The Genius Pecan Pie Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

Jessica Wrubel

27 November 2024 at 9:00 am·5-min read

If you're looking to up your dessert game this Thanksgiving, Instagram has you covered. A scroll-stopping recipe from creator @dee_and_sweets caught our attention this week and we had to try it out. It's beautiful, it's delicious and it's way easier than pie. It's a pecan pie galette. And if you're not familiar with galettes, you're in for a treat (pun intended) because this one is about to change your Thanksgiving dessert game for good. Want in? Read on for the how-to and all the delicious details.

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What is a Galette?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's make sure we're all on the same page on the culinary terminology front. A galette is a catchall French word for a variety of round desserts but it's often used to describe a freeform pie. In that usage, you place your filling in the middle of the pie crust, then fold the pie crust edges partially over the filling. Galettes are thinner than pies because they aren't baked in a dish. They're also more rustic-looking because you're folding the dough vs. crimping it. And, what might be the most germane for home cooks is that they're a heck of a lot easier than making a traditional pie.

Ingredients for the Pecan Pie Galette

Ingredients for pecan pie galette<p>Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel</p> — Ingredients for pecan pie galette
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

For this super easy galette, grab a premade pie crust, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, flour, eggs (one for the filling and another for an egg wash), pecans, and turbinado sugar. Ice cream is optional but highly encouraged.

How to Make the Pecan Pie Galette

Preheat your oven to 400° and line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add one egg to the mixture and whisk again, followed by the flour, whisking one last time to combine. Gently fold in the pecans, coating them in the sweet mixture.

Roll out the premade pie crust until it’s about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, allowing enough space around the edges. Spoon the filling into the center of the dough, leaving about a 3-inch border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a rustic, hand-folded look, pinching and pressing to ensure the dough is sealed. Brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for an extra crunch. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and pecans have just started to brown. Let the galette cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

My Honest Thoughts About the Pecan Pie Galette

Finished pecan pie galette<p>Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel</p> — Finished pecan pie galette
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

I’m always a fan of recipes that look way more impressive than they are. This galette is exactly that kind of holiday miracle. I couldn’t believe how quickly it all came together—I had barely preheated my oven by the time it was ready to bake. The one-bowl preparation made it even more enticing, especially since I don’t have a dishwasher.

Now, I’ll admit, I usually pass on pecan pie at the dessert table. It’s never been my first choice. it's so sickly sweet and the crust does absolutely nothing for me. This galette, though, has forever changed my mind. For one, it’s not overly sweet (no corn syrup), which I really appreciated, and the maple syrup adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.

The pecans turn perfectly toasty in the oven, bringing out their natural nuttiness in a way that balanced so nicely with the buttery crust. And speaking of the crust—the turbinado on top was flaky and delicious, giving the filling a slightly caramelized edge that feels like a cozy hug for each slice. In my mind, this is holiday perfection.

To make it even better, I topped mine with a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s Whiskey Biz ice cream—the way that whiskey swirl with the pecans combined together was so darn delicious it made me want to scream. If you’re a fan of pecan pie or just looking for something easy this Thanksgiving that is also a complete show-stopper, look no further. This galette is an absolute must-try.

Tips for Making the Pecan Pie Galette

Slice of pecan pie galette<p>Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel</p> — Slice of pecan pie galette
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

Upgrade your egg wash. One tip I learned from a pastry workshop I took in Paris is to always make your egg wash with cream. An egg wash made with water won't leave you with the one-two punch of luscious shine and a perfectly browned crust the way cream and egg will.
Don't worry about being perfect. This is one dessert that's supposed to be rustic, carefree and easy peasy. Don't stress about getting the perfect crimp on your crust (remember: this isn't pie!).
Seal your edges. This is one area where you do have to be careful. Make sure the edges of the pie crust are sealed all the way around and make sure there aren't any holes in your dough (be gentle when rolling it out). If there are holes, your delicious filling will leak out and burn on the cookie sheet.

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