Rhubarb Galette Recipe

If you love desserts that combine rustic charm with a touch of elegance, this Rhubarb Galette is sure to become a new favorite. Featuring a flaky, buttery crust and artfully arranged rhubarb slices, this French-inspired tart strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Easy to make yet stunning to serve, the rhubarb galette showcases the vibrant tartness of rhubarb in a way that’s perfect for summer celebrations, casual brunches, or cozy afternoon treats.

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🌿 What Is a Galette?

A galette is a free-form rustic tart that doesn’t require a pie pan or intricate crust shaping. The dough is rolled out flat, filled with fruit, and the edges are folded over the filling, leaving the center exposed. This technique produces a gorgeous, casual dessert with a golden crust and juicy filling.

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🥄 Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Galette

• Elegant yet easy: No pie dish or lattice work required.

• Show-stopping presentation: Beautifully fanned rhubarb slices make a visual statement.

• Flaky, buttery crust: Homemade pastry that’s crisp and tender.

• Perfect seasonal dessert: Celebrates rhubarb’s tart flavor at peak freshness.

• Versatile: Serve warm or room temperature with cream, ice cream, or yogurt.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 3–5 tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

• 4 cups rhubarb, thinly sliced on the diagonal (about 1/2-inch thick)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of extra sweetness)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Rhubarb Galette

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.

2. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until dough starts to come together.

4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, toss rhubarb slices with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Add honey if using.

2. Let sit for 10 minutes while dough chills, allowing juices to begin drawing out.

Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble

1. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle about ¼ inch thick.

2. Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Arrange rhubarb slices in concentric circles starting from the outer edge and working inward, overlapping each slice slightly to create a fanned effect.

4. Fold edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as necessary to create a rustic border, leaving the center exposed.

Step 4: Bake the Galette

1. Brush the dough edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

3. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

• For a lighter touch, accompany with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

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🔄 Variations & Tips

🍓 Strawberry-Rhubarb Galette

Add sliced strawberries mixed into the rhubarb filling for a classic, sweet-tart combination.

🍯 Sweetener Alternatives

Use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar to tweak sweetness levels and flavor notes.

🌿 Herbal Infusions

Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the filling for an unexpected aromatic twist.

🥧 Gluten-Free Version

Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for pastries.

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❓ Rhubarb Galette FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made and chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

How thin should I slice the rhubarb?

About ½ inch thick on the diagonal works best to create that beautiful fanned look and even cooking.

What if my rhubarb is very tart?

Adjust sugar to taste or add a splash of honey or maple syrup to balance acidity.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh the crust.

Can I freeze this galette?

Yes! Freeze unbaked assembled galette on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.

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🌟 Final Thoughts: Rustic Elegance Made Easy

The beauty of a Rhubarb Galette lies in its effortless combination of rustic charm and elegant presentation. The flaky crust pairs perfectly with tangy, tender rhubarb slices for a dessert that’s as lovely as it is delicious.

Whether for a weekend brunch, a seasonal dinner party, or just a quiet afternoon treat, this galette offers a slice of summer you can make any time.