Name: Caramel Apple Galette
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3–5 tbsp ice water; 3–4 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for crust topping); 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This galette offers all the charm of a traditional apple pie without the fuss. Its open, folded crust creates a beautifully imperfect presentation that’s both rustic and inviting. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and rich caramel makes it a standout dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special pie tools or skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Ice water
Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for crust topping)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Prepare the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let sit briefly to draw out excess moisture.
Roll out the dough into a rough circle. Transfer to the baking sheet.
Arrange the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the edges over the apples, pleating as needed to enclose the filling. Leave the center exposed.
Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Drizzle with caramel sauce while still warm or just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings. Prep time is around 30 minutes, with a bake time of 40 to 45 minutes. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Allow 10 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving.

Variations

Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for added crunch.
Spiced twist: Add cardamom or cloves for deeper autumn flavor.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the crust.
Salted caramel: Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Cheese pairing: Add a bit of shredded sharp cheddar to the crust for a savory note.
Mini galettes: Divide the dough to make individual-sized galettes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover galette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. The galette can also be frozen—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for this galette?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination of tart and sweet apples work best for flavor and texture.

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Yes, store-bought pie dough is a great time-saver and works well for this recipe.

Should I cook the apples before baking?

No, the apples bake directly in the galette. Slicing them thin ensures they become tender in the oven.

Do I have to use caramel sauce?

No, but it adds richness and depth. You can omit it or replace it with a glaze or honey drizzle.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Use cornstarch in the filling to absorb moisture and avoid overloading the galette with too much apple juice.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, the galette can be assembled and chilled a few hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The crust should be deep golden brown, and the apples should be tender and bubbly in the center.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry makes for a flakier, more decadent base. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Is egg wash necessary?

Egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden color and helps it crisp. It’s recommended but optional.

Can I make a vegan version?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the egg wash. Make sure your caramel is vegan or use a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Galette is a beautiful, simple dessert that delivers the cozy, nostalgic flavors of fall with minimal effort. Its flaky crust, tender apple filling, and sweet caramel drizzle make it a dessert worth savoring. Whether for a holiday table or a casual evening treat, this galette is sure to impress without the stress.