Easy Apple Galette Recipe

Few things say fall like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in a hot oven.

This apple galette recipe turns that cozy aroma into a warm, rustic dessert with a buttery, flaky crust.

A galette is a free-form pie, which means no pie dish, no crimping, and no lattice work.

It looks gorgeous even when it comes out a little uneven, and that is part of the charm.

I make this one when I want all the flavor of pie without any of the stress.

It is simple enough for beginners and pretty enough to serve to company.

If you love apple pie flavors in an even easier format, you will also want to bake my apple pie cookies later this season.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time	35 to 40 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings	8 slices
Difficulty Level	Easy

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Apple Galette Recipe

This galette gives you everything you love about apple pie with far less fuss.

The crust is meant to look rustic, so there is no pressure to make it perfect.

• Quicker and easier than a traditional double crust pie
• Forgiving, rustic presentation that hides small mistakes
• Perfect balance of sweet apples and warm cinnamon
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a casual get-together

You might also enjoy: Apple Strudel Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry staples and a few fresh apples.

For extra help with the dough, my butter pie crust uses the same cold butter method.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice-cold water
• 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter, cubed (for topping)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You do not need fancy gadgets to make this galette, just a few basic tools.

A good pastry cutter and a sturdy baking sheet make the biggest difference.

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife or apple peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush
• Plastic wrap

Read Also: Apple Tart Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are my personal recommendations based on years of baking fruit desserts at home.

Each one solves a common problem, like soggy bottoms, warm butter, or uneven rolling.

1. Nordic Ware Half Sheet Pan

I reach for this pan every time I bake a galette because it heats evenly and does not warp in a hot oven.

That even heat gives you a crisp, golden bottom crust instead of a pale one. It also cleans up easily.

Get it on Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Pastry Blender

A sturdy pastry blender cuts cold butter into flour quickly, which keeps the butter from melting in your hands.

Those little butter pieces are what create flaky layers. It is a small tool that makes a big difference in the crust.

Get it on Amazon

3. French Tapered Rolling Pin

A tapered rolling pin gives you better control when you roll out a 12-inch circle.

You can feel the dough through the wood and turn it easily as you go. That means a more even crust and fewer thin spots.

Get it on Amazon

4. Vietnamese Saigon Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon is bolder and sweeter than the standard grocery store jar.

Just one teaspoon gives the apples a deep, warm flavor that tastes like a bakery. If you bake often in the fall, it is worth keeping on hand.

Get it on Amazon

Those same cinnamon-spiced apples show up in my apple crumble muffins when you want a quick breakfast bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Apple Galette

Making an apple galette is easy, even if you are new to baking.

Follow these detailed steps and you will have a golden, bubbling dessert.

1. Make the Dough

• Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt to a large mixing bowl, then whisk until evenly combined.
• Cut 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter into small cubes, about 1/2 inch each, and keep them in the fridge until the moment you need them.
• Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and toss gently so every cube is coated in flour.
• Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter. Those butter pieces are what make the crust flaky.
• Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup ice-cold water while stirring with a fork, just until the dough comes together.
• If a few dry spots remain, press them in with your hands instead of adding much more water.
• Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven

• While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Move an oven rack to the center position so the galette bakes evenly.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

• Peel 3 medium apples with a knife or an apple peeler, then remove the cores and seeds.
• Slice the apples into thin wedges, about 1/4 inch thick, so they cook evenly and become tender.
• Add the apple slices to a mixing bowl with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Toss everything together until each slice is coated. The lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and adds a bright flavor.
• Set the bowl aside while you roll out the dough.

4. Roll Out the Dough

• Lightly flour your counter and your rolling pin, then unwrap the chilled dough disc.
• Roll from the center outward, giving the dough a quarter turn every few passes, until you have a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick.
• Do not worry if the circle is not perfectly round, since this is a rustic dessert.
• Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet by loosely rolling it around the rolling pin and unrolling it onto the parchment.

5. Assemble the Galette

• Arrange the apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
• Layer the slices in a spiral for a pretty look, or simply pile them in an even layer.
• Scatter 1 tbsp cubed butter over the apples.
• Fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples, overlapping the folds slightly to form a rustic edge.
• Press the folds gently to secure them. If the dough cracks, pinch it back together.
• For the best shape, chill the assembled galette for 10 minutes before baking.

6. Apply the Egg Wash

• Crack 1 egg into a small bowl, add a splash of water, and beat until smooth.
• Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the folded dough edges.
• Brush lightly so the egg does not pool in the creases. This step gives the crust its beautiful golden shine.

7. Bake and Cool the Galette

• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
• The galette is done when the crust is deep golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
• If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
• Let the galette cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before slicing and serving.

Another favorite: Peach Galette Recipe

Tips for The Best Apple Galette

These simple tips help you avoid common pitfalls and bake a better galette every time.

Most of them come down to keeping the dough cold and handling it gently.

• Keep the butter cold so the crust turns out flaky.
• Do not overwork the dough, because too much handling makes it tough.
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Chill the assembled galette for 10 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.

If you want to practice your crust skills, my flaky pie crust has even more pointers.

Serving Suggestions

This galette is a versatile dessert that fits cozy family dinners and festive holiday tables.

Serve it warm for maximum comfort or at room temperature for a more casual feel.

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.
• Serve with a hot mug of apple cider for a cozy fall evening.

Pair it with a warm mug of: Spiced Apple Cider

Variations of Apple Galette

This galette is easy to adapt, so you can switch things up without losing the rustic charm.

Start with the base recipe, then try one change at a time.

• Add fresh cranberries to the apples for a tart twist.
• Swap the apples for pears, or use a mix of both.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling for extra crunch.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Brush the crust with maple syrup instead of egg wash for a sweet glaze.

For another cranberry and apple pairing, try my apple cranberry pie when you want a full pie.

Storage and Reheating

This galette tastes best fresh, but leftovers keep well.

Here is how to store it so the crust stays as crisp as possible.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the baked galette for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back the crispness.
• Avoid the microwave, since it can make the crust soggy.

Read Also: Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Nutritional Facts

This galette is a treat, but it is nice to know what you are enjoying.

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings.

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 100mg

For a lighter option, try: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Apples are the star of this galette, and they bring more than flavor to the table.

The other ingredients add some surprising perks when you enjoy them in moderation.

• Apples: High in fiber and antioxidants, which support heart health.
• Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Butter: Provides fat-soluble vitamins like A and E.
• Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C, which supports immunity.
• Brown Sugar: Contains a touch of molasses, which has trace minerals.

Apples also shine in savory dishes, like my crisp and refreshing apple fennel salad.

FAQs About Apple Galette

Here are answers to some common questions about making an apple galette.

1. Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can swap the apples for pears, berries, or stone fruits like peaches.

Just adjust the sugar based on how sweet the fruit is.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, wrapped tightly.

You can also freeze it for up to a month.

3. What apples are best for a galette?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking.

They also give you a nice balance of tart and sweet.

4. Can I make this galette gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Make sure the blend is designed for baking so the crust stays flaky.

5. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pat the apple slices dry after slicing so they are not too juicy.

You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or almond flour on the dough before adding the apples to absorb extra liquid.

Read Also: Pear Pie Recipe

Conclusion

This apple galette is the easiest way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall without spending hours in the kitchen.

The buttery, flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apples make it a real crowd-pleaser.

The recipe is forgiving, fun, and easy to adapt, so grab some apples and give it a try.

If you bake it, leave a comment below and share a photo with me, because I love seeing your galettes.

Recommended:

• Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
• Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
• Apple Crumble Cheesecake
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
• Apple Butter Pie Recipe