Apple Galette with Buttery Pastry Crust

Introduction

An Apple Galette is the rustic cousin of apple pie — a free-form pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples, baked to golden perfection, and served warm. Unlike a pie, it doesn’t require a pie dish or intricate lattice crust. The flaky, buttery pastry folds over juicy apples, creating an elegant yet delightfully simple dessert.

This dessert is beloved in French cuisine for its rustic charm and versatility. It’s perfect for showcasing seasonal apples and can be served casually for family gatherings or as a showstopper finale to a holiday dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this Apple Galette because it blends elegance with simplicity. You don’t need to be an expert baker to make it — the rustic folds of pastry only add to its charm. The buttery crust is crisp and flaky, while the apples become tender and caramelized, with hints of cinnamon and sugar.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels both cozy and impressive, making it perfect for everyday indulgence or entertaining guests. And best of all — it’s easier than pie!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rustic & Elegant: Looks impressive but requires no fancy skills.
• Flavorful & Comforting: Buttery pastry + spiced apples = perfection.
• Versatile: Works with any variety of apples or other seasonal fruit.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that appeals to everyone.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time for Dough: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling)
• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Calories: ~290 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Course: Dessert, Tea-time Treat, Holiday Baking

Ingredients

For the Buttery Pastry Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken juices)

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• 1 tbsp apricot jam or honey (optional, for glaze)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make pastry dough, chill, and roll into a circle.
2. Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Arrange apples on pastry, leaving edges free.
4. Fold pastry edges over apples and brush with egg wash.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated.
3. Roll Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle (doesn’t have to be perfect). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Assemble Galette: Arrange apple slices in the center of the dough, slightly overlapping, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold pastry edges up and over the apples, pleating as needed.
5. Finish: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
6. Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
7. Optional Glaze: While warm, brush apples with warmed apricot jam or honey for shine.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraîche.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Keep butter cold for the flakiest crust.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents shrinking and makes rolling easier.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a spice twist.

Variations

• Pear Galette: Substitute apples with ripe pears.
• Apple-Cranberry Galette: Add fresh cranberries for tartness.
• Savory Galette: Try apples with sharp cheddar and thyme for a sweet-savory dish.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to crisp crust.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble galette, freeze on baking sheet, then wrap and store up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
• Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooled galette for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter (or two forks)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Conclusion

The Apple Galette with Buttery Pastry Crust is a dessert that proves simplicity can be stunning. With minimal effort, you get a flaky golden crust enveloping tender, spiced apples that taste like autumn in every bite. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend treat, this galette is sure to become one of your go-to desserts. Rustic, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.