Mixed Berry Galette with Lemon & Vanilla

 

Mixed Berry Galette with Lemon & Vanilla is an easy rustic summer dessert made with fresh berries, flaky pie crust, and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, backyard cookouts, farmers market weekends, and simple summer entertaining.

Mixed Berry Galette with Lemon & Vanilla

There’s something about summer berries that makes even the simplest desserts feel special.

Growing up, my mom was known for her homemade pies. She had a way of turning an ordinary afternoon into something memorable simply by pulling a fresh pie from the oven. My dad especially loved fruit pies, and they were always the desserts he requested most often. This Mixed Berry Galette with Lemon & Vanilla is my little tribute to him—a simpler, rustic version of the berry-filled desserts that made so many family meals feel special.

Every year, I find myself bringing home more berries than I planned to buy—containers of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries that looked too beautiful to leave behind at the farmers market. While some inevitably disappear as snacks throughout the week, the rest often find their way into easy desserts like this galette.

Galette's have got to be the easiest pies I've ever made! One of the things I love most about a galette is that it feels impressive without requiring much effort. There’s no pie plate to fuss with, no perfectly crimped edges to worry about, and no pressure to make it look flawless. The rustic folds are part of the charm.

As the berries bake, they become jammy and concentrated while the lemon and vanilla brighten every bite. The crust turns golden and crisp around the edges, creating the perfect contrast to the juicy fruit filling.

Whether you're planning a Fourth of July gathering, a summer cookout, or simply looking for a dessert to enjoy on the patio with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this galette is one you'll return to all season long.

Enjoy!

-- Ingredients

For the Filling

• Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)

• Granulated sugar

• Cornstarch - Helps thicken the berry juices as they bake.

• Lemon zest - Adds bright citrus flavor that enhances the berries.

• Lemon juice - Balances the sweetness and keeps the filling tasting fresh.

• Vanilla extract

For the Crust

• Store-bought pie dough, chilled or homemade if preferred

• Egg

• Coarse sugar (optional)

-- Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus zester
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

My Go-To's

Half Sheet Pan - A sturdy sheet pan helps the galette bake evenly while giving the crust plenty of room to brown beautifully.

Parchment Paper - Makes transferring and serving the galette easy while preventing sticking.

Microplane Zester - Perfect for capturing the bright lemon zest that makes the berry filling pop.

-- Let's Make It Together

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, combine the berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until everything is evenly coated.

Place the pie dough on the prepared baking sheet and gently roll it into a roughly 12-inch circle if needed.

Spoon the berry mixture into the center, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling, pleating as you work your way around.

Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until the crust is golden and the berries are bubbling.

Allow the galette to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The biggest key to a successful galette is keeping the filling centered and leaving enough border to create sturdy folds. If your berries seem especially juicy, don't skip the cornstarch—it helps create a thick, jammy filling instead of one that runs across the baking sheet.

-- Add Your Touch

One of the best things about a galette is how easy it is to customize based on what's in season or what you happen to have on hand.

• Add sliced peaches to the berry mixture
• Stir in a pinch of cinnamon
• Use all blueberries or all strawberries
• Sprinkle sliced almonds over the filling before baking
• Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving 

-- Set the Mood 

Food is about more than just the recipe—it’s about the moment around the table. Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.

This Mixed Berry Galette with Lemon & Vanilla is one of my favorite ways to celebrate berry season. It's simple enough for a casual weeknight dessert but beautiful enough to serve at holiday gatherings, summer cookouts, and backyard dinners with friends.

If you're looking for more seasonal recipes, be sure to check out my Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping, Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Goat & Ricotta, and Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Each recipe celebrates the fresh flavors of the season while keeping things approachable and easy to make.

However you serve it, I hope this galette finds its way to your table at least once before berry season slips away.

Before You Start

Can I use frozen berries?
Yes. Use them directly from frozen and expect the baking time to increase by a few minutes.

Do I need to thaw frozen berries first?
No. Thawing can create excess liquid and make the filling watery.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The galette can be baked several hours in advance and served at room temperature.

What berries work best?
Any combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries works beautifully.

How should leftovers be stored?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use homemade pie dough?
Absolutely. Homemade dough works wonderfully if you have a favorite recipe.

Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping

These Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping are soft, fluffy, and packed with fresh berries. This easy small-batch recipe makes six bakery-style muffins topped with a buttery oat crumble and bright lemon flavor. 

Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping

Some recipes feel like they belong to a particular season, and these muffins are one of them.

Every year when strawberries and blueberries start showing up together at the farmers market, I find myself looking for simple ways to use them beyond the usual fruit salad. These Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping just might be one of my favorites. They're soft and tender, filled with juicy berries, and finished with a lemon buttery oat crumble that gives each muffin just the right amount of texture.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, there's no mixer required, and the small-batch yield means you can have fresh muffins on the table without committing to a dozen. It's the kind of recipe that's perfect for a slow weekend morning, an afternoon coffee break, or those moments when you want something homemade without turning it into a project.

The lemon zest is the real secret here—it brightens everything and makes the berries taste even more vibrant without overpowering them. Even with a smaller amount of fruit, the flavor really pops.  

If you're looking for a simple seasonal bake that celebrates summer produce without a lot of fuss, these muffins are exactly that.

Enjoy!

-- Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Canola Oil
• All-Purpose Flour
• Granulated Sugar Baking Powder
• Salt
• Vanilla Extract
• Lemon Zest - The secret ingredient that brightens the entire muffin without overpowering the fruit.
• Blueberries - Burst as they bake, creating little pockets of sweetness.
• Strawberries - Add juicy flavor and beautiful color throughout the muffins.

Oat Crumb Topping

• Rolled Oats
• Brown Sugar
• Flour
• Melted Butter
• Pinch of Salt

The topping bakes into a buttery, crisp layer that makes these muffins feel bakery-worthy.

-- Equipment

• Standard 6-cup muffin pan
• Muffin liners
• 2 mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane or zester
• Cooling rack

My Go-To's

• Standard Muffin Pan - A sturdy muffin pan helps the muffins bake evenly and develop nicely domed tops. When using a 12 well muffin tin place batter in every other well so they rise nice and high.

• Microplane Zester - Makes quick work of lemon zest and produces fine, aromatic citrus without bitterness.

• Silicone Spatula - Perfect for gently folding berries into the batter without crushing them.

-- Let's Make It Together

Start by mixing together the oat crumb topping and setting it aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

Whisk the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another, then gently combine the two. Fold in the strawberries and blueberries, being careful not to overmix.

Divide the batter among six muffin cups and generously sprinkle the oat topping over each one.

The muffins start at a higher oven temperature to encourage tall bakery-style tops, then finish baking at a lower temperature until golden and tender.

After a few minutes of cooling, they're ready to enjoy—preferably while still slightly warm, with bursts of juicy berries and a buttery oat crumble in every bite.

-- Perfecting the Baking Process

The key to tender muffins is avoiding overmixing. Stir the batter only until the flour disappears. A few lumps are perfectly fine and actually help create a lighter, softer texture. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make muffins dense instead of fluffy.

-- Add Your Touch

One of my favorite things about muffin recipes is how easy they are to customize. This base recipe works beautifully with different fruits, spices, and toppings depending on what's in season or what you have on hand.

• Swap raspberries for blueberries
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping
• Stir in white chocolate chips
• Add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor
• Sprinkle coarse sugar over the crumb topping before baking

-- Set the Mood

Part of the joy of cooking is creating a little moment around the meal. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood when serving this dish.

These Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping are such an easy and delightful treat to make.  They're simple enough for an ordinary morning but pretty enough to serve for brunch, weekend guests, or a summer gathering.

If you're looking for more muffin or scone recipes, you might also enjoy these:

• Blueberry Almond Honey Muffins 
• Cherry Garcia Scones 
• Blackberry Swirl Muffins with Crumb Topping 
• Bakery Style Strawberry Almond Scones

Each recipe celebrates fresh ingredients and simple baking in its own way.

Whether you're baking these for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, I hope they bring a little extra sunshine to your kitchen.

-- Before You Start

Can I use frozen berries?
Yes. Use them straight from the freezer and do not thaw first. Thawed berries can release excess moisture into the batter.

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. These muffins stay moist for 2 to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and bake in a standard 12-cup muffin pan.

Why start at a higher oven temperature?
The initial burst of heat helps create taller, bakery-style muffin tops before the temperature is lowered to finish baking evenly.

Can I use a different fruit?
Definitely. Raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or a combination of seasonal berries work beautifully.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate - A Southern Meets Mediterranean Spring Breakfast

This Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate is a fresh, elegant spring breakfast inspired by Southern and Mediterranean flavors.

Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate - A Southern Meets Mediterranean Spring Breakfast

Somewhere between a Southern spring fruit plate and a Mediterranean breakfast spread, this Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate became one of those slow-morning recipes we immediately wanted to make again.

Warm honey-roasted rhubarb, cool creamy labneh, fresh strawberries, and pistachios come together in a breakfast plate that feels both rustic and quietly elegant. The rhubarb softens in the oven with honey and orange zest until glossy and tender, while the strawberries stay fresh and bright for contrast.

I like to think it’s a fresh alternative to the usual yogurt parfait — lighter, more textured, and made for spring mornings when rhubarb finally starts appearing at the market.

Whether you serve it with coffee on the patio or as part of a relaxed weekend brunch, this is the kind of breakfast that makes spring feel like it has officially arrived.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

• rhubarb - Fresh rhubarb becomes soft, jammy, and lightly caramelized in the oven while still holding its shape.
• honey - adds floral sweetness that balances the rhubarb’s natural tartness.
• zest of 1/2 orange - brightens the roasted fruit and adds a subtle citrus warmth that ties everything together.
• labneh - creamy, tangy, and rich — labneh gives this breakfast its Mediterranean-inspired base and feels more luxurious than yogurt.
• strawberries, hulled and sliced - keeping the strawberries fresh adds brightness, texture, and color contrast against the warm rhubarb.
• pistachios - adds crunch and a slightly buttery, nutty finish. 

Equipment

• Small baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Citrus zester or microplane
• Sharp knife
• Small serving platter or shallow bowl

My Go-To’s

• A small white ceramic platter - for café-style plating
• Microplane zester - for bright citrus flavor without bitterness
• Small ceramic baking dish - that keeps the rhubarb snug while roasting

-- Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the rhubarb into a small baking dish. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle over the orange zest, and toss gently to coat.

Roast for 18–22 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender and glossy but still holding its shape.

While the rhubarb roasts, hull and slice the strawberries.

Spread the labneh onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating soft swoops with the back of a spoon. Top with the warm roasted rhubarb and fresh strawberries.

Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Serve immediately with toasted bread, a side of scrambled eggs, or simply enjoy as-is.

-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key to this recipe is roasting the rhubarb just until tender while still holding its shape. Rhubarb can go from perfectly soft to completely collapsed very quickly, so begin checking around the 18-minute mark. Keeping the strawberries fresh also helps balance the warm roasted fruit with brightness and texture, making the entire plate feel lighter and more layered.

-- Add Your Touch

This breakfast plate is easy to adapt depending on what you have in season.

Try swapping the strawberries for cherries, blackberries, or fresh figs later in the year. You can also add granola for extra crunch, sprinkle over fresh mint, or serve everything on toast for a more substantial brunch.

If you prefer a sweeter finish, a little orange blossom honey works beautifully here.

Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.

If you love seasonal breakfasts that feel simple but elevated, this Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate is one of those recipes that captures spring beautifully.

Warm roasted rhubarb, creamy labneh, fresh strawberries, honey, and pistachios come together in a breakfast that feels both relaxed and quietly elegant — perfect for slow mornings, spring brunches, or an easy café-style breakfast at home.

For more seasonal inspiration, you might also enjoy:
• Bakery-Style Strawberry Almond Scones
• Oven-Baked Dutch Baby Pancakes with Roasted Berries
• Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas
• Strawberry Balsamic Ricotta Toast

Before You Start

What is Labneh?

Labneh is a strained yogurt commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. It’s thicker, creamier, and tangier than traditional yogurt, making it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

Can I make this ahead?

You can roast the rhubarb ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble the plate just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead?

Yes. Greek yogurt works well if you can’t find labneh, although the finished dish will be slightly less rich and creamy.

How do I know when rhubarb is done roasting?

The rhubarb should look glossy and softened while still holding its shape. If it begins falling apart when moved, it has cooked too long.


What should I serve with this?

This plate pairs beautifully with toasted bread, pastries, soft boiled eggs, or coffee for a relaxed spring brunch.

 

 

 

What I’m Cooking in May (Fresh, Flavorful, and Actually Easy)

 

What I’m cooking in May: 12 fresh, flavorful recipes perfect for busy weeknights, seasonal produce, easy hosting, no-cook meals, and sweet spring bakes.

May is the time of year when everything starts to feel a little lighter — longer evenings, warmer weather, and meals built around fresh ingredients instead of heavy comfort food. The produce finally starts getting good again, and I naturally start craving recipes that feel colorful, fresh, and easy enough to make on repeat.

This is also the season when my cooking shifts a bit. Weeknight dinners become simpler and lighter, weekends feel more relaxed, and I start leaning into recipes that work just as well for casual hosting as they do for an easy dinner at home.

This collection is filled with the recipes I actually keep reaching for this time of year: quick dinners with big flavor, crunchy seasonal salads, low-effort meals for warmer days, and a few sweet bakes and breakfast treats that feel especially right in May.

Instead of overwhelming you with a giant list of recipes, this is a more curated roundup of the meals I’m genuinely excited to cook right now. Some are newer favorites, while a few are recipes I come back to every single spring because they just work.

If you’re looking for fresh, flavorful recipes to cook this May, these are the ones I’d start with.

These are the dinners I rely on most in May when the days get longer but the energy to cook gets shorter. They come together quickly, but still feel fresh, bold, and satisfying enough to end the day well. Think simple bowls, big flavor, and no overthinking.

Easy Taco Salad

This is one of those dinners I come back to anytime I want something fast but still full of texture and flavor. It’s endlessly customizable, which makes it perfect for busy nights or cleaning out the fridge. I’ve been making it even more often lately as the weather starts to warm up.

Easy Cajun Chicken Bowl for Two

This is a bold, satisfying bowl that comes together quickly but still feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. The seasoning is what makes it — smoky, a little spicy, and perfect over simple rice and fresh toppings. It’s been a go-to when I want something quick but not boring.

Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl

This is a simple, reliable dinner I lean on when I want something fresh but still comforting. The garlic herb flavor keeps it light, while the bowl format makes it easy to customize with whatever vegetables I have on hand. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for weeknights as it does for meal prep.

This is the season when produce finally starts to shine, and my cooking naturally follows what looks best at the market. Crisp greens, asparagus, herbs, and citrus end up in just about everything I make. These recipes are simple, seasonal, and built around letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This is what I make when I want something fresh, colorful, and the perfect side dish to anything. The combination of herbs, vegetables, and lemony dressing makes it taste like peak spring in a bowl. I find myself returning to it every year as soon as produce starts getting good again.

Lemon Asparagus Orecchiette

This is a simple pasta I love making when asparagus is at its best. The lemon keeps everything bright, while the pasta makes it feel just a little indulgent without being heavy. It’s one of those dishes that feels perfect for early warm-weather evenings.

Spring Couscous Salad with Lemon Feta Vinaigrette 

This is one of my favorite spring salads to bring back every year because it just works in so many situations. The lemon and feta dressing ties everything together with bright, tangy flavor. It’s just as good for a quick lunch as it is for side dishes on the weekend.

Weekend meals in May tend to feel a little more relaxed—sometimes casual entertaining, sometimes just a slower meal at home. I like recipes that feel a bit special without requiring much effort or planning. These are fresh, shareable dishes that fit right into that easygoing rhythm.

Chili-Lime Chicken Kabobs

These are what I make when I want something a little fun and flavorful for a weekend meal. The marinade is bright and slightly smoky, which makes them perfect for grilling season. They feel casual but still special enough for sharing.

Ribbon Spring Salad with Buttermilk Dressing 

This is the kind of salad that always feels a little extra in the best way. The ribboned vegetables and creamy dressing make it feel fresh and slightly elevated without being complicated. It’s perfect for spring gatherings or a relaxed weekend meal outside.

Once the weather warms up, I start gravitating toward meals that don’t require much time at the stove. These recipes are light, fresh, and mostly assembly-based, which makes them perfect for busy or warm days. It’s all about keeping things simple without sacrificing flavor.

Grilled Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

This is a simple, no-fuss meal I lean on when I don’t want to spend much time cooking. It’s fresh, satisfying, and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. I especially love it when I want something light but still filling.

Southwest Chicken Salad Bowls

This is one of those meals that feels hearty but still fresh and easy. It’s full of bold flavors and crunchy textures, which makes it really satisfying without feeling heavy. I make it often when I want something quick that still feels put together.

This time of year, I lean toward sweet recipes that feel light, seasonal, and easy to enjoy any time of day. Instead of rich desserts, I reach for fruit-forward bakes, soft pancakes, and simple treats that don’t feel too heavy. They’re the kind of sweet moments that fit naturally into spring and early summer cooking.

Strawberry Almond Pancakes

These are what I make on slow May mornings when strawberries are at their peak. They’re light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to feel special without being heavy. I love serving them with extra berries and a drizzle of honey.

Easy Strawberry Crisp

This is a simple, fruit-forward bake I turn to when strawberries are at their best. It’s warm, lightly sweet, and feels just as good for breakfast as it does for a casual dessert. I like how effortless it is to put together, especially in spring.

Blackberry Swirl Muffins with Crumb Topping 

These are a bakery-style muffin I come back to when I want something a little nostalgic and seasonal. The blackberry swirl adds just enough sweetness and color, while the crumb topping keeps things cozy. They’re perfect for slow mornings or afternoon coffee.

May cooking always feels a little looser and more intuitive — less planning, more leaning into what looks good and what feels easy. These are the recipes I’ll be making as the season shifts, when everything starts to feel a little brighter and more open again.

I hope this gives you a few ideas to carry into your own kitchen this month.

Enjoy!