Skip to Content

Rustic Apple Pie (Apple Cranberry Galette)

Sharing is caring!

Get ready to dive into a slice of pure comfort with this Rustic Apple Pie, also known as an apple cranberry galette! Picture this: a buttery, flaky pie crust lovingly hand-wrapped around a mouthwatering filling of sweet apples and tart cranberries. Whether it’s gracing the table at a festive holiday dinner or simply because you’re craving a cozy treat, this homemade delight is sure to steal the show as the perfect dessert for any occasion!

A Rustic Apple Pie on a parchment paper on a wood background

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I get a small percentage back at no cost to you! For more information see my disclosure policy.

Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Apple Pie

There’s something undeniably charming about a rustic, handmade dessert. Its imperfect beauty whispers stories of warmth, love, and the simple joys of baking. I found this to be particularly true when I embarked on creating the Apple Cranberry Galette.

Wrapped in a flaky pie crust, this galette marries the simplicity of tart cranberries with sweet, succulent apples in a symphony of flavors that sing of home and heart. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t demand perfection in its presentation, making it a beloved project for bakers at any level.

Whether you’re a novice eager to spread your culinary wings or a seasoned pro looking for a touch of rustic charm, this galette promises to fill your kitchen with the aroma of buttery crust and spiced fruit, and your heart with the satisfaction of creating something truly delightful.

What is an Apple Galette?

Have you ever wondered what sets a galette apart from the classic pie? Originating from France, a galette is a free-form pie that’s both rustic and effortlessly elegant. Take this apple cranberry galette, for instance – it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Unlike traditional pies with their precise edges and top crusts, this apple cranberry marvel boasts a flaky pie crust that lovingly wraps around a luscious apple and cranberry filling. Its shape is more casual, laying flat on a baking sheet, which allows the beautifully arranged apple slices and cranberries to peek through.

This delightful contrast not only enhances its rustic charm but also invites bakers of all levels to try their hand at creating a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Apple Cranberry Galette Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward crafting this mesmerizing Apple Cranberry Galette. Let’s dive in:

  • Pie Crust Ingredients: Begin with the basics – all-purpose flour and sugar for structure and sweetness. A dash of salt enhances flavor, while butter ensures a flaky texture. Ice water binds it all together, and an egg adds richness. For a touch of sparkle, sprinkle with optional sparkling sugar.
  • Filling Ingredients: Honeycrisp apples, praised for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, star alongside tart dried cranberries. Cinnamon and lemon juice add depth and brightness, while vanilla extract brings a floral complexity. Brown sugar and a pinch of salt sweeten and season. Cornstarch thickens the filling, ensuring it’s just the right consistency, with butter for added richness.

Each ingredient has been chosen for its role in creating a galette that’s both simple and elegant. And if Honeycrisp apples aren’t available, feel free to substitute with Granny Smith apples for a similar tartness and crispness.

How To Make A Rustic Apple Pie

[Step 1] Pie Crust: Sift all of the dry ingredients together, then cut in the cold butter either with a pastry blender or a food processor. Make sure you work quickly to keep the butter from softening.

[Step 2] When the butter is the size of peas, add 3 tablespoons of ice water. If the dough is too dry, add up to one more tablespoon of water, a teaspoon at a time.

[Step 3] Place the pie dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and press it into a disc shape. Cover the dough with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

[Step 4] Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a large floured surface. Make sure you move the dough around and use a bench scraper when needed. Cover the rolled dough with the plastic wrap to keep it moist while you prepare the pie filling.

Rolled out pie crust for Rustic Apple Pie, surrounded by flour

[Step 5] Pie Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Add the prepared apples as well as the rest of the ingredients into a bowl and mix them together. Use your spoon to roughly chop the apples.

Apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, and sugar in a bowl to make Rustic Apple Pie

[Step 6] Uncover the crust and spoon the  filling into the center, leaving 2-3 inches around the edge. Depending on the size of your apples, you may not need all of the filling.

Apple pie filling in the middle of pie crust to make a rustic apple pie

[Step 7] Carefully fold the edges of the pie to the middle. Pinch to seal. Cut up the remaining butter and scatter around the top of the filling.

Rustic Apple Pie crust wrapped around pie filling

[Step 8] Beat the egg and use a pastry brush to apply an egg wash to the crust. Sprinkle some sparkling sugar over the egg wash to give the pie a beautiful look and a little crunch.

A pastry brush brushing an egg wash on a pre cooked Rustic Apple Pie

[Step 9] Using a bench scraper to transfer the rustic apple pie to a parchment lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 400 degrees. Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. If the crust cooks faster than the filling, tent the pie with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

A Rustic Apple Pie

[Step 9] Transfer the apple pie to a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Slice the pie and serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Helpful Kitchen Tools 

Baking Tips & Tricks

Achieving the perfect apple cranberry galette might seem daunting at first, but fear not! Let me guide you through some simple yet effective baking tips & tricks.

  • First off, never underestimate the power of ice water in your dough. It’s the secret to that flaky, buttery crust we all love.
  • When it comes to your delicious apple and cranberry filling, a sprinkle of cornstarch ensures it thickens beautifully, without turning into a soupy mess.
  • Want to make your galette extra special? Personalize it by adding sparkling sugar on the crust for a glittery finish or tweak the cinnamon levels according to your taste preference. Trust me, these small touches make all the difference!

How to Store an Apple Galette

Got a leftover slice or two of that delightful apple cranberry galette? Or maybe you’re prepping ahead for a big dinner? Here’s the scoop on keeping it as fresh and yummy as when it first came out of the oven.

First off, if you’re planning to dive into those delicious leftovers within a day, just keep it at room temperature. Tuck it away on your kitchen counter under a cake dome or loosely covered with plastic wrap.

For a longer pause, the fridge is your best bet. Wrap the galette in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container; it’ll stay tasty for up to four days.

When you’re ready for another slice, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes. This little trick brings back that perfect flaky crust and warm, fruity filling, making every bite just as good as the first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Granny Smith apples instead of Honeycrisp?

Absolutely, you can! While Honeycrisp apples offer a unique sweetness, Granny Smith apples bring a tartness that balances beautifully with the cranberry filling.

Is achieving that golden-brown crust tricky?

Not at all! Just keep an eye on the oven temperature and bake until you see that delightful color.

How about serving sizes and pairing?

A slice of this galette pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And for the adults, a glass of dessert wine makes a fabulous complement. Don’t let the rustic look fool you; making an apple cranberry galette is simpler than traditional pies, but every bit as delicious!

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey of baking an apple cranberry galette reminded me why I fall in love with the kitchen time and time again. There’s something truly magical about mixing simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour to create a flaky, buttery pie crust that serves as the base for the lusciously sweet and tart filling made from apples and cranberries.

And whether you choose to serve it on a baking sheet straight from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly on top, or you prefer to let it cool down to room temperature, it promises to be a delightful centerpiece.

I encourage you to embrace the simplicity and joy that comes with baking this delicious dessert. Feel free to experiment with different apples or even throw in some fresh cranberries for a tangier bite!

Pie crust wrapped around apple pie filling to make an apple gallette

Easy Rustic Apple Pie

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Passive Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Buttery, flaky pie crust, wrapped by hand around a delicious apple pie filling. The perfect homemade apple pie served for dessert at a holiday dinner or just because!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Cup butter, cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 3-4 Tablespoons Ice Water
  • 4 Medium Apples, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, peeled. cored. sliced
  • 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries, optional
  • 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 Teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon Sparkling Sugar

Instructions

All-Butter Flaky Pie Crust

  1. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, over the flour mixture.
  2. Pulse or stir the mixture until large clumps form.
  3. When the dough begins to hold together, lay it on large piece of plastic wrap and use the wrap to for the dough into a ball. Flatten out the ball into a disc shape and cover completely with the plastic wrap.
  4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before using.

Apple Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a medium bowl, add all of the filling ingredients, except the butter, and stir until the apples are evenly coated. Use your spoon to roughly chop the apples.
  3. Place the filling in the center of the rolled out dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border. Fold the border up and around the filling, pleating it together. Leave a circular opening in the center. Dot the filling with butter. Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the sparkling sugar.
  4. Transfer the rustic pie to a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too fast, tent the pie with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 Slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 409Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 327mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 5gSugar: 45gProtein: 4g

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe