Rhubarb Galette Recipe

When it comes to seasonal baking, few recipes capture the essence of spring like a Rhubarb Galette. With its flaky, buttery crust and striking swirl of tangy rhubarb, this rustic free-form tart is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that doesn’t require a pie tin or perfect crust crimping—just fresh rhubarb and a little creativity.

Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch, cap off a spring dinner party, or simply celebrate rhubarb season, this galette delivers both style and flavor.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Galette

• ✅ Visually stunning without being fussy

• ✅ No pie dish or special tools required

• ✅ Flaky, golden crust that’s foolproof and forgiving

• ✅ Customizable filling — add strawberries, almond cream, or citrus

• ✅ Perfect for spring gatherings or weekend baking

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Galette Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 3–5 tbsp ice water

🧈 Shortcut option: Store-bought pie crust works too, though homemade dough adds superior flakiness.

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For the Rhubarb Filling:

• 4–5 stalks fresh rhubarb, sliced thinly (¼-inch) on the diagonal

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

• Optional: apricot jam or honey (to glaze the rhubarb after baking)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make a Rhubarb Galette

🧊 Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together.

4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

💡 Make ahead tip: Dough can be made up to 3 days in advance or frozen for 1 month.

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🍓 Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb

1. In a large bowl, toss sliced rhubarb with sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and cornstarch.

2. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release some juices.

✨ Artistic tip: For a rose or swirl pattern, slice rhubarb on a sharp diagonal and sort by size for easier arranging.

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🍥 Step 3: Roll and Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Roll dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.

3. Transfer to baking sheet.

4. Arrange rhubarb slices in a swirl, spiral, or abstract pattern, leaving a 1½–2-inch border.

5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating gently.

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🖌️ Step 4: Bake

1. Brush dough edges with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

3. Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.

✨ Optional glaze: Warm 1 tbsp apricot jam and brush over rhubarb for a glossy finish.

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✨ Galette Tips & Variations

🔄 Swap or Add Fruits

• Rhubarb + strawberries = classic spring combo

• Rhubarb + orange = vibrant citrus twist

• Rhubarb + raspberries = bolder tartness

🌰 Add a Flavor Layer

• Spread a thin layer of almond cream (frangipane) or cream cheese before adding rhubarb

• Add a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger for depth

🧊 Make It Ahead

• Dough and sliced rhubarb can be prepped a day in advance

• Freeze the assembled, unbaked galette for future use

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🧊 Storage & Serving

• Room Temperature: Keeps well for up to 2 days, lightly covered

• Fridge: Store up to 5 days; reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes

• Freezer: Freeze baked slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month

🍦 Serve With:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

• A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche

• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

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💬 Rhubarb Galette FAQs

❓ Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry before using to avoid excess liquid. You may also need a bit more cornstarch.

🍓 Do I need to peel rhubarb?

Not usually. If the stalks are thick or stringy, peeling the outer layer with a paring knife or peeler can help with texture.

🥧 Why use a galette instead of pie?

Galettes are less fussy, easier to assemble, and bake faster. They offer all the flavor of a pie without the pressure of perfection.

🍯 Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and chill the dough well before rolling.

🌿 How do I keep the crust flaky?

Use cold butter, don’t overwork the dough, and chill the galette before baking if your kitchen is warm.

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🍽 Final Thoughts: Simple, Elegant, and Bursting with Spring Flavor

The Rhubarb Galette proves that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be stunning. With just a few ingredients and some seasonal produce, you can create a dessert that’s both rustic and refined. Perfect for showing off rhubarb in all its tart, pink glory—whether you’re a beginner baker or a pastry pro.

One bite of the crisp, golden crust and tangy-sweet filling, and you’ll see why galettes are the ultimate dessert cheat code for home bakers.