Nothing quite captures the cozy flavors of the season like a homemade apple dessert, and this Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe is a personal favorite that I just have to share with you. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional apple galette, filled with warm spices and tender apples, wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that’s made with simple ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, entertaining guests, or just craving a wholesome sweet treat, this recipe brings that perfect balance of comforting warmth and a health-conscious approach to dessert time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredient list is. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender apples to the perfectly spiced filling and the crisp, buttery crust.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness needed for a flaky crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), plus 3 tablespoons chilled butter, diced: The key to a rich, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Keeps the dough cool and workable, ensuring a tender crust.
- 5 small apples (or 3 large): The star ingredient for the filling—choose firm apples for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes to complement the apples.
- 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit mixture without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: A fragrant, slightly citrusy spice that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: The classic warming spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and warmth to round out the spices.
How to Make Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl, then adding the stick of butter. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like little pebbles. This step gives you the flaky texture you’ll love in your crust.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Dough
Pour in the ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently kneading the dough until it forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork it. Once formed, roll the dough into a ball, flatten into a disc, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about an hour so it firms up for easier rolling.
Step 3: Slice the Apples Thinly
Core and quarter the apples, then slice them into incredibly thin 1/8-inch pieces using a mandoline or a sharp knife. The thin slices allow the apples to soften perfectly and look beautiful in the galette.
Step 4: Toss Apples with Spices and Sugars
Mix the apples with brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and the ground spices in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 45 minutes, tossing gently every 15 minutes. This step helps the apples become pliable and soak up the flavorful spices.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough evenly. Transfer it carefully to a cast iron pan or pie plate and press it evenly across the bottom and sides. This base will hold all the luscious apple slices beautifully.
Step 6: Arrange the Apples
Drain any excess liquid from the apple mixture, then arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles, starting from the outside edge and moving inward. The pattern creates a beautiful rosette effect that is as stunning as it is delicious.
Step 7: Add Final Touches and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar and diced butter evenly over the top of the arranged apples. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust has turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the galette to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets everything set so you get perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream elevates this Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or crushed walnuts on top for a lovely crunch that complements the tender apples wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this galette with a cup of spiced chai tea or hot apple cider adds a lovely seasonal touch. It’s enough to brighten your snack time or finish a comforting meal with warmth and delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, dust the cooled galette with powdered sugar or drizzle a light caramel sauce for extra indulgence. You can even add edible flowers or fresh mint leaves on the side to wow guests with your plating skills.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe covered in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This galette also freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Warm up slices in a 350-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes to revive the crisp crust and gently soften the apples again. Avoid microwaving to keep that delightful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe?
Yes! Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well here, but keep an eye on the dough’s consistency. You might need to adjust the water slightly to get the right texture for rolling.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up best during baking, providing just the right tartness and body for the galette filling.
Can I make this galette vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter and use maple syrup instead of sugar if you prefer. The spices and apples will still shine brilliantly.
What’s the secret to a perfectly flaky crust in this recipe?
Keeping your butter cold and not overworking the dough are key. The little pockets of cold butter create the flakiness when baked, so handle the dough gently and chill it well.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?
Feel free to experiment! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and dried cranberries can introduce a nice tart contrast—just toss them with the apples before assembling the galette.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love making and sharing this Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe. It’s a charming homage to classic apple desserts with a health-conscious twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Each bite offers cozy warmth from the spices and bright sweetness from the apples, all embraced by a tender, buttery crust. So grab your rolling pin, pick your apples, and bake yourself a slice of comfort today!
Print
Healthy Apple Spice Galette Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts recipe features a beautifully crafted apple tart with a flaky homemade crust and a spiced apple filling. The tart combines tender baked apples seasoned with warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a comforting and festive dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled butter, diced
- 3 tablespoons chilled butter, diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling
- 5 small apples (or 3 large), cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of chilled diced butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles pebbles.
- Add Water and Knead: Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, kneading gently just until a ball forms.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, then press it into a disc shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to firm up.
- Prepare Apples: Core and quarter the apples. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the apples into 1/8-inch thin slices.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Toss to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for 45 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes to make the apples pliable for arranging.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a circle. Carefully transfer it to a cast iron pan or pie plate and press evenly across the bottom and sides.
- Arrange Apples: Drain the excess liquid from the apples. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping rosette pattern, starting from the outside edge and working toward the center of the tart.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the remaining diced butter evenly across the surface of the arranged apples.
- Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until the apples and crust turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using chilled butter and ice water helps achieve a flaky pie crust.
- Thinly slicing the apples and letting them sit with sugar and spices softens them and enhances flavor.
- If preferred, a pie plate can be used instead of a cast iron pan.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
- This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
