• Crust is burning: You may need to tent the galette with foil during baking.

This Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette is a delightful and rustic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet pears, creamy mascarpone cheese, and fragrant thyme is simply irresistible. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The delicate sweetness of the pears, the creamy richness of the mascarpone, and the subtle earthy notes of thyme create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s rustic, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this recipe. It’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates simple, yet sophisticated, baking.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I adore it exactly as written, there are so many ways to customize this galette to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try brushing the crust with melted butter and sprinkling it with coarse sugar before baking. This will give it a beautiful golden sheen and a satisfying crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of Amaretto or pear brandy to the mascarpone filling for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears before baking would also add a delightful textural contrast.

Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy a warm slice of this Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup would also be a lovely addition. For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving it with a glass of chilled Moscato or a light-bodied dessert wine. And don’t forget the coffee or tea! A warm beverage is the perfect complement to this comforting dessert.

For a fall-themed variation, consider swapping the thyme for a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also add a layer of cranberry sauce to the bottom of the galette for a tart and festive twist. In the summer, try using peaches or nectarines instead of pears. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert to impress your friends and family, or simply to treat yourself to something special. It’s a recipe that’s forgiving and fun, so don’t be intimidated by the idea of making a galette. Embrace the rustic charm and enjoy the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece. I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Baking should be a joyful experience, so relax, put on some music, and let your creativity flow.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own Pear Mascarpone Thyme Galette, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking!