Homemade Apple Butter Galette: An Easy & Rustic Dessert for Any Occasion

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer simplicity and incredible flavor of an Apple Butter Galette. This delightful dessert is genuinely “easier than pie” and quickly becoming a staple for many home bakers. An open-faced pie by definition, our galette features a flaky, homemade pie crust generously spread with luscious apple butter, topped with thinly sliced fresh apples, and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and sophisticated taste, making it ideal for any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. And for those who love visual guides, we’ve included a recipe video to walk you through each effortless step, along with resources for more apple butter recipes.

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the holiday season approaches, our thoughts often turn to comforting, homemade desserts. While this past month might have been filled with “adulting” – like learning the ins and outs of buying a new car (a first for me!) – there’s nothing quite like stepping back into the kitchen to embrace the joy of baking. With November just around the corner, Thanksgiving is a mere three weeks away. During recent conversations with friends about their holiday menus, a common theme emerged: while traditional dishes reign supreme for dinner, there’s a refreshing openness to new and exciting dessert recipes.

Of course, the classic pumpkin pie holds a special place at the Thanksgiving table, but apple desserts are equally cherished. Beyond the beloved apple pie, there’s a world of apple-infused delights waiting to be explored. That’s where the Apple Butter Galette truly shines. It offers all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie but with significantly less fuss, making it a perfect candidate for your holiday dessert spread or any casual weekend baking endeavor.

What is a Galette, and Why is it Easier than Pie?

A “galette” might sound fancy, being a French term, but it simply refers to a rustic, free-form tart. Think of it as an open-faced pie – no intricate crimping, lattice work, or perfect pie dishes required. The beauty of a galette lies in its simplicity and charmingly imperfect appearance. To make one, you merely roll out your pie crust, fill the center with your chosen ingredients, and then casually fold the edges of the dough over the filling. The magic is that there’s no need to stress about perfection; its rusticness is its presentation. This makes the galette an incredibly approachable dessert, even for novice bakers who might feel intimidated by the complexities of a traditional pie.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Pie Dough

The foundation of any great galette is a fantastic pie crust. While the thought of making homemade pie dough might seem daunting to some, it’s surprisingly quick and easy, especially with the right tools. My preferred method is to whip it up in my food processor. It takes approximately 5 minutes for the dough to come together perfectly, yielding a consistently flaky crust every time.

However, if a food processor isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, fear not! You can absolutely make a beautiful pie dough by hand using a pastry blender. This traditional method requires a bit more elbow grease but is incredibly satisfying. And for those moments of true dessert emergency – perhaps you woke up on Thanksgiving morning with an unexpected craving – refrigerated store-bought pie dough is a viable shortcut. However, I truly encourage you to try making it from scratch at least once before you reach for the pre-made option. The difference in taste and texture is remarkable, and the sense of accomplishment is an added bonus.

The Secret Ingredient: Apple Butter for a Non-Soggy Crust

One invaluable trick I picked up while perfecting my peach galette recipe applies perfectly here: layering apple butter on top of the pie dough before adding your fresh apple slices is a game-changer. This seemingly simple step prevents the crust from becoming soggy, a common woe in fruit-filled baked goods.

When fruits like apples bake, they naturally release their delicious juices. The apple butter acts as a protective barrier, absorbing those excess liquids, thus ensuring your galette crust remains beautifully crisp and flaky. Apple butter itself is a concentrated fruit puree, traditionally made by slow-cooking American-grown apples until their natural sugars caramelize, resulting in a deep, rich, and intensely apple-flavored spread. After your galette emerges golden and bubbly from the oven, a final brush of additional apple butter over the warm apples will add an extra layer of flavor and keep them moist and glossy.

You have the option of purchasing a quality jar of apple butter from your local grocery store, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily make your own small batch apple butter right at home. The homemade version often yields a more vibrant and customized flavor, but both options will work wonderfully in this galette recipe.

For more creative ways to incorporate this delightful spread into your cooking and baking, be sure to explore my comprehensive guide on what to do with apple butter. You’ll find a treasure trove of inspiration for both sweet and savory dishes!

Choosing Your Apples and Enhancing Flavors

While the star of the show is undeniably the apple butter, the fresh apple slices contribute essential texture and brightness. For baking, firm apples that hold their shape well are best. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (for a tart counterpoint), Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices. A mix of sweet and tart apples can create a more complex flavor profile. The addition of lemon juice tossed with the apple slices isn’t just for flavor; it also prevents them from browning, keeping your galette looking as appealing as it tastes. And finally, the chopped walnuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy note that complements the sweet apples and rich apple butter perfectly.

Baking and Serving Your Rustic Masterpiece

The beauty of a galette extends to its baking process. With a simple fold of the crust and a quick chill, it’s ready for the oven. Achieving that golden-brown crust and perfectly tender apples is all about the right temperature and timing. Once baked, the aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible. Allow it to cool for a bit – at least 15 minutes – to let the filling set slightly before slicing. This Apple Butter Galette is absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s equally delicious at room temperature, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert option for gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving pie, a comforting fall treat, or simply an easy yet impressive dessert for any occasion, this Apple Butter Galette is sure to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire. Its simplicity, combined with its profound apple flavor and rustic elegance, makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

Watch the Apple Butter Galette Recipe Video!

Now, let’s get to the fun part – watching this Apple Butter Galette come to life! This recipe video demonstrates just how incredibly easy it is to assemble and bake this gorgeous dessert. Follow along and see for yourself why this galette is easier than pie.

Apple Butter Galette

Yield:
8 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Easier than pie! Apple Butter Galette is an open-faced pie made with homemade pie crust, apple butter, fresh apple slices, and walnuts.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 8 pieces
• 3 tablespoons shortening, cold and cut into 3 pieces
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter + more for brushing
• 1 large apple, cored, peeled, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and shortening then pulse until they are cut into the flour, looking like large pebbles. Add the cold water then pulse until the dough comes together. Alternatively, you can cut in the butter and shortening by hand in a large bowl with a pastry blender.
2. Flatten the dough into an evenly round disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until cold.
3. Once cold, roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle. Place dough on a greased baking sheet or round pizza pan. Spread the apple butter on top of the dough, leaving a 1 inch border around.
4. Toss the apple slices with the lemon juice then arrange them in a single layer on top of the apple butter. Top with walnuts. Fold the edges of the pie crust over, touching the filling.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle on top of the galette.
6. Refrigerate galette for 15 minutes. While it’s chilling, preheat the oven to 425F.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Immediately brush with apple butter on top. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

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