If you’re craving a dessert that’s rustic, warm, and packed with fall flavors, this Apple Galette is the way to go. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced apples, it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again.
What is an Apple Galette?
An apple galette is a rustic, free-form pastry that lets you enjoy the essence of a traditional apple pie without the fuss. Unlike a pie, it doesn’t require a special pan or intricate crust design. You simply roll out the dough, pile the apple filling in the center, and fold the edges over. The result is a beautifully imperfect, golden-brown pastry filled with tender, spiced apples that bubble and caramelize as they bake.
What makes an apple galette special is its versatility and simplicity. The flaky pastry provides a perfect balance to the juicy, cinnamon-scented apples inside. It’s the kind of dessert that feels casual yet elegant, making it just as suitable for a cozy weeknight treat as it is for impressing guests at a dinner party. And whether you pile the apples in haphazardly or arrange them in neat layers, the end result is always delicious!
Ingredients You Need
- Apples – We used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness. Feel free to mix and match your favorite varieties!
- Brown Sugar – This adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart apples.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps to thicken the filling as the apples release their juices. No one wants a runny galette!
- Fresh Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and keeps those apples from turning brown.
- Ground Cinnamon – This warm spice is a must for any apple dessert. It adds that classic, cozy fall flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg – Just a pinch gives a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that elevates the spice profile of the filling.
- Puff Pastry – We love Just Rol puff pastry for its buttery flakiness. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that perfect golden crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. You can also use any brand that you prefer.
How to Make an Apple Galette
- Prepare the apple filling. Add the sliced apples to a large bowl with the brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss to evenly coat. Chill in the fridge while you work on the dough.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Flour your work surface. Then, roll the dough into a rough rectangle. If using a skillet, transfer the dough directly into it. Or, you can also easily just roll it onto parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid having to transfer it.
- Fill the galette. Place the seasoned apple mixture onto the center of the dough. You can arrange the apples in a chosen pattern or just pile them up—it’s your call! Just make sure to leave room so that you can fold the dough in.
- Fold the edges. Gently fold the outer edges of the dough over the filling, creating pleats as you go. Use a pastry brush to spread the egg wash on the crust with egg wash. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar, too, if you like.
- Chill the galette. Place the assembled galette in the fridge briefly, or up to 8 hours. This helps the dough hold its shape when it’s baked.
- Bake the galette. Then, place the galette in the preheated oven and bake it until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy. Top your warm galette with a drizzle of salted caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
Variations
- Pears – Swap out some of the apples for thinly sliced pears for a different fruity flavor.
- Maple Syrup – Instead of brown sugar, try maple syrup.
- Spices – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Savory Twist – Replace the apples with thinly sliced potatoes, Gruyère cheese, and herbs for a savory galette. Or just add cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
- Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for some crunch.
- Vanilla – A little vanilla extract in the apple mixture adds an extra layer of flavor.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can lose some of their crispness, but they’re still delicious when warmed up. To store, refrigerate the galette in an airtight container for up to three days.
You can also freeze the baked galette for up to a month, but be sure to reheat it in the oven for the best results!
More Sweet and Fruity Recipes
Whether we’re using apples and pears in the fall or berries in the spring and summer, we have tons of ways to transform fresh fruit into an impressive dessert or snack!
Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels
Easy Apple Galette Recipe
Equipment
- 1 (10-inch) Round Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 apples peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (we used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (13-16 ounce) package refrigerated puff pastry (we like Just Rol)
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Cover and set aside. For best results, refrigerate the filling while you prepare the dough.4 apples, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle (no need for perfection!). Transfer the dough to a 10-inch round skillet, or you can roll it directly onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If the dough is too large, trim the excess and place it in the center of the skillet.1 (13-16 ounce) package refrigerated puff pastry (we like Just Rol)
- Fill the Galette: Spoon the apple filling (including any juices) into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border around the edges. Arrange the apples however you like—either piled up or in a neat pattern like concentric circles.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, overlapping and pressing lightly to seal. Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Chill the Galette: Refrigerate the assembled galette for 15-20 minutes (or up to 8 hours) before baking. Ensuring the galette is cold before baking helps maintain its shape.
- Bake: Once chilled, bake the galette in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy with salted caramel and a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent touch!