This Apple Skull Galette is a fun and spooky twist on a classic apple galette! Instead of simply layering sliced apples over the crust, halved apples are transformed into little apple skulls using a melon baller and knife. They bake right into a flaky, gluten-free crust for a Halloween dessert that looks impressive but is actually really simple to make.
Why You Will Love This Apple Skull Galette
- So fun for Halloween – The apple skulls make this galette extra spooky!
- Easy to make – The skulls look complicated, but they’re surprisingly simple to create.
- Gluten-free – A gluten-free pie crust makes this dessert suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Refined sugar-free – The dessert is naturally sweetened with apples, maple syrup, and coconut sugar, instead of refined sugar.
- Perfect for entertaining – It makes a beautiful centerpiece for a Halloween party or fall gathering.
- A fun baking project for kids – Older kids can help create the skull faces with supervision.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Skull Galette
Choose the right apples. Look for apples that are relatively round. Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples would all work well.
Use different sized apples. It helps to have some smaller apples to fill in the gaps between the larger apples.
Don’t cut the faces too deeply. The apples soften as they bake, so shallow cuts are best for keeping the skull features recognizable.
Use a small knife. A paring knife works especially well for cutting the nose and mouth.
Don’t stress about perfection. Each apple skull will look a little different, and that’s part of the charm!
Brush the apples with lemon juice. If you’re preparing the apples ahead of time, a little lemon juice can help prevent browning.
FAQs
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
I recommend using a firm, sweet-tart apple that holds its shape well when baked. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples are all good choices.
You can even use a combination of apples for different flavors and colors.
Can I Make the Apple Skulls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple skulls a few hours ahead of baking. To prevent the cut apples from browning, lightly brush them with lemon juice and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the galette. You can also place them in a bowl of salt water to prevent them from browning.
How Should I Serve Apple Skull Galette?
This galette is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special Halloween dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Apple Skull Galette
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 11/2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup arrowroot flour
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 apples
For the Topping
- 1 large egg white lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- Beat the maple syrup and butter on medium-high until mixed. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add the flours and mix.
- Wrap the dough in parchment paper and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large bowl, mix the sugar, arrowroot flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Cut the apples in half and remove the cores. Use a melon baller to scoop out two eye sockets in each apple half. Use a small knife to carefully cut a nose and mouth into each apple half to create the skull faces.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- On a large piece of parchment paper, roll the dough out into a circle with a 12-inch diameter.
- Place the apple skulls on the dough, leaving about 1 inch of the edge.
- Fold the outer crust into the apples. Brush the crust with egg white, then sprinkle on sugar.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the curst is slightly browned. Enjoy warm as is or with a scoop of ice cream.
