Make this rustic apple galette from scratch for a delicious fall dessert. Tender, caramelized apple slices seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom are enclosed in a flaky, buttery homemade crust in this easy recipe. (The recipe is gluten-free and easily customizable!)
When you have a bunch of apples, the first thing you think of is apple pie. But allow us to introduce the apple galette, its not-so-distant cousin. It has all the familiar warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with less work!
For more fruit galette recipes, check out our Apricot Galette and Strawberry Peach Galette next!
Reasons This Apple Galette Recipe Works
- Simple! Making an apple galette is easier than apple pie! Aside from time spent waiting for the ingredients to chill, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of hands-on prep work.
- Perfect for Special Occasions! It’s never a bad time to enjoy this treat. Serve this at brunch, potlucks, or Thanksgiving dessert.
- Ideal for Filling Lovers! If your favorite part of apple pie is the sweet, gooey filling, that’s what you get with apple galettes. It has the perfect ratio of crust to filling.
What is an apple galette?
An apple galette is a free-form tart made with a flaky pastry and an apple filling. Galette is a French term that references a flat round pastry or cake. They are typically served warm, with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What’s the difference between a pie and a galette?
Although they are made with similar ingredients, there are a few key differences between a pie and a galette. Fruit pies typically have a top and bottom crust whereas a galette is basically an open-faced pie. A galette only has a bottom crust that partially wraps around the fruit-filled center. Fruit pies are typically made in a pie dish but galettes are cooked on a baking sheet.
The Best Apples for Baking Apple Galette
You need a firm apple that keeps its shape when cooked.
- Granny Smith: This is the best apple for baking. They are sweet and tart.
- Gold Delicious: These apples are known for their firm texture. They’re sweet with subtle honey notes. They also have a mild tartness.
- Honeycrisp: These apples are juicy and crisp. And as the name suggests, they have a honey flavor.
- Fuji: Crisp, juicy, and refreshing these are great for snacking and baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Apple Galette
Galette Dough
- Gluten-free flour: This provides the basic structure for your crust. Make sure to use gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum. I like to use King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour. If you are not sensitive to gluten, feel free to use regular all-purpose flour.
- Water: Liquid helps to mix the ingredients. You can also use Greek yogurt or full fat coconut milk for an even richer crust.
- Butter: Use very cold butter so the dough is nice and flaky. I like to slice the dough and then put it in the freezer for some time before adding it to the flour.
- Salt: This enhances the overall flavor. If you are using salted butter, you can skip the salt.
Making galette dough is actually super simple and a lot easier than making pie crust because its beauty is in its imperfect look. For more tips on how to quickly and easily make galette dough from scratch, check out our detailed guide: How To Make Galette Dough. Of course, if you want to skip making the crust from scratch you can! Simply use store-bought pie crust. I recommend combining two, and then rolling it out to your desired size for your galette.
Apple Galette Filling
- Apples: Peel and slice them into 1/8-inch slices. The key is to slice the apples thinly so that they caramelize and result in super tender slices that melt in your mouth once baked.
- Brown sugar or Coconut Sugar: I like to use coconut sugar. It has a warm caramel flavor and it is a great option if you prefer natural sweeteners like I do.
- Gluten-Free All-purpose flour or cornstarch: This thickens the liquid of the filling and helps to create a juicy galette.
- Fresh lemon juice: This burst of citrus flavor brightens the overall taste. It helps to soften the apples and also prevents them from turning brown.
- Spices: You’ll need ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. I like to add cardamom too as it complements the flavors of the galette. If you cannot find ground cardamom, feel free to omit it. Your apple galette will still be just as delicious!
How to Make Apple Galette
Prepare the Dough
To make the dough, sift the flour in a bowl and then add salt. Incorporate cold, cubed butter into the flour using two forks or a pastry cutter and break down until you have small piece-sized pieces of butter coated in flour. Then gradually add 4 tablespoons of water and mix with a spatula until the dough comes together without dry spots. If needed, add one teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together. Then, coat your hands with flour, shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill it in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before use.
Prepare the Filling
While the crust chills, slice the apples and combine them in a bowl with lemon juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Let the fruit absorb the flavors for about 20 minutes. (The fruit can be prepared ahead of time and left in the fridge covered overnight.) When ready to assemble the galette, coat the seasoned fruit with cornstarch or gluten-free flour, stirring to combine the mixture.
Assemble and Bake Apple Galette
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick 12-14-inch circle, adding more water if needed. Then transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the dough with 2 tbsp of maple syrup and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp cinnamon, leaving a 1-inch border. Add the seasoned fruit to the center, pouring any extra apple liquid over it.
Fold the edges over the fruit, brush with butter, and sprinkle with coconut sugar. Chill the galette in the fridge for 30 minutes before preheating the oven to 375°F.
Transfer the galette into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven. Brush with apricot jam for a glossy finish. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with ice cream if desired. Enjoy!
FOR A MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF HOW TO MAKE GALETTE CRUST, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE: How to make the best buttery, flaky gluten-free galette dough.
Tips To Nail the Recipe
- Avoid soft apples like Gala or McIntosh. They cook down too quickly for baking.
- Do not overstuff galettes. Doing so will make the crust soggy. Also, remember that you need enough space to fold the edges of the dough over.
- Chill the galette before baking. This is what helps it keep its shape while in the oven.
Make Ahead Options
- You can prepare the galette dough up to 2 days in advance and leave it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use.
- You can slice and prepare the apples up to 24 hours in advance. Be sure to combine all the ingredients for the apple filling (the spices, sugar, lemon juice, and sliced apples), place in a large bowl, and make sure that most of the apple slices are covered by the lemon sugar liquid. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
- Salted Caramel Apple Galette: Just before baking, drizzle salted caramel over the apple filling. Try adding our delicious Date Caramel Sauce on top!
- Apple and Pear Galette: Apples and pears go well together. Add some sliced pears to the mix for even more flavor.
- Make it Vegan: With a simple swap, this recipe can be totally vegan. Just use vegan butter instead of regular butter to make a vegan apple galette.
- Savory Galette Recipes: Try Vegan Ricotta and Asparagus Galette and this Easy Mushroom Galette Recipe if you prefer savory over sweet.
How to Store Apple Galette
Store apple galettes at room temperature for up to 2 days. It will last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. (I prefer to keep my galette in the fridge and rewarm it in the microwave for a few seconds when I am ready to eat it.)
FAQs
How do I keep my galette from getting soggy?
To prevent your galette from getting soggy, add flour to the apple mixture to absorb excess moisture from apple slices. Also, avoid overstuffing the galette when preparing it. Make sure the edges are sealed to keep the liquid inside the galette.
What’s the difference between a tarte and a galette?
A tarte is a French pastry with a precise, enclosed structure, with a buttery crust lining the bottom and sides of a pan, with neatly arranged fillings like fruits or custards. A galette is a free-form pastry with a rustic, open-faced design. The crust is rolled out, the filling is placed in the center, and the edges are folded over. This creates a more charming, imperfect, and homemade appearance.
Can I freeze an apple galette?
Yes. Allow the galette to cool completely then wrap it in plastic. Store the wrapped galette in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently over low heat (300°F) in the oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
I Hope You Enjoy The Best Apple Galette Recipe!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes To Try!
- Easy Air Fryer Pears
- Chocolate Dessert Hummus
- Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Easy Strawberry Sorbet
- Air Fryer Peaches
- Easy No-Bake Superfood Energy Bars
Apple Galette (with video)
Ingredients
Apple Galette
- 2 cups Gluten-free flour all purpose flour (that contains xanthan gum) can sub with regular flour (250 grams)
- ¼ cup Water plus more as needed (add 1 tsp at a time until dough comes together)
- 8 tbsp Butter 1 stick
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt optional
Filling
- 3-4 Apples of choice peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 4–5 cups (500–600g))*
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar or coconut sugar 50 grams
- 1 tablespoon Gluten Free All-purpose flour (or regular flour) (can sub with cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cardamom optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 egg for egg wash on crust optional
- 1 tbsp Apricot Jam, optional to brush on top when galette is done to give a glossy finish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and add salt. Cut cold butter into cubes and add to the flour. Using a fork or pastry cutter, break the butter into the flour. Make a small pit in the center of the flour and slowly incorporate the water. Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time or more, if needed, to make sure the dough comes together with no dry spots.
- Coat your hands in flour and begin to form the dough into a round disc. Then, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and transfer it to the fridge for at least 45 minutes before using.
Prepare the Filling
- While the crust is chilling, slice the apples. Transfer the sliced fruit into a medium-sized bowl and add lemon juices, coconut sugar, spices, and vanilla extract. Allow time for the fruit to absorb the flavors, about 20 minutes.
- Cover the sliced fruit with cornstarch or gf flour and stir to combine.
Prepare the crust
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin to roll out the dough into a rectangle or circle until it is about 1/4 in thick. (If the dough is too crumbly, do not be scared to add more water.)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the crust onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the dough with 2 tbsp of maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon, about 1/4 tsp. Leaving a 1-inch border around the edge, add the sliced fruit to the center of the crust. Pour a tablespoon or two of any extra liquid from the apples over the fruit.
- Fold the edges of the crust over the fruit and seal the edges of the dough. Brush the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with coconut sugar.
- Transfer the galette to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with ice cream if desired. Enjoy!
Skip the apple pie this season and go for the apple gallete. I promise you it will be the best decision you make this holiday season.
Hi Rupali! I couldn’t agree more 🙂