This apple galette is a tasty, rustic dessert that’s easy to make! With sweet apples wrapped in a flaky crust, it’s like a cozy hug when you take a bite.
I love how the edges of the crust get crispy and golden while the filling is warm and gooey. It’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crust. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free blend works well as a substitute.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter are great alternatives.
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to mix different types like Fuji or Braeburn if those are what you have.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, but you can use granulated sugar or even coconut sugar if desired.
Egg Wash: An egg wash gives a lovely shine to the crust. If you’re making this vegan, brush the crust with plant milk mixed with a little maple syrup instead.
How Do I Get a Flaky Crust?
The key to a flaky galette crust is to handle the dough as little as possible. When mixing the cold butter with flour, aim for a crumbly texture with small lumps of butter. This creates flakiness when baked. Here’s how to do that effectively:
- Keep the butter cold! You can even chill your mixing bowl for a few minutes.
- Cut in the butter until you see pea-sized pieces—don’t overmix.
- Add ice water slowly, and stop just when the dough comes together.
Chilling the dough is also critical; it relaxes gluten and helps maintain those lovely flaky layers. So make sure to allow it to rest in the fridge!
How to Make an Apple Galette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For The Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Optional:
- Caramel sauce or powdered sugar for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple galette takes about 20 minutes to prepare and roughly 35-45 minutes to bake. Plus, don’t forget to chill the dough for at least an hour! In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together 1¼ cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Then, add in the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until you have a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. The cold butter will help create a flaky crust!
2. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with a fork until the dough just clings together when pressed. Be careful not to overwork the dough! Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling! In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well coated. This mixture will create a sweet, flavorful filling!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Once your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into roughly a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is the name of the game!
5. Assemble the Galette:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. This border will be folded over to create the galette’s crust.
6. Fold and Crimp the Edges:
Next, fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples, pleating as necessary to create a lovely rustic look. This will keep the apples snug and delicious!
7. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping:
Brush the folded crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful, glossy finish, and then sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for some extra sweetness and crunch.
8. Bake the Galette:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the galette cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool further. This helps it set nicely!
10. Enjoy:
Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your rustic, flaky, and sweet apple galette—it’s perfect for cozy occasions!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can be used. Simply roll it out into a similar shape and follow the instructions from step 3 onward for filling and baking.
What Apples Are Best for a Galette?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also mix different varieties, like Fuji or Braeburn, for added flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover galette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get the crust crispy again.
Can I Freeze the Galette?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked galette. Assemble it, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
