Elegant Fall Desserts Made Simple

Bake a Rustic Apple Galette from Scratch

There’s something magical about fall baking, isn’t there? The crisp air, the golden light filtering through the leaves, and the scent of warm spices wafting through the kitchen—it’s a baker’s paradise.

Whenever the first chill of autumn arrives, I find myself reaching for my favorite apron and rolling pin. One recipe I always return to is a rustic apple galette. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, and it lets the natural sweetness of seasonal apples shine. With a buttery, flaky crust made from Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour—known for its robust gluten structure—this dessert is a showstopper that’s also delightfully approachable.

In this post, we’ll explore the secrets to creating the perfect galette from scratch. I’ll guide you through making a flaky pastry dough, share tips for assembling the galette, and reveal why Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour is my go-to choice for achieving a golden, sturdy crust.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging in a weekend project, this recipe will elevate your fall dessert game.

As chef and author Alice Waters once said, “Good food depends almost entirely on good ingredients.”

With the right tools, techniques, and a little love, you’ll craft a galette that’s not only delicious but a celebration of the season.

Let’s get started! What better way to embrace the spirit of fall than with a freshly baked galette?

Ingredients

For the Dough:
  • 2 cups Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/3 cup ice water, plus more as needed
For the Filling:
  • 4 medium apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
  1. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Roll and Fold the Dough:
  1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds like a letter. Rotate 90 degrees, roll out again, and fold once more.
  2. Chill the dough for 15 minutes to maintain the butter layers.
Assemble the Galette:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Arrange the apple slices in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling, pleating as needed.
Bake:
  1. Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  2. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
  3. Allow the galette to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A Slice of Fall Perfection

The joy of baking a rustic apple galette lies in its balance of artistry and ease. The buttery, flaky crust cradles the warm, spiced apples in a way that feels both elegant and homey. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

To ensure your galette turns out perfectly every time, remember to keep your butter cold and avoid overworking the dough. These small details make all the difference.

Enjoy this galette as the centerpiece of a fall gathering or a quiet evening treat. Pair it with a steaming cup of cider or a creamy latte for the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Trust me, it’s worth savoring every bite.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for a galette?

A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides the best balance of flavors. Their firm texture also holds up well during baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic and refrigerated until ready to use.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Ensure the apples are well-coated in cornstarch to absorb excess juices. Rolling the dough to an even thickness also helps maintain a crisp crust.

Is it possible to freeze the galette?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked galette. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Baking is more than just cooking—it’s a way to share joy and tradition.

I hope this Rustic Apple Galette recipe inspires you to create and share your own seasonal treats.

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram at #EarlyBirdFarm so we can celebrate your baking journey together. There’s nothing better than seeing a community come alive through the love of good food.

Rustic Apple Galette

This Rustic Apple Galette showcases the robust flavor of Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour, creating a perfectly flaky crust that complements the natural sweetness of apples.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Baking
Servings 6 slices

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment Paper
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2 cups Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour From Early Bird Farm & Mill
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
  • 1/3 cup ice water plus more as needed

For the Filling

  • 4 medium apples thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Assembly

  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  • Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds like a letter. Rotate 90 degrees, roll out again, and fold once more.
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes to maintain the butter layers.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Arrange the apple slices in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling, pleating as needed.
  • Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
  • Allow the galette to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For added depth, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties. Experiment with flavor by adding a tablespoon of brandy or rum to the filling. This recipe benefits from the strong gluten structure of Hard Red Spring Wheat Flour, ensuring a crisp, sturdy crust.
Keyword Artisan Baking, Galette recipe, Rustic dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Search
×