Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

I absolutely love how this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe balances rustic charm with rich, comforting flavors. It’s not just any apple dessert—this galette offers a flaky, buttery vegan crust wrapped around tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, all hugged by a luscious peanut butter caramel drizzle that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat or an impressive yet effortless dessert for guests, this recipe always hits the mark.

When I first tried this, I was thrilled by how easy it came together despite looking fancy, and the peanut butter caramel adds a unique twist you don’t get in your usual fruit galette. You’ll find that this dessert is perfect for fall apple harvests but versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Plus, the vegan aspect means it’s inclusive and satisfying, even for non-vegans in my family — and trust me, they go crazy for it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe lies in the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Picking fresh apples (Honeycrisp is my favorite) and using good-quality vegan butter makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender crust; make sure to measure carefully for best results.
• Country Crock® Plant Butter with Olive Oil: Cold and cubed, it creates that flaky texture in the crust without dairy.
• Granulated sugar: A pinch to sweeten the crust dough just right.
• Salt: Enhances flavor balance in both crust and filling.
• Ice water: Helps bind the dough without melting the vegan butter — keep it icy cold!
• Turbinado sugar: For sprinkling atop the crust, adding crunch and sparkle.
• Almond milk: Used for brushing the crust to help the sugar adhere and brown beautifully.
• Light brown sugar: Sweetens and enriches the apple filling.
• Honeycrisp apples: Crisp and juicy, these work perfectly; Granny Smith or Pink Lady are great substitutes.
• All-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the apple juices during baking.
• Lemon juice: Keeps apples bright and prevents browning.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma to the filling and caramel.
• Ground cinnamon: Classic spice that complements apples wonderfully.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy warmth.
• Country Crock® Plant Butter (for filling): Small pieces scattered on the apples enrich the filling as it bakes.
• Vanilla ice cream: Vegan or not, it’s perfect for serving with the warm galette.
• Dark brown sugar: For the luscious peanut butter caramel sauce.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Gives the caramel a creamy, velvety texture.
• Peanut butter: Stirred into caramel for that signature nutty flavor.
• Sea salt: Balances sweet and adds complexity to the caramel.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe to suit different preferences and seasons. Feel free to swap apples, add spices, or switch up the topping to make it your own!

• Apple Variety Swap: Using tart Granny Smith apples gives a tangier bite, while Pink Lady apples add sweetness—both work beautifully depending on your taste.
• Nut Butter Variation: Trying almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter in the caramel creates lovely nuanced flavors.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve had success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust without losing that flaky texture.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom in the filling is my go-to when I want to mix things up.

How to Make Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust

Start by pulsing the flour, sugar, and salt in your food processor until they’re well mixed. Then toss in your cold, cubed plant butter and pulse until the texture resembles coarse sand—this flaky crumb is key! Slowly add ice water, just a tablespoon at a time, until your dough comes together in a soft ball. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—I’ve made this by cutting in the butter with a pastry cutter or even two forks.

Step 2: Chill and Prep Your Dough

Wrap your dough disc tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time helps the gluten relax and the butter firm up, which makes it easier to roll out and results in a crispier crust.

Step 3: Mix the Spiced Apple Filling

While the dough chills, peel and slice your apples into about half-inch thick wedges. Toss them with brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a bit of flour to thicken the juices during baking. The lemon juice is a game-changer here—it keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor.

Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble Your Galette

On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet—this step requires gentle hands, but a rolling pin can help move it if needed. Arrange the apple slices neatly in the center, leaving about a 1.5-inch border all around. Fold the edges over the apples in pleats to create that classic rustic look, rotating the pan as you go to keep the folds neat.

Step 5: Add Butter and Chill Briefly

Scatter small pieces of plant butter over the apples, then pop the entire assembled galette into the freezer for 15 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up so it bakes into a beautifully flaky texture without shrinking or spreading.

Step 6: Brush, Sugar, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush the crust with almond milk, then sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for a crisp, sparkly finish. Bake the galette for 40 to 45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender and bubbling. Fun tip: If you want that glossy apple finish, brush warm apricot preserves on the fruit right after baking.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce

While the galette bakes, combine dark brown sugar, coconut milk, and plant butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir until it thickens and bubbles, about 8-10 minutes, then remove from heat and whisk in your peanut butter, vanilla, and sea salt until smooth and creamy. Let it cool before serving, and store leftovers in the fridge—just warm gently before drizzling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the galette cool on a rack before slicing—this helps everything set nicely. Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of that dreamy peanut butter caramel. It’s simply irresistible!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love adding a sprinkle of toasted chopped peanuts on top of the peanut butter caramel drizzle for a textural contrast and extra nutty pop. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can add a touch of elegance if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this galette with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette if you want a full meal vibe, or keep it classic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for ultimate comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving individual-sized galettes by dividing the dough and apples evenly into smaller rounds. Another fun presentation is to ladle the peanut butter caramel into small ramekins on the side so everyone can drown their slice as desired. A wooden board with rustic linen napkins amps up that cozy, artisanal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftover galette tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The crust softens a bit but reheats nicely, especially if you keep the layering of peanut butter caramel separate until serving.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! I flash freeze slices individually on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a sealable container or freezer bag. That way, I can pull out just a portion or two at a time for quick desserts later.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop galette slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10-12 minutes to revive that flakiness. Reheat your peanut butter caramel gently on the stove or in the microwave until just pourable before drizzling again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and show-stopping. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a celebration whether you’re making it for a holiday or just because the apples are in season. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—it’s such a joy to slice into flaky crust, bit into cinnamon-spiced apples, and finish with that silky peanut butter caramel. When you make it, I hope it brings as much warmth and smiles to your table as it does to mine!

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