Apple Galette with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Introduction
Apple galette is a rustic, free-form tart that highlights the natural sweetness of tender apples wrapped in a flaky butter crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients
- 1 (single crust) butter pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 pounds apples (about 3 large)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (64 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse or white granulated sugar
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Take the pie crust out of the refrigerator and let it soften slightly for easier rolling. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Peel the apples, remove their cores, and slice them into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Beat the egg with a teaspoon of water to make the egg wash, set aside.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough into a 13-inch circle. Transfer it gently to the prepared baking sheet. Inspect for any tears and pinch them closed to prevent leaks.
- Step 7: Toss the apples again, then use a slotted spoon to lift them from the bowl, leaving excess juices behind. Arrange the apples in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Step 8: Fold one edge of the dough over the apples by about 2 inches, then continue folding around the galette, overlapping every couple of inches. Pinch the pleats lightly to hold them without pressing the dough into the fruit.
- Step 9: Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Step 10: Remove the galette from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack. Brush the reserved apple juices over the crust and some over the apples.
- Step 11: Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, or enjoy chilled from the fridge.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture.
- Add 2 teaspoons cornstarch to the filling to help thicken apple juices while baking and prevent sogginess.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over the filling before folding the crust.
Storage
Store leftover galette covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven before serving, or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this galette?
Fresh apples are best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the crust.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Using cornstarch in the filling and folding the crust edges carefully helps seal in juices. Also, tossing apples with lemon juice and sugar beforehand draws out some moisture.
Print
Apple Galette with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rustic Apple Galette is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring a flaky butter crust enveloping a spiced apple filling. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors enhanced by cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, this galette is easy to make and delightful served warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (single crust) butter pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 1/2 pounds apples (680 grams), about 3 large
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (64 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Egg Wash & Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse or white granulated sugar
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Crust and Baking Sheet: Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and let it soften slightly to make rolling easier. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender texture in the filling.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Toss until evenly coated and let sit for 5–10 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Beat one egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash that will give the crust a beautiful golden color and help sugar adhere.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Roll Out Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough into a 13-inch circle. Transfer carefully to the baking sheet, checking for any tears and gently sealing them to prevent leaks.
- Arrange Filling: Using a slotted spoon, lift the apple slices from the mixture to leave excess juices behind. Arrange apples in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Fold Edges: Fold the border dough over the apples in pleats, overlapping every couple of inches. Pinch gently to hold folds in place without compressing the filling.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the galette for 50 minutes to 1 hour until the crust is deep golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Finish: Transfer the baked galette to a wire rack, brush the reserved apple juices over the crust and apples to add shine and extra flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Let the pie crust soften slightly but keep it cool for easier handling and better texture.
- Using a slotted spoon to lift apples prevents a soggy crust by leaving excess liquid behind.
- The egg wash adds a beautiful golden color and helps the sugar stick for a crispy crust.
- Folding the edges pleated-style creates a charming rustic look without needing a pie pan.
- The galette can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled in the fridge depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Apple galette, rustic apple tart, easy apple dessert, butter pie crust, cinnamon apple dessert, fall dessert

