Elegantly simple and beautifully rustic, these mini caramel apple galettes are the perfectly petite alternative to a typical apple pie.
The season for pies is upon us. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, blueberry pie– I suspect I’ll see handmade varieties of all three (and then some) around my grandmother’s table for Thanksgiving next month, and I’m looking forward to it, though not quite as much as I’m looking forward to the company.
And while I love these classics and everything they stand for –togetherness, tradition, festivity, family,–I’ve never been a huge pie person, usually opting for other desserts (preferably of the chocolate variety) when given the opportunity.
But, when I discovered galettes, everything somehow changed. My perspective shifted, and while I still often pass on the pie, I have something of an addiction for their cousin–these small, single-serving-sized fruit filled galettes.
Perhaps it’s because I decided to make them miniature, and I have such an affinity for mini desserts.
Perhaps it’s because of their high crust-to-filling ratio, (I adore their buttery, flaky crust).
Perhaps it’s because they’re so forgiving in their assembly–beautiful in their rustic imperfections.
If you haven’t encountered galettes before you should know that they are, very simply, free-form pies of French origins. They are not difficult to make (easier than a regular apple pie) with a crust made of 6 basic ingredients processed in a food processor. There’s also much less pressure when making galettes than there is when making a pie–with galettes there’s no need to fuss over making things look pretty–their beauty lies in the rustic unevenness of a hand-folded crust.
The filling I chose for these particular galettes is one of well-caramelized apples, drenched and infused with a sticky sweet homemade caramel sauce. The excess caramel sauce is then brushed over the crust and sprinkled with turbinado sugar (or just regular granulated sugar, if you’re lacking), for a caramelized, candied flavor in every bite.
I also chose to spread chocolate-hazelnut Nutella over the base for a subtle flavor enhancement to the galettes, and it pairs wonderfully with the soft, caramelized apples. You can omit this if you don’t happen to have any Nutella stowed away in your cabinet, but I recommend including it as it lends a richer, nutty flavor to the galettes.
If you’re looking for something slightly different to grace your family table this Fall season, I highly recommend trying out these galettes. They go wonderfully with generously portioned scoops of vanilla ice cream and heavy-handed drizzles of caramel sauce, as well.
Ingredients
Crust
- 12 Tbsp unsalted sweet cream butter cold
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp cold water
Filling
- 4-5 large apples peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 5 Tbsp butter cut into Tbsp-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup Nutella optional
- Turbinado or granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Crust
- Cut butter into small pieces and set aside.
- In food processor pulse together flour, cornstarch, sugar and salt.
- Add butter and pulse until mixture forms fine crumbs
- Add water, about 1 Tbsp at a time until dough begins to cling together (you may need an additional Tbsp or 2 of water).
- Pour crumby dough onto parchment paper and press together using the palm of your hand (flattening the crumbs and pressing together). Fold dough over onto itself and then repeat the process of flattening the dough with the palm of your hand (this helps create a flakier crust).
- Divide into 8 equal-sized pieces (about 1/4 cup each), roll each into a ball, and tightly wrap with clear wrap.
- Transfer to refrigerator and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Filling
- Preheat oven to 400F
- (if galette crust has been refrigerated for longer than one hour, you may need to let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before it can be easily rolled out).
- In skillet, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over low heat. Stir until butter is completely melted.
- Add apples, increase heat to medium-high. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil and apples are tender.
- Remove from heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes while mixture cools. After 5 minutes, stir in vanilla and salt.
- Allow mixture to cool while you prepare galette crust.
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- On a clean, lightly floured surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll each ball of galette dough into approximately a 6" circle. Transfer to prepared cookie sheet and spread 2 tsp Nutella in center of crust up to 1/2" from edges.
- Using a slotted spoon, pile 1/3-1/2 cup apples onto center of crust.
- Gently fold over edges to form containing crust (about 1-inch).
- Repeat with remaining crust and apples.
- Gently brush crusts with the excess caramelized mixture that the apples were cooked in.
- Sprinkle crust and filling generously with turbinado sugar.
- Bake on 400F for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce, if desired.
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Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These look delicious! Love the cute size!
Sam says
Thank you, Medha!!
Monique | WritingMonique says
These look so delicious.
Sam says
Thank you, Monique!
Harriet Emily says
Mmmm, I love galettes! These look so delicious Sam, so much caramelly-apple deliciousness! Beautiful photos too <3
Sam says
Thank you, Harriet! 🙂
Marsha @ Marsha's Baking Addiction says
Perfect little autumn galettes! These look absolutely scrummy!
Sam says
Thank you so much, Marsha! 🙂
Adina says
Perfect little things!
Sam says
Thank you, Adina!
Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says
YUM! These mini galettes are adorable and look absolutely delicious! Apple is my husband’s favorite flavor, so I definitely need to make this for him soon! I love your addition of Nutella too.. it honestly makes everything better! 😉
Sam says
Doesn’t it, though!? Thanks so much, Joscelyn!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Yesss, pie season is the best season! These are such pretty little galettes… I love the rustic look. And that apple filling sounds to die for!
Sam says
Thank you, Jess! 🙂
Patty K says
Nice touch with the Nutella!
Sam says
Thanks, Patty!
Kristina says
These look lovely. I love everything apple flavoured in the Fall and the combination with caramel is even better.
Sam says
Thank you Kristina, so glad you like them! 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
These mini caramel apple galettes looks so adorable and so yummy. A perfect fall treat.
Sam says
Thank you, Anu!!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I love galettes, but a mini galette filled with apples and caramel? Come to Mama! These look delicious, Sam! Perfect for fall and seriously perfect for my belly! Cheers, girlfriend!
Sam says
So glad you like them, Cheyenne! Cheers! 🙂
Ana | Espresso My Kitchen says
Sam these look amazing! What’s not to love, apples and caramel?! YUM!
Sam says
Thank you, Ana!!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
Oh man these look SO good. Personally i am not a big crust fan, but in this case i’ll make an exception! beautiful photography and recipe. definitely will be making these!
Sam says
Thanks so much, Beverley! I’m telling you brushing the crust with the caramel sauce really takes them to the next level! 🙂
Fareeha says
Love your recipe ! Reminds me of the days when I was small.
Sam says
Thank you, Fareeha! Glad it brings you good memories 🙂
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
These look so beautiful, Sam! I love the caramel…so perfect with apples. And I’m totally with you on galettes being even better than pie. I, too, love the pie crust to filling ratio…I mean isn’t the crust the best part about pie anyways? Plus mini = adorable!! So pretty, Sam <3
Sam says
Thank you so much, Beeta, I’m so glad you like them! Mini desserts are the best deserts! 😀