Embrace the ease of a rustic fall dessert with this Easy Apple Galette Recipe, featuring thinly sliced apples and warm cinnamon spice. Simply fold the edges of the dough over the filling for a beautifully imperfect finish. This free-form tart comes together faster than traditional pie, making it an ideal treat for autumn gatherings or a cozy weekend baking project.
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Ingredients for Apple Galette
For the crust
- All-purpose flour – Use a good quality flour for the best texture.
- Kosher salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter – Make sure it’s chilled for a flaky crust.
- Ice water – Cold water is key to keeping the dough tender.
For the filling
- Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my go-to choices for their perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Granulated sugar – Just enough to sweeten the apples without overwhelming them.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds that cozy, warm spice we all love in an apple dessert.
- All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t get too runny.
- Unsalted butter – Dotting the apples with butter creates a rich, caramelized flavor.
For the finish
- Egg – Beat it well for that shiny, golden egg wash on the crust.
- Granulated sugar – Sprinkle generously for a sweet, crunchy crust.
Cook Time for Easy Apple Galette
I always find it helpful to know the timing before I start a recipe, especially on a busy afternoon. This simple Apple Galette is one of those wonderful fall dessert recipes that feels special but doesn’t demand your whole day. You’ll spend a little time preparing the dough and slicing apples, but the hands-off baking time fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 85 minutes |
This timeline is perfect for a weekend project, and the result is a beautiful baked rustic pastry with spiced apples that’s worth every minute. For more inspiration on using seasonal produce, take a peek at my harvest fruit salad that pairs wonderfully with this galette.
How to Make Rustic Apple Galette
Making this Apple Galette feels so much more approachable than a perfect double-crust pie, and I think you’ll love the process. Don’t worry about making it look flawless—the charm is in its rustic, free-form beauty.
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Step 2: Bring It Together
Drizzle 1/4 cup of ice water over the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the dough just begins to clump together. Gently knead the dough in the bowl a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Flatten the ball into a 1-inch thick disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a rough 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Create the Filling
In a medium bowl, toss 3 thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Arrange the apple slices in a concentric circle on the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Dot the apples with 1 tablespoon of small, unsalted butter pieces.
Step 5: Fold and Finish
Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples, pleating as you go. Brush the exposed dough crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle the entire galette generously with additional sugar.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the galette for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Allow the galette to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this Apple Galette more times than I can count, and along the way I’ve picked up a few tricks. Here are my favorite ways to tweak this easy baked fruit pastry with ice cream to make it your own.
Flavor Swap: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile. It reminds me of the apple desserts my grandmother used to make.
Diet Tweaks: For a lighter version, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a whole wheat pastry flour. If you’re looking for more healthy baking recipes, this is a great place to start.
Texture Fix: To ensure your Apple Galette crust stays wonderfully flaky, make sure your butter and water are ice-cold. I even pop my mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before I start.
Storage Tip: This galette is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but if you have leftovers, store them covered at room temperature. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked crispness. For more make-ahead ideas, check out my collection of no-bake desserts.
Apple Galette
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 3 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar plus more for sprinkling
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg beaten for egg wash
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- Pastry Cutter
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the dough just begins to clump together. Gently knead the dough in the bowl a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Flatten the ball into a 1-inch thick disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a rough 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour until evenly coated. Arrange the apple slices in a concentric circle on the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Dot the apples with the small pieces of butter.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples, pleating as you go. Brush the exposed dough crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle the entire galette generously with additional sugar.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Allow the galette to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
I always feel better about indulging in dessert when I know there are some wholesome benefits tucked inside. This Apple Galette isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it also brings some lovely nutritional perks thanks to those sweet, spiced apples. While it’s still a dessert, using fresh fruit means you’re getting natural fiber and vitamins along with that cozy cinnamon warmth.
Apples, especially when baked, retain much of their nutritional value. They’re a great source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion, and they provide vitamin C and various antioxidants. For more creative ways to enjoy apples in your daily routine, take a look at my collection of healthy apple snacks that are perfect for busy days.
Choosing the right apples can make a difference in both flavor and nutrition. I often reach for Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a tart contrast to the sweet crust. If you’re curious about the broader health benefits of different apple varieties, apple nutrition benefits from Harvard’s nutrition source provides excellent detailed information.
Remember, enjoying desserts like this Apple Galette as part of a balanced approach to eating is what makes cooking so joyful. It’s about those moments of connection around the table, not just the nutrients on the plate.
A Lighter Version of Apple Galette
Sometimes you want all the comfort of a warm Apple Galette but with a lighter touch. I’ve experimented with several variations over the years, and I’m happy to share my favorite tweaks that still deliver that wonderful rustic charm.
For the crust, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber while maintaining a tender texture. You can also reduce the butter by replacing up to a quarter of it with cold Greek yogurt—this creates a slightly softer crust that’s still delicious.
When it comes to the filling, you can cut the sugar in half without sacrificing too much sweetness, especially if you’re using naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. The cinnamon and natural apple sugars will still caramelize beautifully in the oven. For more inspiration on lighter baking, browse through my healthy baking recipes collection.
If you’re looking for even more ways to lighten up your autumn meals, my healthy fall dinner recipes offer plenty of ideas that pair wonderfully with this dessert. Remember, these adjustments are about finding what works for your taste and lifestyle—baking should always feel joyful, not restrictive.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve had many conversations with friends and readers who love the idea of a warm Apple Galette but need to be mindful of their sugar intake. Whether you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or simply exploring lower-sugar options, I’ve gathered some friendly tips that might help.
For a sugar-free version that’s still full of flavor, try using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit blend in place of the granulated sugar. These alternatives won’t caramelize quite the same way as sugar, but they’ll still give you that comforting spiced apple taste. I sometimes add a touch of apple juice concentrate to help with the caramelization process.
Portion size can make a big difference too—I find that serving smaller slices with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt creates a satisfying dessert that feels special without overdoing it. If you’re looking for more diabetic-friendly ideas, my healthy Thanksgiving desserts include several options that work well year-round.
Remember, these are just suggestions from my own kitchen experiments. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, but know that with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can still enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade Apple Galette while being sugar conscious.
How to Serve Apple Galette
There’s something truly magical about bringing a warm Apple Galette to the table—the way the cinnamon scent fills the room and everyone gathers around expectantly. I remember my grandmother serving her version straight from the oven, always insisting we eat it while the crust was still crisp and the apples were tender. Those autumn evenings shaped my love for simple, heartfelt desserts that bring people together.
For the ultimate experience, serve your galette warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream slowly melting over the top. The contrast between the hot spiced apples and cold creamy ice cream is pure comfort. If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce works beautifully.
This easy baked fruit pastry with ice cream pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee in the afternoon or as the grand finale to a cozy dinner. For a delightful breakfast treat, try it with my apple cinnamon overnight oats—the flavors complement each other perfectly. And if you’re serving a crowd, consider adding my harvest fruit salad to the spread for a refreshing contrast to the warm galette.
However you choose to serve it, the real joy comes from sharing this homemade free-form apple tart with people you love. It’s those moments of connection around food that create the most lasting memories.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes with my Apple Galette over the years, and each one taught me something valuable about baking. Let me share the most common pitfalls I’ve encountered so you can avoid them and create the perfect rustic dessert every time.
First, don’t slice your apples too thick or too thin. About ¼-inch slices are ideal—thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to cook through. If they’re too thick, you’ll end up with crunchy apples; too thin and they turn mushy.
Another common mistake is rolling the crust too thin. You want about ⅛-inch thickness—thick enough to hold the juices without becoming soggy. I learned this the hard way when my first galette leaked everywhere! For more crust tips, check out my guide to perfect pie dough that works beautifully for galettes too.
Don’t forget to chill your dough properly. A cold crust is essential for that flaky texture we all love. If your butter melts before baking, you’ll lose those beautiful layers. According to French galette origins, traditional recipes always emphasize keeping ingredients cold for the best results.
Finally, resist overfilling your galette. Those folded edges need to contain the filling, and too many apples will cause leaking. Trust me—I’ve cleaned enough baked-on syrup from baking sheets to know less is more here. For more baking wisdom, explore my healthy muffin recipes that follow similar principles.
Remember, even imperfect galettes taste wonderful—some of my most memorable ones came from happy accidents that became new family traditions!
How to Store Apple Galette
I’ll never forget the time my aunt mailed me a whole Apple Galette wrapped in wax paper and foil—it arrived perfectly intact and became our afternoon tea surprise. Proper storage makes all the difference in enjoying this dessert beyond the first serving.
For short-term storage, let your galette cool completely before covering it loosely with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for about two days, though the crust is best enjoyed within the first day while it’s still slightly crisp.
If you need to store it longer, refrigeration works well for up to five days. I like to slice mine before storing so I can reheat individual portions in the toaster oven—it brings back that fresh-baked warmth and texture. The chilled galette also makes a lovely cold treat with my celery apple juice for a refreshing contrast.
For freezing, wrap the whole galette or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake frozen at 350°F until warmed through—no need to thaw first. This method preserves that buttery pastry wrapped sweet apples texture perfectly.
Whether you’re saving leftovers for tomorrow or stocking your freezer for future gatherings, proper storage ensures your Apple Galette always tastes its best.
Try This Apple Galette Yourself
I still remember the first time I made this Apple Galette for my daughter’s autumn birthday party—the way the children gathered around the baking sheet, their faces lit by the oven light as they watched the apples bubble and caramelize. That moment captured everything I love about simple, heartfelt baking.
This rustic Apple Galette isn’t just a recipe—it’s an invitation to create your own memories in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this free-form tart offers that perfect balance of simplicity and spectacular results.
I encourage you to make this your own. Add a handful of cranberries for tartness, try different apple varieties, or experiment with spices like cardamom or nutmeg. The beauty of this homemade free-form apple tart recipe is how adaptable it is to your taste and what you have on hand.
If you enjoy this baking experience, you might also love my healthy no-bake desserts for warmer days, or perhaps my cottage cheese banana bread for another comforting treat. For something savory to balance the sweetness, try my apple cider vinegar coleslaw or this refreshing apple cider vinegar drink.
However you choose to enjoy it, I hope this Apple Galette becomes part of your family’s story too—the kind of recipe you’ll return to season after season, creating new traditions with each golden-brown crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apple pie and apple galette?
The main difference comes down to structure and preparation. Apple pie uses a pastry-lined pie dish with a top crust or lattice, while an Apple Galette is free-form—simply folded over the filling on a baking sheet. Galettes are more rustic and forgiving, making them perfect for beginners who want that homemade pie experience without the precision.
Is galette dough the same as pie dough?
Yes, you can use the same dough for both! The Apple Galette crust is typically made with a standard pie dough recipe. I often use my favorite pie dough recipe for galettes because it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling yet tender when baked. The difference is in the shaping—galette dough is rolled out round rather than fitted into a pie plate.
What are the best apples for a galette?
Firm, tart apples that hold their shape during baking work best. I love Granny Smith for their tangy contrast to the sweet crust, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady also work beautifully. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious—they tend to become mushy when baked in this easy baked fruit pastry with ice cream.
How do you keep bottom galettes from getting soggy?
There are a few tricks to prevent a soggy bottom! I always sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed amaretti cookies on the dough before adding apples—they absorb excess juices. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too wet, and bake on a preheated baking sheet for extra bottom heat. These steps ensure your flaky crust dessert with cinnamon sugar stays perfectly crisp.
Cozy Fall Recipes for Your Next Gathering
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, nothing brings people together like comforting homemade treats. Here are more seasonal favorites that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts – Lighter sweet treats that celebrate the season without overwhelming sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Make-abreakfast magic with spiced apples and creamy oats that ready when you are.
Harvest Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of autumn fruits with a hint of maple that complements any meal.
Apple Squash Soup – Velvety smooth soup that combines sweet apples and squash for the ultimate fall comfort.
