This apple galette is a warm, delightful treat with juicy, sweet apples wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s like a fancy pie, but easier to make and share!
What I love about this dish is that it’s totally rustic, so any little mess just adds to its charm. Plus, you can enjoy it with ice cream or whipped cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for the crust. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it’s a 1:1 ratio substitute.
Apples: I recommend using sweet apples like Gala or Fuji for the best flavor. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith also work well. If you’re in a pinch, try pears or even berries for a different twist!
Cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples! If you want something different, try cardamom or allspice for a warm flavor. I sometimes double up on cinnamon for extra warmth!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in the crust. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can work, but the flavor may vary slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Flaky Dough?
The secret to a flaky crust is all about keeping your ingredients cold! Here’s how to do it:
- Use cold butter and ice water.
- Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create pockets of butter that will steam during baking, making your crust flaky.
- Avoid overmixing. Mix just until the dough comes together, then chill for an hour. This resting time helps relax the gluten.
Remember, a few visible chunks of butter in the dough is okay—it leads to that flaky texture we all love!
How to Make an Apple Galette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for dough)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss apples)
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill the dough. Then, you’ll need about 35-45 minutes for baking. Altogether, you’re looking at around 2 hours from start to finish, with most of that being waiting for the dough to chill and the galette to bake to golden perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add in the cold butter pieces and cut them into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks. This will help give you that flaky texture!
2. Bring the Dough Together:
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix it; you want it to be a little rough. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
3. Prepare the Apples:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Then, add 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and 1 tablespoon flour to coat the apples evenly. This mixture will make your filling sweet and delicious!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough is chilled, sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll it out into a roughly 12-inch circle, about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry about it being perfectly round; rustic is the name of the game with galettes!
5. Assemble the Galette:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the apple slices in a circle on the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border. Once arranged, fold the edges of the dough over the apples, creating a pleated rim to hold everything in.
6. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the beaten egg for a lovely golden color as it bakes. Finally, sprinkle the coarse sugar over the crust for a beautiful finish and added crunch.
7. Bake the Galette:
Pop the galette into the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the galette cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing it up. You can enjoy it warm on its own or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream for a special treat. Enjoy every bite of this rustic apple galette!
With its flaky crust and yummy spiced apples, this galette is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices, you can also use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or even a mix of your favorites. Just remember that tart apples add a nice balance to the sweetness!
How Do I Keep the Crust from Getting Soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure you roll the dough thick enough and coat the apple slices with flour before arranging them on the dough. This helps absorb excess moisture. Also, baking the galette immediately after assembling can help keep the crust crispy!
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Take it out about 10-15 minutes before rolling, so it’s easier to work with.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help refresh the crust!
