This Rustic Almond Flour Apple Galette is a simple, elegant way to enjoy a delicious and healthy apple dessert idea. You will love making this free-form pie that requires no special pan and tastes wonderfully comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Almond Flour: For a gluten-free crust. You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if preferred.
- Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener for the filling. You can use agave nectar if you prefer.
- Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free crust. You can use unsalted butter if not avoiding dairy.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cold coconut oil, solid
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
For Brushing:
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for a golden crust)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, parchment paper, baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dough
Combine almond flour, tapioca flour, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
2. Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
3. Slice Your Apples
While the dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Aim for consistent thickness for even cooking.
4. Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples with maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tapioca flour. Toss gently until the apples are well coated. This is a key step for a delicious healthy apple dessert idea.
5. Roll Out the Dough
On a piece of parchment paper, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if the edges are a little rustic; that’s part of the charm! Transfer the parchment paper with the dough to a baking sheet.
6. Arrange the Filling
Mound the apple filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. This border will be folded over to create the galette crust.
7. Fold the Edges
Carefully fold the dough edges over the apple filling, pleating as you go. You don’t need to be perfect; the rustic look is intended.
8. Bake the Galette
If desired, brush the exposed crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. This healthy apple dessert idea will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Variation Ideas
- Add a handful of berries to the apple filling for extra flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon for a spicy twist.
- Top with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover galette loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this galette ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
Q: What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
A: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape and offer a good balance to the sweetness.
Q: Is this galette gluten-free?
A: Yes, using almond flour and tapioca flour makes this galette naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: While fresh apples are preferred, you can use frozen apple slices. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the filling ingredients.
Q: How do I know when the galette is done baking?
A: The crust will be deeply golden brown, and the apples in the center should be tender when pierced with a knife.
Q: What can I serve with this galette?
A: It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs well with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a healthy apple dessert idea.
