There’s something truly comforting about the rustic charm of an Easy Apple Galette—the flaky crust hugging tender, cinnamon-kissed apples is like a warm hug on a plate. One afternoon, craving a homemade dessert that didn’t demand hours in the kitchen, I stumbled upon this simple yet stunning recipe. What makes this galette a keeper? It’s effortless to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers big on flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends who appreciate homemade treats, this apple galette is a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and impressive. Let me show you how to bring this slice of homemade bliss to your table in no time.
Why choose this Easy Apple Galette?
Effortless prep: This recipe keeps things simple with minimal ingredients and easy steps, perfect for busy home cooks. Flaky perfection: The buttery crust bakes to a tender, golden crisp that complements the soft apple filling beautifully. Warm flavors: Cinnamon-spiced apples offer a comforting, classic taste everyone loves. Versatile serving: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or room temperature for a casual treat. Impress without stress: Looks homemade and elegant, making it ideal for guests or cozy family moments.
Easy Apple Galette Ingredients
For the Crust
- All-purpose flour – Use cold flour to help achieve that signature flaky crust in your Easy Apple Galette.
- Unsalted butter – Chill and cut into cubes; butter’s coldness creates those perfect buttery layers.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
- Ice-cold water – Helps bind the dough; add slowly so the crust isn’t too tough.
For the Filling
- Apples – Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for a balanced sweetness and good texture.
- Brown sugar – Deepens the flavor and caramelizes beautifully with the apples.
- Ground cinnamon – Essential for that warm, cozy spice everyone expects in an apple dessert.
- Lemon juice – Keeps apples from browning and adds a subtle zing.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the juices so your galette filling is perfectly set, not runny.
For Finishing Touches
- Egg yolk – Brushed on the crust edges for a golden, glossy finish.
- Coarse sugar – Sprinkle on the crust before baking for a delightful crunch and sparkle.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional) – A classic companion that melts over the warm galette just right.
How to Make Easy Apple Galette
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly blended, creating a uniform base for a tender, flaky crust.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or two forks, work cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until pea-size crumbs form, achieving layers that will bake into delicate flakes.
- Add Ice Water: Drizzle ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until dough just starts to come together; avoid overworking to keep crust tender and flaky.
- Chill Dough: Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax gluten and firm butter, ensuring the flakiest crust texture.
For the Filling:
- Slice Apples: Core and thinly slice apples into roughly 1/4-inch pieces, transferring them to a bowl for tossing with spices, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- Toss Filling: Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch to the sliced apples; gently stir until each slice is evenly coated and juices begin to mingle and thicken slightly.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Galette: Transfer dough circle to a parchment-lined baking sheet, pile apple filling in center, leaving a 2-inch border; fold edges over apples, pleating as you go.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Lightly brush the exposed crust edges with beaten egg yolk for a glossy finish, then sprinkle coarse sugar over the border for sparkle and crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place galette in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, until crust is golden brown and apple juices are bubbling around edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the galette cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
Optional: Drizzle warm galette with honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Apple Galette are a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, chill the dough as instructed and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For the filling, slice the apples and toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch; refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, assemble the galette with the prepared filling, and brush the edges with egg wash before baking. This way, you’ll have an utterly delicious dessert ready with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Easy Apple Galette
- Keep butter cold: Use very cold butter and water to ensure your Easy Apple Galette crust stays flaky and tender, avoiding a tough texture.
- Don’t over-mix dough: Stir just until combined to prevent gluten development that makes the pastry chewy instead of light and flaky.
- Slice apples evenly: Uniform apple slices cook evenly and prevent soggy spots, giving you that perfect tender yet intact filling.
- Chill before rolling: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to relax gluten and keep the butter cold, resulting in a crispier crust.
- Use coarse sugar: Sprinkling coarse sugar on the crust before baking adds a delightful crunch and an appealing sparkle.
- Watch baking time: Bake until the crust is golden and juices bubble; underbaking leads to a doughy crust, overbaking dries out the apples.
Variations & Substitutions for Easy Apple Galette
Feel free to get creative and make this galette uniquely yours with these tasty twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring a delightful crust everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for an unexpected texture boost.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, fragrant richness.
- Add Berries: Toss in a cup of fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the warm galette for an indulgent finish.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg for a tasty plant-based alternative.
- Different Fruits: Experiment by swapping some apples for sliced pears or peaches for a seasonal spin.
- Savory Twist: Add crumbled cheese, like goat or blue cheese, to the filling for a delicious sweet-savory contrast.
Every variation invites you to savor a different experience, making this rustic galette endlessly adaptable!
What to Serve with Easy Apple Galette?
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked dessert bringing your loved ones together.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a creamy contrast to the warm, flaky galette, enhancing the comforting apple flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this adds a fluffy topping that perfectly balances the density of the galette.
For a little twist, how about serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce? The richness of the caramel elevates the dessert, making every bite even more indulgent.
- Coffee or Tea: A soothing cup pairs beautifully with the delightful sweetness of the galette, creating a cozy afternoon moment.
- Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of aged cheddar contrasts with sweet apples, offering a delightful savory twist that surprises the palate.
- Fresh Berries: A side of raspberries or blueberries brings freshness and acidity, brightening the overall dessert experience.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions, creating the perfect ensemble for your Easy Apple Galette that resonates with warmth and joy!
Storage Tips for Easy Apple Galette
Room Temperature: Enjoy leftover Easy Apple Galette at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil to maintain the crust’s texture.
Fridge: If stored in the refrigerator, wrap the galette in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the galette by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To warm up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the galette for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it regains its delightful flaky crust.
Easy Apple Galette Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for Easy Apple Galette?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are my go-to for this galette because their firm texture holds up well during baking, and their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly. Avoid overly soft or overly sweet varieties, as they can make the filling mushy or cloying.
How should I store leftover Easy Apple Galette, and for how long?
You can keep leftover galette at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for up to 2 days to preserve the crust’s crispness. For longer freshness, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Easy Apple Galette for later?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled galette tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that flaky crust and warm filling.
What if my crust turns out tough instead of flaky?
This usually happens if the butter melts before baking or if you overwork the dough. To fix this, always use very cold butter and ice water, and mix just until the dough holds together. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling helps keep the layers flaky and light.
Is this Easy Apple Galette safe for pets or people with allergies?
This recipe contains common allergens like wheat and butter (dairy). It’s not suitable for pets—especially dogs—as apples in large amounts can cause digestive upset, plus cinnamon and sugar aren’t recommended for them. If you have dietary restrictions, consider gluten-free flour or dairy-free margarine alternatives to adapt the galette safely.
Easy Apple Galette Recipe That’s Irresistibly Flaky & Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter, work cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until pea-size crumbs form.
- Drizzle ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until dough starts to come together.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Core and thinly slice apples into roughly 1/4-inch pieces, toss with spices, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch to the sliced apples; stir gently.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick.
- Transfer the dough circle to a parchment-lined baking sheet, pile apple filling in center, leaving a 2-inch border; fold edges over apples.
- Brush the exposed crust edges with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle coarse sugar over the border.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes, then serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
