Apple Galette

I discovered this apple galette recipe during a trip to France many years ago. I was staying at a small B&B in Normandy, and the owner served this beautiful rustic tart for breakfast one morning. I was immediately captivated by its imperfect beauty—the way the golden crust folded unevenly around the glistening apples. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of flavor: buttery, flaky pastry giving way to tender apples infused with cinnamon and brown sugar. What I love most about making this galette is that it celebrates imperfection. The more rustic it looks, the more authentic it feels. I've been making variations of this recipe for years now, and it never fails to transport me back to that little French kitchen.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this apple galette recipe because it's the perfect balance of impressive and approachable. Unlike a traditional pie, there's no fussy crimping or blind baking—just fold the edges over and you're done! Yet the result looks like something from a high-end bakery. I love how the apples caramelize at the edges while staying tender in the center. The versatility is another reason this recipe has my heart; you can make it with any seasonal fruit throughout the year. It's also incredibly forgiving—even if your dough tears a bit or your arrangement isn't perfect, it still comes out looking charmingly rustic. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is absolutely intoxicating, and there's nothing quite like cutting into that first warm slice. It's my go-to dessert for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Apples: Core and slice 4-5 medium apples thinly for attractive arrangement
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our flaky pastry dough
• Unsalted butter: Keep very cold and cut into small cubes for best texture
• Brown sugar: Creates caramel-like sweetness with the apple juices
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provides warm, aromatic spice notes
• Lemon juice: Prevents apple browning and adds brightness
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit juices as the galette bakes

Let's Make These Together

Make the dough

Start with very cold ingredients! Mix the flour and salt, then cut in cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Don't overwork it - those butter pieces create flakiness.

Prepare the apples

Choose a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor balance. Core them and slice thinly, then toss with sugars, spices, cornstarch and lemon juice until evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as they release during baking.

Roll and assemble

Roll your chilled dough into a rough circle about 12 inches across. Don't worry about perfect edges - that's the beauty of a galette! Transfer to parchment paper, then arrange your apple slices in an overlapping pattern, leaving a 2-inch border.

Create the crust

Fold the dough border up and over the edge of the filling, pleating as you go around. Brush the exposed dough with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful finish.

Bake to perfection

Bake at 375°F until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 35-40 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving so the filling can set up a bit.

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Switch Things Up

The first time I made this apple galette, I was intimidated by the idea of making my own pastry dough. But I was surprised by how forgiving the rustic nature of a galette really is! I've experimented with different apple varieties and found that a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Sometimes I'll add a handful of fresh cranberries in the fall or a sprinkle of cardamom for an unexpected twist. Don't be afraid to make it your own!

Perfect Pairings

This apple galette pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with warm caramel sauce. It's perfect alongside a cup of hot apple cider in the fall or a strong cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. For a cheese course, serve a slice with aged cheddar or a wedge of blue cheese for a sweet and savory combination that will surprise and delight your guests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this galette ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also bake the entire galette a day ahead and store at room temperature, then warm slightly before serving.

→ What are the best apples to use?

A combination of sweet and tart apples works best. Try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold for sweetness, paired with Granny Smith or Pink Lady for tartness.

→ Can I freeze this galette?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble completely, then freeze solid on a baking sheet before wrapping well. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

→ Is a galette easier than pie?

Absolutely! Galettes are more forgiving because they're meant to look rustic. There's no crimping, no blind baking, and no pie plate needed.

→ Can I substitute other fruits?

Definitely! This recipe works wonderfully with pears, peaches, berries, or a mix of fruits. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit.

Conclusion

This Rustic Apple Galette brings together the comforting flavors of fall in an impressively beautiful yet easy-to-make dessert. The flaky crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this galette is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.