I’m so excited to share this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe with you! It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, plus it’s completely plant-based. The flaky crust paired with tender spiced apples and that luscious peanut butter caramel drizzle? Honestly, it’s my new go-to for any occasion when I want something impressive yet cozy.
This galette is perfect for a weekend treat or a casual dinner party dessert. What I love most is how versatile it is—you can make it ahead of time and customize the caramel or apples to your taste. Once you try this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe, I bet your family and friends will be asking for it over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, approachable process: Even if you’re new to galettes, this recipe walks you through every step with ease.
- Flavor combination: The peanut butter caramel adds a rich, unexpected twist that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Flexible and forgiving: You can swap apples for your favorite baking varieties or adjust spices to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, this galette shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe was chosen to balance flavor and texture, creating that perfect harmony of flaky crust and luscious filling. When possible, I recommend going for fresh, quality apples and plant butter for that ultimate richness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust, it gives us a tender but sturdy base.
- Country Crock® Plant Butter with Olive Oil: I love the flavor and flakiness this butter replacement adds—it makes rolling out the dough a dream.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: For a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it.
- Ice water: Keeps the crust tender and workable.
- Turbinado sugar: For sprinkling the crust—adds a wonderful crunch and sparkle.
- Almond milk: Brushing this on the crust helps with that perfect golden finish.
- Honeycrisp apples: My favorite for their sweetness and texture, but Granny Smith or Pink Lady work great too.
- Lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg: These spices bring the filling to life with warmth and brightness.
- Peanut butter: For the creamy, nutty twist that makes the caramel unforgettable.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and richness without dairy.
Variations
I’m all about tweaking recipes to fit my pantry or mood, and this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe is no exception. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by switching out ingredients or adding a personal twist.
- Fruit choice: I’ve swapped in pears or a mix of apples and berries—always a crowd-pleaser and adds a fun layer of flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to add cardamom or ginger for a more exotic spice profile I discovered one chilly autumn evening.
- Nut allergy alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter in the caramel to keep it allergen-friendly without losing that creamy texture.
- Sweetness level: If you prefer less sugar, reducing the brown sugar slightly still gives a balanced taste without losing caramel richness.
How to Make Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust
Start by pulsing all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt together in a food processor until well combined. Then add your cold, cubed plant butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. This is key to that flakiness we all dream about! Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together in a ball. Resist the urge to overwork it—it should still feel a bit crumbly but hold when pressed.
Step 2: Chill and Prepare the Filling
Wrap your dough disc in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time relaxes the gluten and chills the butter, making rolling easier and the end crust flakier. While it chills, peel and slice those gorgeous apples about half an inch thick. Toss them gently with light brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll Out, Fill, and Fold
Once your dough is chilled, let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes to soften slightly—this makes rolling smoother without cracking. Flour your surface and roll into a 12-inch circle, then transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange your apple mixture in the center, leaving a 1.5-inch edge free all around. Folding the edges up and over the filling creates that signature galette look and keeps the apples nicely nestled.
Step 4: Pre-Bake Prep and Bake
Dot the apples with small pieces of plant butter, then pop your galette into the freezer for 15 minutes—this helps the crust hold its shape during baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F and brush the crust with almond milk, sprinkling turbinado sugar on top for that perfect golden crunch. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and the apples are tender.
Step 5: Making the Peanut Butter Caramel
In a small pot, combine brown sugar, coconut milk, and plant butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until bubbly and thickened—about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in peanut butter, vanilla, and sea salt until silky smooth. This sauce is a game changer and what makes this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe so addictive. Keep it warm or reheat gently before serving.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
If you have apricot preserves, brushing a thin glaze over the warm apples gives a gorgeous shine and extra fruity sweetness. Let your galette cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—it helps the juices settle so you don’t have a soggy crust. Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of that heavenly peanut butter caramel.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
- Use cold ingredients: Keeping your plant butter and water ice-cold keeps the crust flaky and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: I learned this the hard way—overworking leads to dense crusts, so handle it gently.
- Freeze before baking: That 15-minute chill in the freezer helps edges keep their shape and results in a neater galette.
- Patience is key: Let your galette cool before slicing to avoid juicy spills and keep your slices beautiful.
How to Serve Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this galette with vegan vanilla ice cream because the cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with warm spiced apples. A pinch of flaky sea salt on the peanut butter caramel drizzle adds a subtle savory twist that makes the flavors pop. Sometimes I even sprinkle toasted chopped peanuts for extra texture — it’s an instant crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
If you’re looking to make it a full dessert spread, this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee. I’ve also served it alongside a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a more unexpected seasonal touch during fall dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the galette on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks scattered around for a stunning tablescape. Individual versions are also possible—simply cut dough into smaller circles and fold around one or two apple slices with some caramel. They’re perfect for packed picnics or gifting to friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover galette tightly wrapped in the fridge to keep the crust from drying out. It stays delicious for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s well covered. I always recommend storing the peanut butter caramel separately in a sealed jar to prevent it from making the galette soggy.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing this Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe before baking. Just wrap it well in plastic and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—this is such a lifesaver for busy weekends!
Reheating
To reheat slices, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through and revive that crispy crust. Reheat the peanut butter caramel gently in the microwave or over low heat until pourable again. This way, every bite tastes freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I make the Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe without a food processor?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a food processor, simply cut the vegan butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then proceed by slowly adding ice water until the dough comes together. It’s a bit more hands-on, but equally delicious.
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What type of apples work best for this galette?
Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for this recipe because they’re crisp and sweet with great texture after baking. Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples are fantastic alternatives if you prefer a tarter flavor or can’t find Honeycrisp. Just avoid super soft or mealy varieties.
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How can I make the peanut butter caramel even creamier?
Make sure you use full-fat coconut milk and stir the caramel mixture continuously as it thickens—this helps prevent graininess. Adding the peanut butter off heat and whisking vigorously smooths out texture perfectly. If you want it richer, a splash more plant butter can help too.
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Can this galette be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend with a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure. The crust texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How long does the peanut butter caramel keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the peanut butter caramel lasts up to 2 weeks. Just gently reheat before serving to bring it back to a pourable consistency. It’s such a handy make-ahead addition!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe genuinely feels like a warm hug on a plate, with its buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling. I’m so grateful to have found this recipe because it checks all the boxes for me—delicious, plant-based, and with that wow factor for guests. Give it a try, and I promise this will become one of your favorite fall desserts too. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how much everyone raves about that peanut butter caramel!
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Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Apple Galette with Peanut Butter Caramel is a rustic, dairy-free dessert featuring a flaky plant butter crust filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, finished with a luscious homemade peanut butter caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re craving a comforting yet elegant treat that’s entirely plant-based.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups (170g) all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Country Crock® Plant Butter with Olive Oil, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling crust
- Almond milk, for brushing
Filling
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced into 1/2” slices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Country Crock® Plant Butter with Olive Oil, cut into small pieces
Peanut Butter Caramel
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 stick Country Crock® Plant Butter with Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
To Serve (Optional)
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
- Plum or apricot preserves (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse to blend evenly. Add the cold cubed vegan butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough forms a moist ball, about 3 tablespoons total.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Caramel: While the dough chills, prepare the caramel sauce (see peanut butter caramel steps below).
- Rest Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly for rolling.
- Prepare Filling: Peel, core, and slice the honeycrisp apples into 1/2-inch slices. Toss apples in a large bowl with light brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Roll Out Dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble Galette: Arrange the apple slices atop the dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Fold the border over the apples in 1 1/2-inch folds, working your way around the galette to partially enclose the filling.
- Add Butter to Filling: Cut the remaining tablespoon of vegan butter into small pieces and scatter evenly over the apples.
- Chill Assembled Galette: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm the dough edges and keep fruit compact.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, prepare a small bowl of almond milk and turbinado sugar for finishing the crust.
- Brush and Sugar Crust: Use a pastry brush to coat the galette crust with a thin layer of almond milk, then sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Bake: Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Glaze (Optional): Remove the galette from the oven and while still warm, brush the apples with apricot preserves if using for a glossy finish.
- Cool: Transfer the galette to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Serve slices with vegan vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of the homemade peanut butter caramel. Enjoy!
- Make Peanut Butter Caramel: In a small pot, combine dark brown sugar, coconut milk, and vegan butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until bubbling and thickening, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish Caramel: Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth. Transfer to a sealable container and let cool. Refrigerate once cooled and reheat gently before serving to loosen.
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and cut in the vegan butter using a pastry cutter or fork until sandy. Add ice water until dough forms.
- Other baking apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady can be substituted for Honeycrisp.
- Nutrition facts exclude apricot preserves, peanut butter caramel, and vegan ice cream.
- Make sure to chill the dough properly to achieve a flaky crust.
- To reheat peanut butter caramel, warm gently on stovetop or microwave to loosen before drizzling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 galette)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
