Aromatic Apple Galette Delight

The apple galette is a wonderfully rustic dessert that elegantly combines the buttery, flaky texture of a pastry with the sweet and spiced flavors of apples. This delightful dish requires a simple set of ingredients and is perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of apples enhanced by a hint of caramel. It offers a contrast between the crispy crust and the tender, juicy fruit filling, all enriched with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. The galette's open-faced design makes it visually appealing, allowing the caramel-drizzled apples to take center stage. Its versatility allows for different variations to suit individual taste preferences, whether you prefer a classic preparation or a creative twist. Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert to a comforting treat. With a preparation time that encourages a leisurely approach to baking, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding. Whether for a casual family gathering or a festive occasion, this apple galette promises to impress with every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

190 g all-purpose flour
115 g cold butter
50 g sugar
1 pinch salt

Filling:

2-3 apples
50 g brown sugar
20 g almonds
1.5 tsp flour
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg

For Brushing:

1 egg
1 tsp milk

For Caramel:

50 g sugar
50 ml hot water
20 g butter
30 ml heavy cream (30%)
1 pinch salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 105 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by preparing the pastry base. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cubed cold butter and work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, being careful to maintain the butter's chilled state.
Add ice water incrementally, mixing until a consistent dough forms. The dough should just hold together without being sticky.
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about one hour to firm up.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by slicing apples into thin wedges. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss the apples in this mixture until well-coated.
To prepare the caramel, heat sugar and a pinch of salt with hot water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture starts boiling, stop stirring and slightly increase the heat. Let the syrup cook undisturbed until it starts to change to a golden color, swirling the pan gently if needed.
When the caramel reaches a rich amber tone, carefully add butter, stirring quickly as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
Gradually incorporate the heavy cream into the caramel, stirring smoothly until it forms a unified sauce that thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
Roll out the chilled dough into a circle, keeping it around 1 cm thick. It's best to keep the dough thickness consistent for even baking.
Place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange apple slices in the center, slightly overlapping each other.
Fold the edges of the dough over the outer rings of apples, gently pressing down to create a rustic edge.
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a teaspoon of milk and brush this mixture over the dough edges.
Drizzle about half of the caramel over the apple filling and scatter with chopped almonds for texture.
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for about 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Pour the remaining caramel over the baked galette and garnish with additional almonds.
For an added touch, serve warm slices with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Enjoy this comforting dessert with its blend of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors.

Tips

Use cold butter to ensure a flaky crust.
Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Substitute pears or stone fruits for apples for variation.
Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on the caramel for a salted caramel twist.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 4 g
Fats: 18 g
Carbs: 45 g

Variations

Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose for a gluten-free galette.
Substitute coconut oil for butter for a vegan version and use a flaxseed egg for the brushing.
Add fresh berries to the filling for a tangy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
A drizzle of additional caramel sauce can enhance the sweetness.
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Best Places

Cafe du Monde - Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious pastries. Location: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, USA.
Ladurée Paris Champs-Élysées - Famous for its elegant pastries in a luxurious setting. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers traditional Italian desserts with a modern twist. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
Hafiz Mustafa - Known for its Turkish treats and stunning views. Location: Hobyar, Hamidiye Cad. No:84, İstanbul, Turkey.
Cafe Savoy - A historic café offering classic Austrian pastries. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Demel - Imperial and Royal Confectionery catering to sweet lovers. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Angelina Paris - Offers French delicacies and a classic Parisian tea room experience. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Berthillon - Known for its rich and flavorful ice creams. Location: 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, Paris, France.
Sketch - A quintessentially British tea room with a quirky, artistic touch. Location: 9 Conduit St, London, UK.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid - Offers a unique atmosphere in a former theater. Location: Av. Santa Fe 1860, Buenos Aires, Argentina.