A peach galette is a rustic, free-form tart that’s simple and fun for kids to bake. Using fresh peaches and an easy-to-handle dough, this recipe encourages little bakers to get hands-on while creating a delicious, fruity dessert that’s perfect for summer or any time peaches are in season.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 3 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for peach filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 teaspoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on crust)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using clean fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add water and form dough: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons ice water over the flour mixture. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add the remaining tablespoon of water, a little at a time. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk about 5 inches wide, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
- Prepare the peach filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. Set aside to macerate while the dough chills.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble the galette: Spoon the peach mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Fold the edges of the dough up over the peaches, pleating as needed to create a rustic edge. The center will be open.
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the dough edges with the beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the crust for a crunchy finish, if desired.
- Bake: Bake the galette for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the galette cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set a bit and makes it easier to handle.
Tips
- Substitution for butter: You can use vegan butter or margarine if dairy is a concern, but cold butter gives the best flaky crust.
- Peach prep made easy: To peel peaches easily, score an X on the bottom and dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately into ice water; the skins will slip off.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mixing or kneading too much can develop gluten and make the crust tough instead of flaky and tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for 2-3 days (see storage section for details).
Serving Suggestions
Peach galette is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For kids, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds an extra special touch. You can also drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a mild herbal tea to round out the snack or dessert experience.
Variations
This recipe is very flexible and can be adapted to other fruits and flavors. Try substituting peaches with nectarines, plums, or apples mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking. Adding a few fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the peach filling can create a sophisticated flavor that kids might enjoy trying. For a gluten-free option, use a store-bought or homemade gluten-free pastry crust instead of regular flour dough.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover peach galette in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will keep fresh for about 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to refresh the crust’s crispness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. You can also freeze the cooled galette wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as described.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids make this recipe on their own?
With adult supervision, kids can definitely make this galette mostly on their own. The dough is simple to mix and roll, and assembling the galette is a hands-on activity that kids usually enjoy. Adults should handle the oven and any hot water used for peeling peaches.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
Peeling peaches is recommended for a smoother texture and to avoid tough skin in the galette. However, if you prefer, you can leave the skins on, especially if the peaches are very ripe and tender. Just be aware the texture will be a bit different.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps thicken the peach juices as the galette bakes so the filling isn’t runny. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour or arrowroot powder. Just note that flour might make the filling slightly less clear.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen peaches, thaw and drain them well before using to reduce excess moisture. You may want to reduce the added sugar slightly, since frozen peaches can be sweeter.
How do I know when the galette is done?
The galette is done when the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch, and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. If the crust browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the remainder of baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling out to make it easier to handle.
This peach galette recipe is a wonderful way to introduce kids to baking with a simple dough and fresh fruit filling. Its forgiving nature and rustic look mean even little mistakes look charming. Encourage kids to experiment with different fruits or toppings to make it their own special creation.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful peach galette with your family!
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