Classic Apple Galette

A Classic Apple Galette is a rustic, free-form tart that combines buttery, flaky pastry with tender, spiced apples. Unlike a traditional pie, a galette is simple to assemble, doesn’t require a pie dish, and offers a charming, homemade aesthetic. Each slice boasts the perfect balance of sweet, slightly tart apples and a crisp, golden crust, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

This recipe celebrates the natural flavors of fresh apples, enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of sugar, all wrapped in a delicate pastry. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or a festive gathering, and the rustic charm of a galette is sure to impress without demanding complicated techniques.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. The buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful apples, creating a texture combination that’s hard to resist. It’s also incredibly forgiving — you don’t need perfect pastry skills, and you can easily customize it with your favorite apple varieties or spices.

The aroma while baking is heavenly: the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen, instantly making the home feel cozy and inviting. This galette strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined flavor.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Rustic and beautiful: Easy to make, visually stunning, and full of flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples.
• Versatile: Serve warm or at room temperature, with ice cream or whipped cream.
• Perfect for any occasion: Brunch, dessert, holidays, or casual gatherings.

If you love apple desserts with a homemade, elegant touch, this Classic Apple Galette is a must-try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: ~300–350 per slice
• Course: Dessert / Brunch
• Cuisine: French / American

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your choice), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1–2 tsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Cooking Directions Overview

1. Prepare the pastry dough and chill.
2. Slice apples and mix with sugar and spices.
3. Roll out dough and arrange apple filling on top.
4. Fold edges to form rustic galette.
5. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar.
6. Bake until golden brown and apples are tender.
7. Serve warm with optional ice cream or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together.
4. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice apples.
2. In a bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
2. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

1. Arrange apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around edges.
2. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as needed to form a rustic edge.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash

1. Brush the dough edges with beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
3. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve warm or at room temperature.
2. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

How to Serve

• As a dessert after dinner.
• For brunch, alongside coffee or tea.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Slice into wedges and serve individually on plates with optional ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples for best texture; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well.
• Slice apples evenly to ensure uniform baking.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinking.
• Don’t overload the filling; keep a 2-inch border for folding edges.
• Brush egg wash carefully to avoid spilling over apples.

Variations

• Pear Galette: Swap apples for ripe pears with a pinch of ginger.
• Apple and Berry: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries to the apple filling.
• Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked galette.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over apples before baking.
• Spiced Galette: Add cardamom or allspice to the filling for extra depth.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover galette in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes.
• Freezer: Wrap baked galette tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven to restore crispness.
• Unbaked Galette: Assemble and freeze before baking; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust?
Yes — store-bought pie dough works well for a shortcut.

2. Can I make this galette vegan?
Yes — use plant-based butter and skip egg wash or use a plant-based milk brush.

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the galette and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I keep the crust flaky?
Use cold butter and chill dough before rolling. Avoid overworking the dough.

Conclusion

Classic Apple Galette is a rustic, flavorful dessert that combines buttery pastry with tender, spiced apples. Its simplicity, elegance, and versatility make it a must-try for anyone who enjoys homemade, comforting desserts. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or festive occasions, this galette showcases the natural sweetness of apples while providing a visually appealing, delicious treat. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.