A Sumptuous Caramel Peach Galette: Bringing the Essence of Summer to Your Table

Experience the luscious fusion of sweet peaches and rich caramel with this Caramel Peach Galette. This dessert features ripe, juicy peaches enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust, highlighted by a decadent drizzle of caramel. It’s a rustic yet elegant dessert that combines simplicity with gourmet flair. The addition of cinnamon and a hint of lemon enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness, making this galette a delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love This: This galette is a celebration of summer’s bounty, capturing the peak flavors of peaches in a dish that is as delicious as it is beautiful. The caramel adds a luxurious depth to the fruity tartness, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Its rustic appearance, with the hand-folded edges and golden hue, makes it a visually appealing centerpiece for any dining occasion. Moreover, it’s versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature, with or without a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for summer picnics, weekend brunches, or as a comforting treat to brighten a rainy day, this Caramel Peach Galette is versatile. Serve it at informal family gatherings or present it at dinner parties where its charm and flavor can truly shine. It’s also perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to impress at a bake sale or potluck with something that looks professional yet is straightforward to prepare.

Decoration Tips: Enhance this galette’s rustic beauty by drizzling caramel in a free-form pattern over the top after baking. If using pecans, arrange them artistically around the edge or in a decorative pattern before the final bake to toast them gently. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cooled galette or add a few sprigs of mint for a fresh color contrast.

Ingredients:

• Crust:
  • 1 1/3 cups (6 oz.) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons (3/4 oz.) vegetable shortening
  • 6 tablespoons (3 oz.) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• Filling:
  • 4 medium peaches (5-6 oz. each), peeled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Optional: 12 whole pecans
  • Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 3-4 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Incorporate the shortening by hand until evenly distributed. Add butter and mix until small, flat pieces form.
2. Combine ice water and vinegar, then gradually add to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Adjust water as needed.
3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough briefly, folding it over itself. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for an hour.
4. Toss sliced peaches with lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, flour, and sugar in a large bowl.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Roll out the dough on parchment paper to an 11-inch round, then transfer it, with the parchment, to a baking sheet.
6. Arrange peach filling in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the dough edges over the filling. Brush with egg wash.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, then if using, add pecans and drizzle with caramel. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy this delightful Caramel Peach Galette, a perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and crunchy textures that make every bite a heavenly experience!