Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Rustic Apple Galette is the epitome of comfort food. The caramelized, spiced apples are the star, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The buttery, flaky crust provides a delightful crunch, and the rustic presentation adds a charming, homemade touch. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require much effort but delivers incredible flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Filling:

4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
1 egg (for egg wash)

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

Directions

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the filling: While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Assemble the galette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pile the spiced apple mixture into the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as you go, to form a rustic edge.
Add the topping: Dot the exposed apples with small pieces of butter and brush the edges of the crust with a beaten egg. Sprinkle the crust with a little granulated sugar for added sweetness and shine.
Bake: Bake the galette for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If you like a crispier crust, you can bake it a few extra minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Serve: Slice the galette and serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
Use Different Fruits: Try using pears, peaches, or a mix of fruits along with the apples for a unique twist.
Spiced Apple Galette: Add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or cardamom to the apple filling for additional warmth and complexity.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based option.
Cheese Galette: Add a layer of cream cheese or ricotta under the apples for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet apples.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover galette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time. After mixing it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use a store-bought crust for this galette?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust. Just roll it out to fit your desired size and follow the rest of the recipe.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite variety of apple. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, but any apple will work well.

Do I need to peel the apples for the galette?

Yes, peeling the apples is recommended, as it helps create a smooth texture and ensures the apples cook evenly. However, if you prefer to leave the skins on for texture or a more rustic feel, you can.

Can I freeze the galette before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled galette (before baking) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the galette from becoming soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the apples after mixing them with sugar and spices. This will help prevent the crust from getting soggy.

Can I add a glaze or icing on top of the galette?

Yes, you can drizzle the galette with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Can I use a different sweetener in this recipe?

Yes, you can use alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Can I make this galette without cinnamon?

Yes, if you prefer a more neutral flavor, you can omit the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice.

How do I serve the galette?

The galette is delicious on its own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Rustic Apple Galette is a perfect dessert for any time of the year, especially during apple season. With its tender, buttery crust and spiced apple filling, it’s a comforting treat that’s simple to make yet looks impressive. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for a weeknight or something special for a gathering, this galette is sure to please everyone. It’s a beautiful, rustic dessert that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.