There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple galette wafting through the house, a scent that immediately transports me back to crisp autumn afternoons spent with family in our cozy kitchen. As the leaves turned fiery red and gold, our family gatherings centered around the kitchen table, where we would share stories, laughter, and, of course, delicious homemade treats.
One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would gather every fall to make apple desserts. She had this incredible knack for turning simple ingredients into the most extraordinary pies and tarts. One year, as the first chill of autumn settled in, my grandmother decided to teach me her secret recipe for a rustic apple galette. It wasn’t just about the dessert; it was about the joy of creating something together and the love that went into every step. We used to sit around the kitchen island, hands dusted with flour, and talk about everything from family history to the latest neighborhood gossip.
This apple galette recipe is a tribute to those cherished moments. It embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort, using just a few basic ingredients to create a treat that feels both indulgent and homey. The flaky, buttery crust encircling the tender, spiced apples reminds me of those warm gatherings, where every bite is a celebration of togetherness and tradition.
The preparation of this galette is a breeze, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. The crust is simple to make—just a bit of flour, butter, and a touch of vinegar for that extra flakiness. The filling, with its sweet and spicy apple slices, gets a delightful crunch from the coarse sugar sprinkled on top. It’s a recipe that invites you to get your hands a little messy and enjoy the process of making something wonderful.
So, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking for a cozy treat to enjoy on a quiet afternoon, this apple galette is sure to bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your table. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a slice of memory, a taste of home, and a reminder of the simple joys in life.
Making Apple Galette
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ice-cold water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3 large apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons coarse sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
Directions
- Prepare the Pastry Crust: Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, ice-cold water, and vinegar. Add this to the flour mixture, stirring just until the dough starts to form. If the dough seems too dry, add a bit more water until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Apple Filling: Peel and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss the apple slices in a bowl with the brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until they are well coated.
- Assemble the Galette: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, aiming to avoid holes. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the apple slices in a spiral pattern on the dough, starting from the center and leaving a border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples to create a rustic crust.
- Brush the folded edges of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the galette for approximately 35 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover apple galette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispness.
Cooking Tips
Use very cold butter to ensure a flaky crust. If the dough becomes too warm while working with it, chill it again before rolling out. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple galette warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat. It also pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just omit the additional salt in the recipe. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Seasonal Variations
Try using pears or a mix of pears and apples in place of the apples for a different twist. During the summer, you can substitute seasonal fruits like peaches or berries.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and eggs. To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy butter substitute and a flax or chia egg replacement. Ensure that the flour used is suitable for your dietary needs.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of apple for this galette?
Yes, you can use various types of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Fuji work well. Just adjust the sugar in the filling to taste if necessary.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough becomes sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you roll it out. If it is too difficult to handle, chill it for a short time to make it easier to work with.
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie dough can be used as a convenient alternative. Just roll it out and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
How can I make the galette more visually appealing?
For an attractive finish, brush the edges of the galette with egg wash before baking and sprinkle with coarse sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and color.
Can I prepare the galette in advance and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the galette in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to preheat the oven before baking for the best results.
Apple Galette
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter chilled
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of ice-cold water
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 3 large apples sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of coarse sugar
- 1 large egg whisked
Instructions
Pastry Crust
- Mix together the flour and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture looks crumbly.
- In another bowl, beat the egg, water, and vinegar together. Combine the wet mixture with the flour mixture, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of water until it clumps together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Apple Filling
- Peel the apples and slice them into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Assemble Galette
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just ensure there are no holes. Move the dough circle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the apple slices on the dough in a spiral pattern, starting from the center and leaving some space around the edges for folding the dough over to form a crust.
- Brush the folded crust edges with the beaten egg and sprinkle the coarse sugar on top.
- Bake the galette in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Enjoy your delicious apple galette!
