This apple galette is amazing!
Easier and faster than a traditional apple pie, this rustic apple galette has a crisp crust and a lightly tart apple filling. No springform pan required. Use your favorite apples and a simple vegan or regular butter crust for a delightful dessert that’s ready in under two hours. Ready to learn how to make an apple galette? Let’s get started.
Homemade Apple Tart
Whether you pick apples from your own tree or buy them at the market, this galette is an ideal way to showcase flavorful fruit. I like to bake this when our trees produce a small harvest — the natural sweetness of homegrown apples really shines in this recipe. If you use organic apples, the filling will taste even cleaner and more vibrant.
Traditionally I make a classic apple pie, but a galette is quicker and feels more casual and rustic. It’s versatile, easy to adapt, and can be made vegan by substituting plant-based butter.
What Is A Galette?
A galette is a free-form French tart with a rustic, folded edge. It’s typically round, with the crust folded up over the filling, which can be sweet or savory. Because it’s not baked in a pan, the shape is intentionally imperfect — that relaxed look is part of its charm.
You can make galettes with many fruits. Popular choices include:
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Plum
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Peach
- Mango
- Rhubarb
- Cranberry
- Lemon
Pick the fruit or fruit combination you prefer and adjust sugar to taste.
What You Need For This Recipe
Here are the basic ingredients for this apple galette. Measurements are included so you can start right away.
- 200 g all-purpose flour (about 7 oz)
- 100 g plant-based butter, thinly sliced (about 3½ oz) — or regular butter if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 apple (Jonagold, Gold Rennet, or another firm baking apple)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Water plus 1 tablespoon sugar, for brushing the crust
- Filling (optional): 4 tablespoons hazelnut spread, jam, marmalade, dulce de leche, or apple pie filling
The recipe is naturally flexible: swap plant-based butter for regular butter if you are not vegan, or use your preferred spread for the base layer under the apples.
How To Make An Apple Galette
Prepare the Dough
- Combine the flour and cold, cubed butter in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the sugar and a pinch of salt. While processing, add the ice-cold water a little at a time until the dough starts to come together but remains slightly crumbly.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it holds together. Shape into a disk, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apples
While the dough chills, slice the apple thinly. You can use a food processor with a slicer, a mandoline (take care), or a sharp knife. Place the slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into a 10–12 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread about 4 tablespoons of your chosen filling (hazelnut spread, jam, marmalade, or apple pie filling) in the center, leaving about a 1-inch border.
- Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles, starting 1 inch from the edge and overlapping slightly. Continue layering until the center is covered.
- Fold the outer edge of the dough up and over the apples to form the rustic crust. Brush the crust with a little water or dairy-free milk and sprinkle with sugar. You can also dust a bit of sugar over the apples for extra caramelization.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Allow the galette to cool slightly before serving.
How To Store Rustic Apple Tart
Store your galette according to how soon you plan to enjoy it:
- Room temperature: If serving the same day, keep it covered at room temperature for a few hours.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 2–3 days.
- Freezer: Slice into portions and wrap individually if you want to freeze. Thaw and reheat as needed.
How To Reheat An Apple Galette
To preserve the crisp crust, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving can make the crust soft, so the oven is preferred.
What To Serve With Rustic French Apple Tart
This galette is excellent on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple accompaniments:
- Vanilla or banana ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Warm apple pie filling or chunky applesauce
More Easy Baking Recipes You’ll Like
If you enjoy baking, try other favorites such as carrot cake, Dutch apple pie, vanilla pound cake, easy apple cake, or an air-fryer apple galette for a quicker alternative.
Rustic French Apple Galette
Yield: 8 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Additional time: 30 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
This easy, rustic galette highlights crisp apples and a flaky, fold-over crust. Serve warm with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for a simple yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients
- 200 g flour (7 oz)
- 100 g vegan butter, thinly sliced (3½ oz) — or regular butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 apple (Jonagold or Gold Rennet)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Water plus 1 tablespoon sugar to brush the crust
- Filling: 4 tablespoons hazelnut spread (optional)
Instructions
- Combine flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until coarse.
- Add sugar and salt, then mix in ice-cold water until the dough holds together. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice the apple thinly and toss with lemon juice.
- Roll the chilled dough into a 10–12 inch circle and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread about 4 tablespoons of filling in the center, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Arrange apple slices in overlapping circles, then fold the dough edge over the apples.
- Brush the crust with water and sprinkle with sugar. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: ~248 | Total Fat: ~13 g | Carbohydrates: ~31 g | Protein: ~3 g
Have fun baking this apple galette! If you make it, enjoy sharing photos and celebrating the simple pleasure of a homemade rustic tart.