There’s something magical about the way warm chai spices mingle with tender apples and buttery pastry. As the leaves begin to change and there’s a crisp edge to the air, this Chai Spiced Apple Galette becomes my go-to dessert for both casual family dinners and impressive entertaining. The beauty of a galette is in its rustic charm – perfectly imperfect folds of golden pastry cradling a fragrant apple filling that’s kissed with the exotic warmth of chai spices. No fussy pie plates or perfect crimping required – just free-form deliciousness that looks as though it came straight from a French countryside bakery.
What sets this galette apart is the unexpected twist of chai spices – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves – that elevate ordinary apples into something truly extraordinary. The combination creates a sophisticated flavor profile that feels both comforting and adventurous. I love how the spices perfume the kitchen as the galette bakes, building anticipation for that first heavenly bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary journey, this forgiving recipe delivers professional-looking results with minimal effort. And that drizzle of vanilla-spiced glaze? It’s the perfect finishing touch to this showstopper dessert that’s bound to become your new autumn tradition.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the Chai Spice Mix:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
For the Apple Filling:
- 3-4 medium apples (preferably a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Finish:
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of chai spice mix
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until you have pea-sized pieces. Combine the ice water and apple cider vinegar, then drizzle over the flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Make the Chai Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine all the spices for the chai mix. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix until evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to release.
Assemble the Galette:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as you go. The center will remain open. Dot the exposed apple filling with the small pieces of butter.
Finish and Bake:
Brush the folded dough with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar and a light dusting of the remaining chai spice mix. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze (if using):
While the galette cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of chai spice mix until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed. Drizzle over the slightly cooled galette.
Serve:
Enjoy warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This galette is best the day it’s made but will keep, covered at room temperature, for up to 2 days.
Recipe Notes and Tips
The secret to a perfect galette lies in keeping your ingredients cold. If at any point your dough becomes too soft to work with, simply return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing. This ensures those beautiful flaky layers in the finished pastry. I often prepare the dough the night before, which not only makes the assembly quicker the next day but also improves the flavor and texture of the crust.
When selecting apples for this galette, aim for a mix of varieties to create a complex flavor profile. Honeycrisp offers sweetness and a delightful crunch, while Granny Smith provides tartness and holds its shape beautifully during baking. Other excellent options include Braeburn, Jonagold, or Pink Lady. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, which tend to break down too much during baking.
The chai spice blend can be customized to suit your preferences. Love cardamom? Add a bit more. Not a fan of cloves? Feel free to reduce or omit. This versatile recipe welcomes your personal touch. You can even make a larger batch of the spice mix to keep on hand for future baking projects – it works wonderfully in morning oatmeal, sprinkled over roasted squash, or stirred into your coffee grounds before brewing.
Serving Suggestions
While this galette is absolutely delicious on its own, there are several ways to elevate it for serving. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a stunning hot-and-cold contrast, while a dollop of lightly whipped cream infused with a hint of cardamom adds an extra layer of chai flavor. For a more casual breakfast treat, try serving it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey – the tanginess beautifully balances the sweet spiced apples.
This Chai Spiced Apple Galette makes a stunning centerpiece for any autumn gathering. For a memorable dessert experience, serve it alongside a pot of Masala Chai tea to echo the warming spices in the galette. The combination creates a cozy, sensory experience that celebrates the best flavors of the season. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider making mini individual galettes – they bake more quickly and offer an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Don’t be intimidated by the rustic folding technique – remember that the beauty of a galette lies in its imperfections! The free-form nature of this dessert means there’s no right or wrong way to shape it. Just ensure your folds overlap slightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking. And if a little juice does escape? Consider it the mark of a truly homemade dessert, bursting with flavor. Happy baking!
