Easy & Delicious Plum Galette: Your Perfect Rustic Summer Dessert Recipe
There are some culinary experiences that completely transform your perception of an ingredient, and for me, this Plum Galette was exactly that. While I’ve always appreciated the fresh, vibrant taste of plums as a simple summertime snack, baking them never crossed my mind. This recipe, with its promise of something new and different, caught my eye, and now I’m left wondering why I waited so long to discover the magic of baked plums.
It turns out that when plums are baked, they undergo a delightful metamorphosis. Their natural sweetness intensifies, their tart notes mellow, and their texture softens into a luscious, jammy consistency. If you haven’t tried them baked before, allow me to paint a picture: imagine a flavor profile that beautifully marries the juicy sweetness of a perfectly ripe peach with the slightly tangy burst of a blueberry. It’s an incredibly delicious and unexpectedly harmonious combination that truly shines in this rustic dessert.
This simple yet elegant free-form pie, known as a galette, is the ideal vessel for such a revelation. Unlike traditional pies that demand precision and often intimidate with their intricate lattice work or crimped edges, a galette embraces imperfections. Its charm lies in its unpretentious, ‘straight from the farm’ appearance, making it approachable for even novice bakers.
The beauty of a galette also extends to its incredible versatility. While plums are the star here, you could easily adapt this recipe for apples, berries, peaches, or a delightful mix of seasonal fruits. But for late summer, when plums are at their peak — plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor — this galette truly celebrates the season.
When you combine the exquisite flavor of these baked plums with a perfectly flaky, golden, and buttery pastry crust, you create an amazing summer dessert that’s hard to resist. The rich, tender fruit filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp, tender bite of the crust, creating a symphony of textures and tastes with every forkful. As summer begins to gracefully fade, I find myself holding on to every precious moment, especially through wonderful seasonal dishes like this one. It’s a sweet way to bid farewell to long, sun-drenched days and welcome the cooler evenings.
The Art of the Galette: Simple, Rustic, and Irresistible
A galette is essentially a pie’s more laid-back cousin. It’s an open-faced, free-form tart that skips the pie dish entirely, allowing the dough to be simply folded over the fruit filling. This rustic approach means there’s no need for perfect symmetry or elaborate decorations. The beauty of a galette is in its simplicity and the way it highlights the natural beauty of the fruit.
This plum galette recipe is designed for ease without compromising on flavor or presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find the process straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The key to success lies in a good, flaky pie crust – whether homemade or store-bought (we recommend a good homemade one for ultimate flavor!).
Why Plums are Perfect for Baking
Not all fruits are created equal when it comes to baking, but plums truly shine. Their natural acidity provides a wonderful balance to the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the pastry. As they bake, the plums release their juices, which, when combined with a touch of flour and sugar, create a thick, glossy, and intensely flavored syrup that clings to the fruit and the crust. You can use various types of plums for this recipe – red, black, or even the smaller, firmer Italian prune plums work wonderfully. Choose plums that are ripe but still firm; they’ll hold their shape better during baking and offer a delightful texture.
Crafting the Perfect Flaky Crust
A truly magnificent galette hinges on a stellar crust. It needs to be tender, flaky, and golden brown, providing the perfect counterpoint to the soft, juicy fruit filling. If you’re using a homemade pie crust (and we highly encourage you to try one if you haven’t!), remember a few golden rules: keep your butter very cold, don’t overwork the dough, and allow it to chill thoroughly before rolling. These steps ensure a tender, flaky texture that elevates the entire dessert. The link provided in the recipe for a “perfectly flaky pie crust” is a fantastic resource if you’re making your own from scratch.
Now that you’re armed with the secrets to a fantastic plum galette, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a beautiful centerpiece that evokes the warmth and bounty of the late summer season.
You should absolutely try this recipe and experience the joy of a homemade galette for yourself. It’s a wonderful way to savor the last lingering days of summer and treat your family and friends to something truly special.
Plum Galette Recipe
8
servings
30 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
10 minutes
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Ingredients
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Pie crust recipe -
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour -
8 tablespoons
granulated sugar , divided -
4
red or black plums , pitted and sliced -
1 tablespoon
powdered sugar -
1
egg + 1 tablespoon water , for egg wash
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Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a standard sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pastry dough to a 13-inch round. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; the rustic charm is part of the galette’s appeal!
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In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar. This mixture will help to thicken the plum juices as they bake, preventing a soggy bottom. Spread this mixture evenly over the pastry dough, ensuring you leave a 1-inch border clear around the edge. Arrange the pitted and sliced plums over the sugar mixture in a single layer, typically with the skin sides down for a prettier presentation and better caramelization. Sprinkle the plums with an additional 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Now, gently fold the edge of the dough over the plums, pleating it as necessary to form a neat, rustic border. Finally, brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water) to ensure a beautiful golden-brown and shiny crust.
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Cover the galette loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to prevent the crust from browning too quickly while allowing the plums to cook through and become tender. Bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the pastry is gloriously golden brown and the fruit juices are visibly bubbling and thickened. The bubbling juices indicate that the fruit is fully cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Immediately upon removing the galette from the oven, sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar. Then, spoon any juices that have gathered at the bottom of the galette over the plums. This step is crucial, as it helps to form a lovely, glistening glaze, adding both shine and an extra layer of sweetness. Transfer the galette to a wire rack and allow it to cool to warm or room temperature before slicing. This cooling period is important as it allows the fruit filling to set properly, making it easier to slice. Serve warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired, for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy your delightful Plum Galette!
Carbohydrates: 18g,
Protein: 1g,
Fat: 1g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 20mg,
Sodium: 8mg,
Potassium: 59mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 16g,
Vitamin A: 144IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 5mg,
Iron: 1mg
American
Dessert
Annalise Sandberg
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