Apple Galette: A Rustic Delight for Every Season
The apple galette. Just the name conjures up images of warm, comforting kitchens and the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. This rustic tart is the perfect dessert for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a more elegant gathering. Its beauty lies in its imperfection; the slightly uneven crust and overflowing apples are part of its charm. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of sweet and tart, crispy crust, and tender apples. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy day.
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfectly baked apple galette every time.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling the Galette:
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Assemble the Galette: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pile the apple mixture in the center, leaving a 2-3 inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as you go. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra touch of decadence.
- Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Galette:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties provides a nice contrast in texture and sweetness.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet galette, reduce the amount of sugar.
This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to experiment with different spices, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cheese for a unique twist! Happy baking!
