Apple Galette (Gluten-Free)

A Gluten-Free Apple Galette: A Simple Delight

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake often feels like a luxury. But sometimes, the craving for something homemade, something warm and comforting, is just too strong to ignore. That’s where this gluten-free apple galette comes in. It's surprisingly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less cleanup. The beautiful, rustic appearance belies its simplicity, making it a perfect dessert for both weeknight dinners and weekend brunches.

The best part? I've adapted this recipe to be entirely gluten-free, using almond flour and tapioca starch for a wonderfully tender crust. This eliminates any worries about gluten sensitivities, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful treat. The sweet and tart apples, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and a touch of honey, are encased in a flaky, buttery crust that's simply irresistible. The process is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The chilled dough makes it easy to roll out, and the free-form nature of the galette means there's no need for precise shaping—imperfections are part of its charm!

Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe provides a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. The gentle act of rolling out the dough, arranging the apple slices, and brushing the crust with egg yolk is surprisingly meditative. It’s a small act of self-care that yields a big reward—a beautiful and delicious dessert that brings a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, transformed into something truly special with a little love and attention.

More than just a dessert, this apple galette is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a recipe I return to again and again, and I hope it becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire as well. The ease of preparation, the delicious taste, and the beautiful presentation make it the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to elegant weekend brunches. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade baking. You deserve it.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• ice water
• 1/4 tsp unrefined salt
• 1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) or ghee, cold and chopped into small chunks
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/8 inch slices
• extra coconut sugar for sprinkling (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter or ghee, chopped into small pieces

Tips and variations:

• For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different types of apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples works particularly well.
• If you don't have tapioca starch, you can substitute arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less coconut sugar.

Step-by-step

• TO MAKE THE CRUST: Pulse together almond flour, tapioca, coconut sugar, and salt in food processor. Add ½ cup butter/ghee and pulse until mixture resembles a very coarse flour. Then add ice cold water, 1 teaspoon at a time, and pulse until dough begins to stick together. (I use 2-3 teaspoons.) Form dough into a flat disk, dust with a bit of tapioca flour, and place in between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Place in fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• FOR FILLING: Once crust is chill, prepare the filling by combining sliced apples, coconut sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
• Whisk egg yolk in a small bowl and set aside.
• TO ROLL OUT DOUGH: Remove dough from fridge and gently roll out between the 2 pieces of parchment paper into a 10 inch round disc. Place crust onto large baking sheet.
• Arrange apple slices in the center of dough, leaving about an inch and half of crust on the outside. I like to make an overlapping spiral but feel free to arrange in any way that makes you happy.
• Gently fold over the dough over the apples,lifting the parchment paper along with the dough as your guide. Pleat the dough nicely over the apples as you go. Then lightly brush the crust with egg yolk and sprinkle on just a bit of optional coconut sugar to make the crust pretty.
• FOR GARNISH: Sprinkle the remaining chopped tablespoon of butter/ghee over the apples and drizzle with one tablespoon of honey.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, until crust is golden and apples are tender. Remove from oven, and using parchment paper, transfer to cooling rack to cool. Serve slightly warm or room temperature. Cut into small wedges and enjoy!