Name: Apple Galette with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

If you want a dessert that's absolutely dreamy and puts bakery treats to shame, this Apple Galette with Puff Pastry is your new go-to! Imagine flaky, golden pastry hugging juicy, cinnamon-scented apples with a hint of caramelized sweetness in every bite.

The best part? There's no fussy pie dough or fancy skills needed. Just simple ingredients and surprisingly little effort for a result that looks (and tastes) totally stunning. Perfect for impressing guests, thanking your family, or just spoiling yourself with a warm treat on a chilly afternoon.

This recipe is inspired by lazy autumn afternoons and that irresistible craving for something homemade. It's cozy, comforting, and, honestly, almost too easy not to make for any occasion - from last-minute gatherings to special holiday feasts.

Rustic Apple Galette with golden puff pastry and caramelized apples

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultra-easy dessert that looks and tastes gourmet
Uses store-bought puff pastry for maximum convenience
Beautifully caramelized apple filling with warm spices
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends

Key Ingredients for Apple Galette with Puff Pastry

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Puff Pastry

Store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut here, giving you dozens of flaky, buttery layers without hours of work. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge so it's easy to handle and unfolds without breaking. You can use regular or all-butter puff pastry; both work well, though all-butter gives richer flavor. In a pinch, homemade rough puff pastry is fantastic too!

Apples

Apples bring the main flavor and texture to this galette. Choose firm, baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn - they hold their shape and provide that craveable sweet-tart balance. Slice them thinly and evenly for the best presentation and even baking. You can even mix apple types for more complex flavor.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar helps caramelize the apples beautifully, infusing each bite with a gentle molasses sweetness. Light brown sugar is classic, but dark brown sugar will give a deeper, richer flavor if you like a stronger caramel note. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, though you'll miss some of that depth.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon delivers that classic, irresistible apple pie aroma and warmth that makes this dessert so comforting. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a little extra complexity, or stick to just cinnamon for a purist's touch.

Butter

A few pats of butter melt over the apples as they bake, creating a glossy, decadent topping that mingles with the sugar and spices. Unsalted butter is best, but salted can work in a pinch - just reduce any additional salt.

Apple Galette with Puff Pastry cooking process

Instructions for Apple Galette with Puff Pastry

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat and Prepare Your Equipment

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, gently roll it into a rough 12-inch square or circle (no need for perfect edges-rustic is part of the charm!). Transfer the pastry to your prepared baking sheet.

Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour, mixing well to coat every slice. This mixture will ensure the apples cook evenly and the juices thicken as they bake.

Assemble the Galette

Arrange the apple slices in overlapping layers in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Dot the apples evenly with butter. Gently fold the pastry edges over the apples, pleating as needed, and leaving the center exposed.

Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the folded pastry edges with beaten egg to create a beautiful golden sheen. If you like a crunchy finish, sprinkle coarse sugar over the crust.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden, and the apples are tender. Let the galette cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before slicing-this helps set the juices.

Recipe Variations

Try a Pear Twist

Swap out the apples for ripe, firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for a delicate twist. Pears pair beautifully with cinnamon and brown sugar, offering a slightly more floral note to your galette.

Go Nutty

Before folding, scatter a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples. This adds an irresistible crunch and an earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit.

Make It Dairy-Free

For a completely dairy-free galette, use high-quality vegan puff pastry and replace the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative. Brush the crust with a bit of almond milk instead of egg wash for a lovely sheen.

Amp Up the Spice

Experiment with spices like cardamom, ginger, or a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon for a spiced-up, more complex flavor profile.

Apple-Cranberry Galette

Add a small handful of fresh or dried cranberries to the apples for a pop of color and tartness, making this galette extra festive for special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Galette with Puff Pastry is absolutely divine served warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a full autumn dessert spread, pair it with a mug of spiced chai or hot apple cider. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or toasted sliced almonds for an extra-special touch.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover galette loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to re-crisp the pastry. While the galette is best fresh, it can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat as above for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Galette with Puff Pastry (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this galette ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the galette and refrigerate it (unbaked), covered, for up to 4 hours. Bake fresh for best results when you're ready to serve.

Q: What apples work best for this recipe?

A: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide a delicious balance of flavor.

Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry?

A: Absolutely! If you have homemade puff pastry, use it in place of store-bought. The galette will be even more decadent, though store-bought works beautifully in a pinch.

Nothing beats the rustic charm and crowd-pleasing flavor of this Apple Galette with Puff Pastry! It's so easy and impressive, you'll want to bake it again and again. Give it a try, then drop a comment or rating below to let me know how it turned out!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 178 ratings