Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette Recipe: A Delightful Dessert with Warm Flavors

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, rustic dessert that combines the cozy, spicy warmth of gingerbread with the sweetness of apples, look no further! The Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette is a perfect treat to indulge in. This simple yet flavorful galette brings together the best of fall flavors, with a beautifully flaky, buttery crust, and a warm, spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it during the holidays or on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to win the hearts of your loved ones.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette, from its origin to step-by-step instructions, ingredient variations, FAQs, and of course, a conclusion to tie everything together.

What is Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette?

A galette is a type of rustic French pastry, often referred to as a free-form tart. It’s a casual, easy-to-make dessert that allows for creativity with both the filling and crust. In this version, the galette is filled with a mixture of thinly sliced apples, spiced with the warming flavors of ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and enriched by a touch of brown sugar and lemon juice. The gingerbread spicing gives this galette a unique, seasonal flavor that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Unlike traditional tarts or pies, the galette doesn’t require any fancy shaping or crimping of the dough, making it an ideal dessert for beginners and experts alike. The rustic fold of the dough around the apple filling gives the galette its charm, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Origin of Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette

The origin of the galette dates back to France, where it was initially made with a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. Historically, galettes were a simple and rustic dish made with whatever ingredients were on hand, making them accessible and adaptable. The addition of gingerbread spices to an apple galette blends the old-world charm of French pastry with the beloved flavors of spiced apple desserts that are often associated with the colder months, especially in North America.

Gingerbread, with its signature combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, has long been associated with winter and holiday baking. Pairing it with the tartness of apples creates a balanced, flavorful contrast. This fusion of flavors has made the Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette a modern twist on a classic French dessert.

Ingredients with Quantities for Gingerbread Apple Pastry

The Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette requires a handful of basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Galette Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)

Apple Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Pinch of salt

Assembly:

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

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Galette Dough

• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, granulated sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
• Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to make sure the butter stays cold for a flaky texture.
• Add the Water: Slowly add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time. Mix with a fork or your hands until the dough begins to come together. Be cautious not to add too much water—only add enough to form a dough.
• Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a disk, and wrap it up. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up, which will help with the flakiness of the crust.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

• Toss the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly with the spiced mixture. Set aside to let the apples absorb the flavors.

3. Assemble the Galette

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is fully heated when you bake the galette.
• Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rough circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfectly round; the rustic look is part of its charm!
• Transfer to a Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Add the Apple Filling: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
• Fold the Edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating the dough as you go to create a beautiful, rustic look.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the beaten egg. This will give it a golden, glossy finish as it bakes. Sprinkle the folded dough edges with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.

4. Bake the Galette

• Bake Until Golden: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. The filling should be bubbling with the spices!

5. Serve

• Cool and Enjoy: Once the galette is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Variations of Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette

While the classic version of the Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette is delightful on its own, here are some variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a crunchy texture to the filling.
• Use Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spices: For a bolder flavor, you could add a pinch of allspice or even a dash of cloves to the spice mix.
• Sweeteners: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.

FAQs About Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette

Can I make this galette in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and apple filling ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the galette when you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the assembled galette before baking for a later time.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

No worries! You can use your fingertips or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to work quickly so that the butter stays cold.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

While homemade crust gives the best result, you can use store-bought pie dough in a pinch. Just be sure to add the gingerbread spices to the filling to keep the flavor profile intact.

Conclusion: Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette

The Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread and the sweet, tart goodness of apples. Whether you’re looking for a fall treat or a unique dessert to impress guests, this galette is an excellent choice. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and indulge in the warmth of homemade goodness.

Enjoy baking your delicious Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette and savor every bite of this delightful dessert!

Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette Recipe: A Delightful Dessert with Warm Flavors

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A galette is a type of rustic French pastry, often referred to as a free-form tart. It’s a casual, easy-to-make dessert that allows for creativity with both the filling and crust. In this version, the galette is filled with a mixture of thinly sliced apples, spiced with the warming flavors of ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and enriched by a touch of brown sugar and lemon juice. The gingerbread spicing gives this galette a unique, seasonal flavor that feels both comforting and indulgent.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Galette Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

Prepare the Galette Dough:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, granulated sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. Mix Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly and set aside.

Assemble the Galette:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Add Filling: Spoon the apple mixture into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold Edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as you go to create a rustic look.
6. Egg Wash: Brush the exposed dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake:

1. Bake Galette: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

Serve:

• Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For added indulgence, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or serve warm with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream. You can also try using pears or a mix of apples and pears for a fruity twist.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 125g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Gingerbread Spiced Apple Galette Recipe