About the Recipe
Nothing captures the warmth of autumn like a rustic apple galette, and this one is inspired by the traditional Swiss apple wähe, with a few delicious twists. This galette pairs a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy hazelnut base, giving each slice a rich nutty undertone that perfectly complements the sweet-tart apples on top. The hazelnut flour in the crust and filling adds depth, creating a subtle nuttiness that balances the natural apple sweetness. As a nod to my roots and love for Swiss flavors, I wanted this galette to evoke the cozy traditions of home, where baking is as much about taste as it is about creating memories. Simple but elegant, this galette is ideal for sharing at a family gathering or enjoying as a warm dessert with friends. To make it even better, serve with a dollop of vanilla custard or a scoop of ice cream for a creamy contrast. And if you’re like me, don’t forget to share a little piece with your helper in the kitchen—my dog, Winnie, was more than happy to lend a paw in the taste-testing department!
Check out the full recipe below and bring a touch of Swiss-inspired warmth to your table this season.
Swiss-Inspired Flavors:
This galette brings a unique twist with Swiss-inspired ingredients, like a hazelnut cream base, giving it an authentic yet approachable taste that's perfect for autumn gatherings.
Easy and Rustic:
No need for a pie pan or perfect crimping! This free-form galette is simple to assemble, making it a beautiful, rustic dessert without the fuss.
Warm, Cozy Fall Flavors:
With tart apples, hints of cinnamon, and a nutty hazelnut crust, each bite is filled with comforting, seasonal flavors that taste just like fall.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Serve it warm with vanilla custard or ice cream for an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert ideal for family get-togethers, holidays, or a cozy night in.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing:
From choosing your favorite apples to adjusting spices in the filling, this galette is versatile and sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
What You'll Love
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
3-4 tbsp ice water
For the hazelnut cream:
1/2 cup (60g) ground hazelnuts (hazelnut flour)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
For the apple topping:
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp lemon juice
Optional serving:
Vanilla custard or vanilla ice cream
Preparation
Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the hazelnut cream: In a small bowl, mix together the ground hazelnuts, sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, vanilla, and heavy cream until you get a smooth, spreadable mixture. Set aside.
Prepare the apples: In another bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Roll out the dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Assemble the galette: Spread the hazelnut cream evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange the apple slices on top of the hazelnut cream. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, overlapping slightly as you go.
Bake: Bake the galette for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Serve: Allow the galette to cool slightly, then serve with a side of vanilla custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
1. Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?
Yes, while all-purpose flour is recommended for a flaky crust, you can substitute part of it with hazelnut flour for extra nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can try a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option, though the texture may be slightly different.
2. What are the best apples to use for an apple galette?
Tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape and offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the hazelnut cream. For a more complex flavor, you can mix apple varieties.
3. How do I make the crust extra flaky?
Keep your butter and water very cold, and avoid overworking the dough. Cutting the butter into small pieces and chilling the dough before rolling it out will help achieve a flaky, tender crust.
4. Can I make the galette ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the galette. Once baked, the galette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a 350°F oven to revive the crust’s crispiness.
5. How should I serve an apple galette?
For the best flavor, serve the galette warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade vanilla custard. This pairing enhances the sweetness of the apples and adds a creamy contrast to the hazelnut base.
6. Can I freeze the apple galette?
Yes, you can freeze an assembled but unbaked galette. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. However, freezing after baking may cause the crust to lose its flakiness.
7. What makes this recipe Swiss-inspired?
This galette is inspired by the Swiss apple wähe, a traditional apple tart often topped with a custard-like filling. The addition of hazelnut flour and the rustic approach to baking give it a Swiss touch, perfect for autumn flavors and gatherings.
8. How do I prevent the galette from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, add a thin layer of hazelnut cream to the base before layering the apples. This helps create a barrier that keeps the crust flaky. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour or ground nuts on the dough before adding the filling.
9. Can I add spices or other flavors to the hazelnut cream?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg can add warmth to the hazelnut base, complementing the apples beautifully. Just be cautious not to overpower the natural nutty flavor.
10.Can I use store-bought puff pastry for the crust?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient option for making an apple galette. It provides a light, flaky crust and cuts down on prep time, allowing you to focus on the filling and presentation. Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions before using it.