Homemade Plum Galette: A Simple Dessert Anyone Can Bake

I still remember the first time I baked a plum galette for my family. It was late summer, and the fruit basket on my kitchen counter was overflowing with ripe plums. My kids kept asking for something sweet, and I didn’t want to make a heavy dessert. A galette felt like the right answer—simple, rustic, and not fussy at all.

The beauty of this recipe is how relaxed it feels. You don’t have to worry about making it perfect; in fact, the uneven folds and golden edges are what make it charming. Every time I bake one, the smell of sweet plums mixed with buttery pastry fills the kitchen, and it reminds me that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to be special.

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I picked up the idea of a galette years ago from a cooking magazine. The original recipe was for peaches, but I’ve always had a soft spot for plums. They bring a nice mix of tart and sweet that balances the buttery crust beautifully. After trying it a couple of times, I started making it my own by adjusting the sugar and adding a touch of cinnamon.

Why Plum Galette

I love this dessert because it feels approachable. Unlike pies, you don’t need to worry about making it look perfect. It’s meant to be rustic and laid back, which makes it less stressful but just as delicious. Plus, plums are often overlooked when it comes to baking, and this recipe gives them the attention they deserve.

What is Plum Galette Made of?

A galette is basically a free-form tart. It’s made with a flaky pastry dough, fresh sliced plums, a little sugar, and often a hint of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg. The dough is rolled out flat, the fruit is placed in the center, and then the edges are folded over before baking. Simple ingredients, but they come together beautifully.

What to Have with Plum Galette

A warm slice of galette pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even plain Greek yogurt if you want something lighter. I also like serving it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon—it makes a cozy little treat.

Is Plum Galette Healthy?

It’s still a dessert, so it does have butter and sugar, but it’s lighter than a traditional pie. Using fresh plums adds natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamin C. If you want to cut back on sugar, you can use less without losing too much flavor, since plums are naturally sweet.

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife for slicing plums
• Pastry brush (for egg wash, optional)

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 4–5 ripe plums, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For finishing:

• 1 egg (beaten, for brushing crust)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

How to Make Plum Galette (step by step)

Start with the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Slice the plums and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then gently toss until coated. Set aside.

When the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rough circle, about 12 inches wide. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the plums in the center, leaving about 2 inches of dough around the edges. Fold the edges over the fruit, pleating as you go.

Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you’d like. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.

Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
• Don’t overfill with fruit or the juices may leak out.
• If your plums are very tart, add a little more sugar.
• You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought dough works fine.

Do I have to peel the plums?
No, the skin softens as it bakes and adds extra flavor.

Can I freeze a galette?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely—peaches, nectarines, or berries also work well.

Another Recipes Like This Recipe

• Peach Galette
• Apple Crostata
• Mixed Berry Galette
• Homemade Oatmeal Apple Cake: A Simple Family Favorite
• Raspberry Bread Recipe (Super Soft & Berry-Packed!)

Conclusion

Baking a plum galette feels almost effortless, yet the result is something special. It’s the kind of dessert that looks lovely on the table but doesn’t need hours of work. For me, it’s the perfect way to enjoy plums when they’re in season and to share something homemade with the people I love.

Recipe Information

Servings: 6
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time for dough)
Nutritional Information (per serving): ~220 calories, 12g fat, 28g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g protein