Name: Easy Apple Galette Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3–5 tbsp ice water; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp lemon juice; 3–4 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart), peeled and sliced; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling); Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)

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This easy apple galette is the rustic, from-scratch dessert I love to whip up when I want the cozy taste of apple pie without the fuss. With a buttery, flaky crust and warmly spiced apple filling, it comes together quickly and bakes up into a showstopping treat. A drizzle of salted caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream take it over the top. I get all the satisfaction of pie with a fraction of the time and effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this galette doesn’t ask for precision or perfection. It’s approachable, unfussy, and always delicious. The crust is rich and golden, hugging a compact layer of cinnamon-sugar apples. It’s free-form, meaning I don’t need to worry about perfect edges or pie dishes. And because it bakes faster and cools quicker than a traditional pie, I get to enjoy it fresh and warm in under an hour. Whether for a fall gathering or just a cozy night in, this dessert never fails me.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Ice water
Granulated sugar
Salt
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Lemon juice
Apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties, peeled and sliced)
Egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Salted caramel sauce (optional but highly recommended)

Directions

Make the dough: I blend flour, a little sugar, and salt, then cut in the cold butter until it’s pea-sized. A few tablespoons of ice water bring it together into a shaggy dough. I shape it into a disc, wrap it up, and chill it for at least an hour.
Prepare the filling: While the dough chills, I slice my apples and toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated.
Roll out the dough: Once chilled, I roll the dough out on a floured surface. It doesn’t need to be a perfect circle — any rustic shape works. I transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Assemble the galette: I arrange the apples in the center, leaving a 2–3 inch border. I fold the edges over the filling, creating rustic pleats. I brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar over the top.
Chill the galette: Before baking, I let the assembled galette chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes while I preheat the oven.
Bake: I bake the galette at 400°F (204°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Finish with caramel: Once it’s out of the oven, I drizzle it with salted caramel and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This apple galette serves 6 to 8 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough and about 40 minutes to bake. Altogether, I have it ready to serve in roughly 2 hours.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using pears instead of apples, or I mix in berries for a slightly tart contrast. A handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the apples adds a nice crunch. For a spice twist, I’ve added cardamom or ginger to the filling. And if I’m short on time, I use store-bought pie dough, though homemade is always my favorite.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator, wrapped in foil or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find it softens the crust.

FAQs

What apples work best for apple galette?

I like using a combination of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully together, giving a balanced flavor and firm texture after baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day or two in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for a few months.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

I avoid overfilling and make sure the apple slices are evenly layered. Letting the assembled galette chill before baking also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I skip the caramel sauce?

Absolutely. It’s optional, but I love the depth it adds. A dusting of powdered sugar or just ice cream works great too.

What if I don’t have coarse sugar?

If I’m out of coarse sugar, I just sprinkle a bit of regular granulated sugar over the egg-washed crust. It still gives a lovely sparkle and hint of sweetness.

Conclusion

This easy apple galette is my go-to dessert when I want something cozy, impressive, and quick to prepare. With its flaky homemade crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and optional salted caramel drizzle, it hits all the right notes. Whether I’m entertaining guests or baking for myself, this galette always brings comfort and praise.