Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette

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Golden, crisp, and rustic in all the best ways, the Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette is the perfect balance of cozy comfort and bakery-worthy elegance. With its freeform crust and spiraled apple slices, this galette brings all the warmth of a homemade dessert without the fuss of pie-making. The tender Honeycrisp apples, lightly dusted with cinnamon and sugar, release their natural sweetness while baking—creating a soft, juicy center surrounded by flaky, buttery crust.

What makes this dessert even more irresistible is the way the edges of the crust caramelize slightly during baking, giving each bite a crisp crunch that complements the tender apple filling. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar, this galette is a beautiful, flavorful centerpiece for any fall gathering, Sunday dinner, or holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette

This galette delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It has all the nostalgic comfort of apple pie but with a much more forgiving dough and rustic presentation. You won’t need any fancy techniques or pie pans—just simple ingredients and a love for cozy desserts. The Honeycrisp apples stay slightly firm, offering texture and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon and the earthy depth of honey or brown sugar.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools. A sharp paring knife or mandoline slicer is key to achieving those thin, even apple slices that bake uniformly. A mixing bowl is needed for tossing the apples with cinnamon and sugar, while a pastry blender or food processor makes preparing the crust quick and easy. You’ll also need a rolling pin for flattening the dough, and parchment paper to transfer the galette effortlessly onto a baking sheet. Don’t forget a pastry brush for applying the egg wash that gives the crust its golden shine.

Each tool plays a part: precision in slicing, even baking from proper rolling, and easy cleanup with parchment. These small details contribute to the galette’s bakery-quality finish with homemade heart.

Preparation Tips

To make your galette truly shine, keep your butter and dough cold while working—this is key to a flaky crust. Slice the apples uniformly so they bake evenly, and fan them out in a circular pattern for that classic galette look. If your apples are particularly juicy, let them sit for a few minutes after tossing with sugar and cinnamon, then drain the excess liquid to avoid soggy dough. Brushing the crust edges with egg wash adds a beautiful golden color, and a final sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking gives it a delightful crunch. Let the galette cool slightly before slicing to help the filling set for cleaner, prettier servings.

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Ingredients for this Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3–5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 3 medium Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for absorbing excess juice)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Slice and Toss the Apples

Peel (optional) and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples. Place them in a bowl and toss with granulated sugar, brown sugar or honey, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon flour. Let sit for 10 minutes so the flavors meld and any excess moisture can be released.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about a perfect circle—rustic edges are part of the charm.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

Arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as you go, to create a rustic crust. The center should remain exposed.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. This will create a shiny, golden crust with a sweet crunch. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of honey over the apples for extra gloss and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Galette

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the galette for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling slightly. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the galette to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent touch.

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Notes

This Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It’s ideal for both experienced bakers and beginners thanks to its forgiving crust and freeform shape. You can swap in other firm apple varieties like Pink Lady or Fuji if Honeycrisp isn’t available. If you’d like a richer flavor, try brushing the apples with a bit of melted butter before baking. You can also add a thin layer of almond flour or crushed graham crackers on the dough before layering the apples—this helps absorb extra moisture and adds subtle flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overworking the dough: Handling the dough too much can lead to a tough crust. Mix only until it comes together.
• Warm butter or dough: Always keep your butter and dough cold to ensure flakiness in the crust.
• Too much filling juice: Let the apples sit after tossing with sugar and drain off excess liquid to avoid soggy bottoms.
• Underbaking the crust: Make sure the crust is deeply golden—this ensures crispiness and prevents a doughy texture.
• Crowding the center: Don’t overfill with apples. Keeping them in a single, slightly overlapping layer helps them cook evenly.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover galette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to revive the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. You can also freeze the fully baked and cooled galette—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

Per slice, assuming 8 slices total:

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 110mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds texture and color, but peeling results in a softer bite.

What if I don’t have Honeycrisp apples?

Any firm, sweet-tart apple like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn works well.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought crust works fine.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Drain excess liquid from the apple mixture and consider sprinkling almond flour or breadcrumbs on the dough before adding apples.

Can I make this galette gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash or use plant-based milk with a touch of maple syrup for browning.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes. Pears work especially well, and you can mix in a few berries, but be mindful of excess moisture.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Honeycrisp Apple Galette is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can produce something truly extraordinary. Its rustic beauty and warm, spiced flavors make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or enjoying a slice the next day, this galette offers that perfect balance of buttery, flaky crust and tender, cinnamon-kissed apples that’s sure to impress without the stress.

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