Dessert · Baking · Tart · French

Star Anise Spiced Pear and Pistachio Frangipane Galette

A buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a velvety pistachio almond cream and topped with elegant fans of star anise-infused conference pears.

4.8(0 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Star Anise Spiced Pear and Pistachio Frangipane Galette — French Dessert served and photographed from above
Prep
45 min
Cook
35 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
8

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Before you start

    How to Make Star Anise Spiced Pear and Pistachio Frangipane Galette

    Total time: 1 h 20 min · Yields 8 servings

    1. 1

      Prepare the Pastry

      In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour.

    2. 2

      Macerate the Pears

      Toss the sliced pears with honey and the whole star anise in a bowl. Let them sit for 20 minutes to absorb the aroma. Remove the star anise before assembling.

    3. 3

      Make the Frangipane

      Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract, then fold in the ground pistachios until a thick, spreadable paste forms.

    4. 4

      Assemble the Galette

      Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Spread the pistachio frangipane in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange the pear slices in a decorative fan pattern on top of the cream.

    5. 5

      Bake to Golden Perfection

      Fold the edges of the pastry over the pears, overlapping as needed. Brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle the entire galette with demerara sugar. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the frangipane is set.

    Chef's Tips

    • Ensure your butter is ice-cold for the flakiest pastry crust.
    • Pulse the pistachios with a tablespoon of the sugar in a food processor to prevent them from turning into nut butter.
    • If the pears are very juicy, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over the frangipane before adding the fruit to prevent a soggy bottom.

    What to Serve with Star Anise Spiced Pear and Pistachio Frangipane Galette

    The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

    • A dollop of crème fraîche to balance the sweetness
    • A scoop of honey-vanilla bean ice cream
    • A scatter of extra crushed toasted pistachios for crunch

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

    Yes, while a shortcrust is traditional for galettes, puff pastry works beautifully for an even lighter, more buttery finish.

    Can I make this in advance?

    The dough and frangipane can be made 2 days ahead. However, once baked, it is best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours.

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