Rustic Caramel Apple Galette Recipe: Autumn’s Sweetest Treat

Sweet autumn memories swirl around this caramel apple galette that promises pure comfort.

Rustic pastry edges curl delicately around perfectly spiced fruit slices.

Crisp apples mingle with rich golden caramel in a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a simple yet elegant treat anyone can master.

Flaky dough cradles tender fruit, promising a dessert that looks professional but comes together with minimal effort.

Baking this galette fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that spark instant joy.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this homemade masterpiece.

Keeping Caramel Apple Galette Fresh and Tasty

• Store the caramel apple galette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the crust's texture.
• Wrap the completely cooled galette tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Remove galette from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Place on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, keeping the crust crisp.
• For individual slices, use a toaster oven or microwave. Microwave for 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, or toast in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes to restore the crispy crust's texture.

Great Matches for Caramel Apple Galette

• Pair with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced caramel apple galette with a cool, smooth contrast that elevates every delightful bite.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Aromatic chai tea with its warm blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly harmonizes with the galette's sweet and buttery flavors, creating a cozy autumn-inspired pairing.
• Serve alongside Aged Bourbon: A smooth, amber bourbon with subtle caramel and oak notes provides a sophisticated adult companion that deepens the dessert's rich caramel and apple essence.
• Pour Crisp Apple Cider: Fresh, slightly tart apple cider enhances the galette's fruity profile, offering a light and refreshing counterpoint to the dessert's decadent caramel and buttery crust.

Fun Twists for Caramel Apple Galette

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flakiness for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and replace egg wash with plant milk for a dairy-free caramel apple galette.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, using fewer apples and adding extra spices like nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Nutty Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before folding the crust, adding a crunchy texture and rich, toasted flavor to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• What makes a galette different from a pie?

A galette is a rustic, free-form French pastry that doesn’t require a pie dish. It has a more relaxed, less structured shape where the edges are simply folded over the filling, creating a more casual and artisan-looking dessert.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, choose apples that hold their shape during baking like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties provide a good balance of tartness and texture that works perfectly in a galette.

• How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom, sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the dough before adding the apple filling. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the crust crisp.

• Is it necessary to use homemade caramel sauce?

While homemade caramel sauce offers the best flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saving alternative. Just ensure it’s a high-quality sauce for the best taste.

Why Caramel Apple Galette Is a Fall Favorite

• Master a rustic galette that looks professionally crafted with minimal culinary skills, making you feel like a confident baker.
• Transform an ordinary evening into a special occasion with a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines classic apple pie flavors with elegant French-inspired presentation.
• Swap apple varieties, adjust spice levels, or experiment with different nuts and toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Impress guests or family with a stunning dessert that requires less effort than traditional pie, delivering maximum deliciousness in minimal preparation time.

What You’ll Need for Caramel Apple Galette

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the galette's delicate pastry.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky, tender layers in the pastry.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing tough gluten.

• Apples: The star ingredient that offers a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile.
• Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps caramelize the apples.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and absorb excess moisture.

• Granulated Sugar: The base for creating rich, golden caramel.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture in the caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and enhances the caramel's flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall taste.

Caramel Apple Galette Assembly Made Simple

Step 1: Whip Up the Pastry Dough

Create a flaky foundation by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.

Shape the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Spiced Apple Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh lemon juice
• All-purpose flour

Allow the mixture to sit and develop rich, harmonious flavors while you continue preparing the galette.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Caramel Sauce

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it transforms into a golden-brown liquid.

• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Let the caramel cool and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Rustic Galette

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface into a free-form 12-inch circle.

Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Arrange the spiced apple mixture in the center, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

Gently fold the pastry edges over the apples, creating a rustic, free-form look.

Brush the exposed crust with melted butter for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the galette into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a beautifully golden-brown crust and tender, bubbling apples.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Generously drizzle the prepared caramel sauce over the top.

Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips to Elevate Your Caramel Apple Galette

• Select varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Refrigerate the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink during baking and maintains its crisp texture.
• Watch the caramel sauce carefully while cooking, stirring gently and removing from heat just as it turns golden brown to prevent burning and achieve a rich, smooth flavor.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the dough before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make the galette suitable for different dietary requirements while maintaining delicious flavor.

Delicious Caramel Apple Galette Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic caramel apple galette brings homemade French countryside charm to dessert tables with minimal effort. Buttery pastry and warm spices wrap sweet autumn apples, promising comfort in each golden-edged slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Pie Crust:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 4–6 tablespoons (60–90 ml) ice water

Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour

Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery, flaky pastry dough by combining flour, salt, and sugar. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles grainy texture. Gradually introduce ice water, kneading until a cohesive dough forms. Shape into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Slice apples and gently toss with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Allow the mixture to rest, enabling flavors to intermingle and develop depth.
3. Create a rich caramel by melting sugar over medium heat until it transforms into a deep amber liquid. Carefully introduce butter, then blend in cream, vanilla, and salt. Allow the sauce to cool and thicken slightly.
4. Heat oven to 375F (190C). Roll the chilled dough into a rustic 12-inch circle on a flour-dusted surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Artfully arrange apple mixture in the center, leaving a generous 2-inch perimeter. Elegantly fold pastry edges over the fruit, creating a free-form tart. Brush exposed dough with melted butter for a golden finish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust achieves a rich golden hue and apples become tender and caramelized. Once removed from oven, generously drizzle the prepared caramel sauce across the surface.
6. Serve the galette while still warm or at ambient temperature. Optional: accompany with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Choose cold butter for a flakier, more tender crust that creates beautiful layers and crumbles perfectly when baked.
• Let apples sit in lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, tangy undertone that balances the sweet caramel.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel to enhance the depth of flavor and create a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicate texture and rich taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg