Strawberry & Pistachio Galette

There’s something magical about the rustic charm of a galette. Picture a golden, flaky pastry cradling sweet, juicy strawberries, their ruby juices bubbling at the edges, all sprinkled with the nutty crunch of pistachios. This Strawberry & Pistachio Galette feels like summer wrapped in pastry, and trust me, you’re going to love every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough to wow at a weekend gathering.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes from my love for effortless desserts that don’t sacrifice beauty. A galette is the kind of bake that forgives imperfections, even embraces them. The folds of pastry, slightly uneven, only add to its character. Growing up, my family would make fruit tarts during berry season, but I always leaned toward galettes because of their laid-back style. It feels like a dessert meant to be shared at a picnic table, passed around with smiles and sticky fingers.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Galettes have their roots in French baking, where the term originally referred to a flat, round cake. Over time, it became synonymous with free-form pies. Unlike the structured tart, the galette is rustic and relaxed, giving bakers freedom to shape it however they please. Strawberries, beloved across the world, pair beautifully with pistachios, which originated in the Middle East and have been cherished for thousands of years. Together, they create a dessert that bridges cultures and flavors in the most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry & Pistachio Galette

There are plenty of reasons this recipe will win your heart.

Versatile: Works with strawberries, or swap in seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, or berries.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable fresh fruit.

Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques needed, just a few folds of dough and it’s ready for the oven.

Customizable: Adjust sweetness, add a touch of spice, or experiment with different nuts.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its rustic beauty and vibrant colors make it the star of any dessert table.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and assemble just before baking.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat slices for breakfast with a dollop of yogurt or cream.

Print

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The key to a show-stopping galette lies in the details.

1. Keep your butter cold when making the pastry, it ensures flaky layers.
2. Macerate the strawberries with sugar for a few minutes before baking to enhance flavor.
3. Brush the crust with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
4. Sprinkle sugar on the crust edges for extra crunch.
5. Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s gather the essentials.

Mixing Bowl: For preparing the filling and dough.
Rolling Pin: To roll out your pastry evenly.
Baking Sheet: A flat surface to bake the galette.
Parchment Paper: Keeps the galette from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash to the crust.

Ingredients in Strawberry & Pistachio Galette

Each ingredient plays its part in creating this harmonious dessert.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups for the pastry base, providing structure.
2. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup cold, cubed for flakiness in the crust.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup for dough + 1/3 cup for filling to balance sweetness.
4. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon enhances flavor in the dough.
5. Ice Water: 3–4 tablespoons brings the dough together without overworking.
6. Fresh Strawberries: 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced the star fruit filling.
7. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon thickens the strawberry juices.
8. Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon brightens the fruit flavor.
9. Shelled Pistachios: 1/3 cup chopped adds nutty crunch.
10. Egg: 1 beaten for brushing the crust.
11. Coarse Sugar: 1 tablespoon for sprinkling the edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a swap, and this galette makes it easy.

All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust.
Unsalted Butter: Try coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Strawberries: Replace with peaches, blueberries, or cherries.
Pistachios: Use almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy, they burst with flavor and bring natural color to the galette.

Pistachios: Earthy and rich, their slight saltiness balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Instructions for Making Strawberry & Pistachio Galette

Now let’s walk through the steps together so you can enjoy this beauty at home.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place onto parchment-lined sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish: Toss strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Spoon onto dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle pistachios over the top.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fold edges of dough over filling. Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden.
6. Finishing Touches: Let cool slightly before slicing.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dreamy finish.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This galette is a play on contrasts, with a crisp, buttery crust that shatters at the bite and juicy strawberries that melt into a jammy filling. The pistachios add crunch, while the lemon zest provides a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness. Every forkful is balanced between sweet, tangy, nutty, and buttery notes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are some extra pointers to help you shine in the kitchen:

• Chill the dough before rolling for easier handling.
• Use ripe but firm strawberries for the best texture.
• If the filling looks too juicy, add a touch more cornstarch.

What to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls will guarantee your success.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough, it prevents sogginess.
• Don’t overload with fruit, too much filling can leak out.
• Don’t bake at too low a temperature, the crust won’t crisp properly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 290

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The baked galette keeps well at room temperature for a day, or refrigerated for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap slices individually and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

How to Serve Strawberry & Pistachio Galette

Serve this galette warm with vanilla ice cream, chilled with a drizzle of cream, or even plain as a light tea-time treat. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, herbal teas, or a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers can be even more fun. Try chopping a slice and layering it into yogurt parfaits, or warm it and spoon over pancakes. You can even blend it into a milkshake for a fruity twist.

Additional Tips

Add a touch of cardamom or cinnamon to the filling for a spiced kick. If you love extra crunch, sprinkle more pistachios on the crust edges. For added shine, glaze the strawberries with warmed apricot jam after baking.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is everything. Serve your galette on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh strawberries and pistachios around the edges. A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, and a sprig of mint makes it picture-perfect.

Variations to Try

1. Strawberry & Almond Galette with almond extract in the filling.
2. Mixed Berry Galette with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
3. Peach & Pistachio Galette with summer peaches instead of strawberries.
4. Chocolate Strawberry Galette with a thin layer of melted chocolate beneath the fruit.
5. Vegan Strawberry Galette using coconut oil and non-dairy milk for the wash.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

Q2: Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely, it can be chilled up to 2 days or frozen for a month.

Q3: Do I need a food processor for the dough?

No, you can use a pastry cutter or even your hands.

Q4: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Brush the base with a little egg white or sprinkle ground nuts before adding fruit.

Q5: Can I skip the pistachios?

Yes, simply leave them out or replace with another nut.

Q6: Is this galette gluten-free?

Not with all-purpose flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend.

Q7: Can I make mini galettes instead?

Yes, divide dough into smaller rounds and bake for less time.

Q8: Can I add spices to the filling?

Yes, cinnamon or cardamom complement strawberries beautifully.

Q9: What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Use a lightly greased baking sheet, though parchment is easier.

Q10: Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it’s equally delicious chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

The Strawberry & Pistachio Galette is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy. With its rustic charm, bright flavors, and irresistible textures, it’s a dessert that feels both comforting and celebratory. So gather your strawberries, roll out that dough, and bake a treat that will make everyone around your table smile.

How to make Strawberry & Pistachio Galette