Can I make the apple galette ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the galette a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

What apples work best for galette?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works beautifully. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are great choices.

Can I freeze an apple galette?

Yes! Bake the galette, let it cool completely, then freeze tightly wrapped. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds texture and color, but peeled apples give a smoother finish.

Easy Apple Galette: Rustic Fall Dessert Bliss

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Craving the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavors of apple pie without the hassle of crimping crusts? This easy Apple Galette is your answer—a rustic, free-form tart with a flaky, buttery crust and tender, caramelized apples. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for beginner bakers, busy weeknights, or impressing guests at your next fall gathering. Packed with wholesome apples and a hint of cardamom, this dessert is as healthy as it is delicious. Pin this recipe for your Thanksgiving table! 🍎🥧

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Apple Galette
A Brief History of Apple Galette
Healthy Benefits of This Apple Galette
🍎 Ingredients for Apple Galette
🥧 Step-by-Step Apple Galette Instructions
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Galette
🍏 Variations on Apple Galette
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Slice, ⅛)
🗃️ Storage Instructions
🍽️ What to Serve with Apple Galette
❓ FAQs About Apple Galette
📌 Pin This Recipe for Later!
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Pairing
Food safety
Easy Apple Galette: Rustic Fall Dessert Bliss
🍎 Ingredients for Apple Galette
🥧 Step-by-Step Apple Galette Instructions

Why You’ll Love This Apple Galette

This galette combines simplicity and elegance, making it a standout fall dessert. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Effortless: No pie dish or lattice skills needed—just fold and bake.
Quick: Ready in about 1 hour, including chilling time.
Versatile: Swap apples for pears or add nuts for a twist.
Healthy-ish: Apples bring fiber and antioxidants, with minimal sugar.
Stunning: Rustic folds and golden crust make it Instagram-worthy.

A Brief History of Apple Galette

The galette hails from medieval France, where "galette" referred to a flat cake or pastry. Originating in Brittany as a savory buckwheat crêpe, the sweet version became a rustic fruit tart baked by home cooks. Unlike precise pies, galettes were forgiving, with imperfect folds creating accidental masterpieces. The apple galette rose to fame in the 19th century alongside French classics like tarte Tatin. Today, it’s a beloved staple in French patisseries and American fall baking, celebrated for its farm-to-table charm.

Healthy Benefits of This Apple Galette

Apples steal the show with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support heart health and digestion. Cinnamon and a touch of cardamom offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while lemon juice adds a vitamin C boost to enhance flavor and prevent browning. We’ve kept sugar low and used whole ingredients—swap in whole wheat flour for extra fiber if desired. Each slice (⅛) is approximately 280 calories, making it a lighter alternative to traditional pie.

🍎 Ingredients for Apple Galette

Here’s what you’ll need, with notes for the best choices and substitutions:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes/Substitutions
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups	Use 1:1 gluten-free blend; whole wheat for added fiber.
Salt	½ tsp	Enhances crust flavor.
Granulated sugar	1 tablespoon (crust) + ¼ cup (filling)	Reduce to 2 tablespoon in filling for less sweetness.
Unsalted butter (cold)	½ cup (crust) + 2 tablespoon (filling)	Vegan butter for plant-based diets.
Ice water	3-4 tbsp	Add gradually for perfect dough consistency.
Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)	3-4 large (4 cups sliced)	Mix tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp); avoid Red Delicious.
Brown sugar	2 tbsp	Adds caramel depth; swap with coconut sugar.
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp	Warm, classic flavor.
Ground cardamom	¼ tsp	Optional for aromatic twist.
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Prevents browning; fresh is best.
Lemon zest	1 tsp	Boosts brightness; optional.
Cornstarch	1 tbsp	Thickens filling; arrowroot for grain-free.
Egg	1 (for egg wash)	Almond milk for vegan wash.
Coarse sugar (turbinado)	1 tbsp	For crust sparkle; optional.
Apricot jam or honey	2 tbsp	For glazing; optional for shine.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Servings: 6-8
Calories: ~280 per slice (⅛)
Equipment: Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or food processor, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife or mandoline, pastry brush.

🥧 Step-by-Step Apple Galette Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for a flaky, rustic galette. Perfect for beginners!

Step 1: Make the Crust Dough

Whisk 1 ¼ cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large bowl.
Add ½ cup cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until pea-sized crumbs form.
Add 3-4 tablespoon ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough holds together.
Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
Tip: Keep butter cold for flakiness; don’t overwork the dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Tip: Place baking sheet on lower rack to crisp the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 3-4 sliced apples (4 cups), ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cardamom (optional), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Toss gently and let sit for 10-15 minutes to release juices.
Tip: Macerating prevents a soggy crust by thickening the filling.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle (⅛-inch thick).
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Embrace rustic, uneven edges!
Tip: Use a rolling pin to keep dough even; patch tears by pinching.

Step 5: Assemble the Galette

Spoon apple mixture into the center, leaving a 2-3 inch border.
Dot apples with 2 tablespoon butter (small pieces) for richness.
Fold dough edges over the filling, pleating as you go, leaving the center open.
Tip: If dough softens, chill for 10 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush crust edges with 1 beaten egg for a golden finish.
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sparkle.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until crust is golden and apples bubble.
Cover edges with foil after 20 minutes if browning too quickly.
Tip: Check at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Cool galette on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
Optional: Brush warm apples with thinned apricot jam or honey for shine.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Pair with vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Galette

Chill Everything: Cold butter and dough ensure a flaky crust—don’t skip chilling.
Apple Selection: Mix tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) for balanced flavor.
Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Macerate apples and use cornstarch; bake on lower rack.
Make-Ahead: Prep dough and filling 24 hours ahead; freeze unbaked galette for 1 month (bake from frozen, add 5-10 minutes).
Scale Up: Double dough for two galettes (serves 12-16) for crowds.
Unique Twist: Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic depth; try edible flowers for garnish.

🍏 Variations on Apple Galette

Salted Caramel Apple Galette: Drizzle with homemade salted caramel post-bake.
Pear-Apple Mix: Swap half the apples for pears for a juicy twist.
Savory Spin: Add cheddar to the crust and thyme to the filling for brunch.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and almond milk for egg wash.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds in the filling.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Slice, ⅛)

Calories: ~280 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 4g
Values approximate, based on 8 slices.

🗃️ Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 3-4 days; reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 375°F.
Tip: Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

🍽️ What to Serve with Apple Galette

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing.
Salted caramel sauce for drizzling.
Sharp cheddar cheese slices for a sweet-savory contrast.
Hot coffee or chai tea to complement cinnamon and cardamom.
Fresh berries for added color and tartness.

❓ FAQs About Apple Galette

What’s the difference between a galette and a pie?
A galette is a free-form tart with folded edges, while a pie has a structured crust in a dish. Galettes are easier and rustic.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! Roll it out to 12 inches and proceed with the filling.

Why did my galette leak juices?
Excess juice comes from unmacerated apples or low oven heat. Use cornstarch and bake at 400°F.

Is apple galette healthy?
Moderately—apples provide fiber and vitamins, but the crust adds calories. Use less sugar or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

How do I prevent the crust from burning?
Brush with egg wash for even browning; cover edges with foil after 20 minutes if needed.
Love this recipe? Share your galette photos on Instagram and tag us! 📸

📌 Pin This Recipe for Later!

Craving apple pie without the hassle? This easy Apple Galette is your fall must-have! Flaky crust, caramelized apples, and warm spices in under an hour. Perfect for beginners! 🍎🥧 Pin this recipe for your next cozy gathering!
Pin Description: “This easy Apple Galette brings cozy fall flavors with minimal effort! Flaky crust, caramelized apples, and warm spices in under an hour. Perfect for beginners! 🍎🥧 #AppleGalette #FallBaking #EasyDesserts #RusticRecipes #AppleRecipes”
ALT Text: “A rustic apple galette with golden, flaky crust and caramelized apple slices, served on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”

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Food safety

We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended
Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.