Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun is streaming through the kitchen window, and the scent of sweet, ripe peaches is wafting through the air. That’s exactly what happened last weekend when I decided to whip up an easy peach galette recipe. Honestly, I was aiming for pie, but realized I was short on time and energy (story of my life, right?).

That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s tip: Galettes are just as delicious, but without all the fuss! What’s not to love about a rustic peach tart that’s both impressive and incredibly simple? The golden, flaky crust embracing the juicy, caramelized peaches… my family devoured it in minutes! It’s become a summer staple, and even my picky eater raves about it. The best part? It’s so much easier than making a traditional pie. If you’re looking for a simple peach tart recipe to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this homemade peach galette is the answer. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful easy peach galette recipe. I’ve made this so many times that I practically have the ingredients memorized!

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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: I usually use unbleached all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.

½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Make sure that butter is ice cold. I sometimes even put it in the freezer for 10 minutes before using it. This helps create a flaky crust. The colder the butter, the less it will melt into the flour while you’re working with the dough. This creates steam during baking, resulting in those delightful flaky layers.
¼ cup ice water: Again, cold is key! Add the water gradually to avoid over-hydrating the dough. Over-hydrating can lead to a tough, less flaky crust.
4-5 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced: I prefer using freestone peaches because they’re easier to pit. If you don’t have fresh peaches, frozen ones (thawed and drained) will work in a pinch. When using frozen peaches, ensure they’re well-drained to prevent a soggy galette.

¼ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the peaches caramelize beautifully. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the peach juices and prevents the galette from becoming soggy. Tapioca starch can be used as a substitute if you don’t have cornstarch on hand.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: A little bit of lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the peaches from browning. The acidity also balances the sweetness of the peaches.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla complements the peach flavor perfectly. For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen. For a dairy-free option, you can use milk or even a bit of maple syrup.
2 tablespoons coarse sugar, for sprinkling: Turbinado sugar or sanding sugar works best for a nice, sparkly finish. These types of sugar hold their shape and add a delightful crunch to the baked crust.

Kitchen Secret: My grandma always told me that the secret to a flaky crust is to keep all the ingredients as cold as possible. She even used to chill her mixing bowl in the freezer before making pie crusts. I might not go that far, but I definitely make sure my butter and water are ice cold.

Shopping Wisdom: I like to buy peaches in bulk when they’re in season and freeze some for later use. Just slice them, toss them with a little lemon juice, and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, I can enjoy this easy peach galette even when peaches aren’t at their peak. You can find sugar in bulk in almost all grocery stores, which is useful if you want to bake a lot in the summer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking this easy peach galette recipe! Don’t worry if you’ve never made a galette before – it’s much simpler than it looks.

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter – that’s what creates the flaky layers.
Add the Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough crust.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the dough from shrinking when baked. For even better results, chill for an hour or even overnight.

Prepare the Peach Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat. Tossing gently prevents bruising the peaches and keeps them looking fresh.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round – that’s part of the charm of a galette! If the dough is sticking, try chilling it again for a few minutes.
Assemble the Galette: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the peach slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange the peaches in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping, for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Fold the Edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the peaches, pleating as you go. Pleating helps to hold the filling in place and gives the galette its rustic look.
Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. The egg wash adds shine and color, while the coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are tender and bubbly. Keep an eye on the galette to prevent the crust from burning; if it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.

Cool: Let the galette cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

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Real-Life Tip: I learned the hard way that it’s important to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Otherwise, the galette can stick to the baking sheet, and it’s a nightmare to clean up.

Family-Tested Wisdom: My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for breakfast. He says it’s like having peach pie for breakfast, which is always a good thing!

Encouraging Support: If your dough tears while you’re rolling it out, don’t panic! Just patch it up with a little extra dough. Nobody will notice once it’s baked.

Serving Ideas

Serving this easy peach galette recipe is just as fun as making it! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this summer treat:

Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: This is a classic for a reason. The warm, gooey peaches and flaky crust are heavenly with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. A high-quality vanilla bean ice cream elevates this simple dessert.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and complements the sweetness of the peaches. You can also flavor the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
Plain: Honestly, this galette is delicious all on its own. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. The natural sweetness and flavors of the peaches and crust shine through.

For Brunch: Serve slices of this galette alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit for a special brunch treat. It’s a delightful addition to any brunch spread.
With a Drizzle of Honey: A drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. Local honey adds a unique flavor profile that complements the peaches perfectly.

Family-Style Serving: We usually just put the galette in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. It’s a casual and fun way to enjoy dessert together.

Personal Presentation Tips: I like to sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes it look so much fancier!

Real-Life Occasions: This has become our go-to dessert for summer barbecues and potlucks. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Practical Leftover Ideas: If we somehow have leftovers, I like to warm them up in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of yogurt for a quick and easy breakfast. Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweet galette.

Here’s another simple dessert idea you might want to try: a 3-ingredient peach sorbet.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this easy peach galette recipe, based on the questions my family and friends have asked me over the years:

Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, you can! Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. I find that they can release a lot of water, so make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing them with the sugar and cornstarch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Can I substitute the butter with shortening? While you can use shortening, the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Butter gives the crust a richer flavor and a flakier texture. If you do use shortening, make sure it’s very cold.
Can I add spices to the peach filling? Yes, definitely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would be delicious. I sometimes add a little cardamom for a more exotic flavor. Experiment with different spice combinations to find your favorite.

My galette crust is soggy. What did I do wrong? This can happen if the peaches release too much juice during baking. Make sure to use enough cornstarch to thicken the juices. You can also try pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. Another tip is to use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches to the crust, leaving behind excess juice.
How do I store leftover galette? Store leftover galette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. A toaster oven works great for reheating individual slices and keeping the crust crisp.

Honest Answers: I’ve definitely overbaked this galette before, resulting in a burnt crust. To avoid this, keep a close eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Practical Make-Ahead: To save time on busy weeknights, I sometimes make the dough on the weekend and store it in the freezer. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Family-Friendly Modifications: My kids love it when I add a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the peach filling. It’s a fun and easy way to customize the recipe to their taste. You can also add other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry galette.

For more inspiration, take a look at this recipe for cinnamon sugar baked peaches. You can also check out Peach Nutrition Facts, Benefits and Risks to better understand this fruits properties.

Conclusion

This easy peach galette recipe is more than just a dessert to me; it’s a symbol of summer, family, and simple pleasures. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and creates lasting memories. The rustic charm and delicious flavors make it a winner every time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to use other fruits, like apples, berries, or plums.

Here are a few final tips to help you create the perfect galette:

Always use cold ingredients – this is the key to a flaky crust.

Don’t overmix the dough – this will make the crust tough.
Let the galette cool slightly before slicing – this will prevent the filling from running out.

My daughter loves it with a scoop of ice cream, while my son prefers it with a drizzle of honey. The beauty of this galette is that it can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. I can’t encourage you enough to also learn more about All About Galettes: The Easiest Dessert You Can Make. This will help you perfect your own recipe. You can even get started by learning how to make a Simple Galette Dough.

Finished peach galette on a kitchen counter

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Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making a galette – if I can make this on a busy weeknight, you absolutely can too! Trust me, your family will thank you for it. Happy cooking, and I hope this easy peach galette recipe becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! And just in case, you are interested in trying out the recipe using different types of peaches, this is a great resource. I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment!

Easy Peach Galette Recipe

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Author: Kiera

Ingredients

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