Craving a simple yet elegant apple dessert? This rustic apple galette is a perfect choice. You’ll love its flaky crust and tender, spiced apple filling, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Butter: Cold unsalted butter is best; a plant-based butter substitute works too.
- Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar can be swapped for brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic; allspice or a pinch of ground ginger can be added.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup ice water, plus more if needed
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. This creates a delicious base for your apple dessert.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-14 inch circle. Don’t worry about perfection; the rustic look is part of its charm. Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Galette
Arrange the apple filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Dot the top of the apples with the small pieces of butter. Fold the edges of the dough over the apple filling, pleating as you go, to create a free-form crust.
5. Bake Your Apple Galette
Brush the exposed dough with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Pear Galette: Substitute pears for apples for a different fruit dessert.
- Berry Galette: Use mixed berries, slightly reduced in sugar, for a summer variation.
- Nutty Crust: Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds to your dough for extra flavor.
- Oat Crumble Topping: Sprinkle an oat crumble mixture over the apples before folding the crust.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover apple galette at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can gently reheat individual slices in a microwave or a warm oven until heated through. This ensures your apple dessert remains delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully for this apple dessert.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but it results in a more tender filling.
My crust isn’t getting golden brown, what should I do?
Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and try moving the galette to a higher rack in the oven for the last 10-15 minutes.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of allspice or ginger would be lovely additions to your apple dessert filling.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Make sure your apples are well-drained and consider sprinkling a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the dough before adding the filling.