Nicole Rucker

The Climb

At San Francisco Art Institute, Nicole Rucker studied photography, and that discipline carried into pastry through composition, contrast, and control. The first professional kitchen step came as morning baker at Influx in San Diego, where the work moved from image to dough and from concept to repetition. As pastry chef at Gjelina Group, the register sharpened again: tighter rhythm, cleaner finish, and a steadier focus on the plate in front of the customer. That arc from art school to bakery and pastry kitchen still defines the work. Nicole Rucker’s path has kept the language of photography inside baking, where structure has to hold and instinct still has room to operate. As founder, baker, and co-owner of Fat + Flour, she carries all three parts of the role at once: creative, operational, and hands-on.

Today

Fat + Flour gives Nicole Rucker a base in the Greater Los Angeles Area, where she serves as Head Chef and owner in Culver City, Los Angeles. The menu stays close to rustic desserts and pies, a format that matches the kitchen’s approach: direct construction, generous portions, and flavor combinations that read cleanly without extra decoration. Chocolate Chess Pie with Peanut Butter Meringue is one of the signatures, and its effect comes from stacked elements that stay legible: chocolate, peanut butter, and toasted meringue working in one slice. Salted caramel hand pies carry that same thinking into a smaller format, while key lime slices bring a sharper citrus line to the mix. Rosewater lemon meringue folds floral notes into tartness, and Stone Fruit Party gathers white peaches, nectarines, and cherries into a seasonal fruit dessert with strong color and clear intent. Taken together, those desserts define Fat + Flour’s center of gravity. They are pies and rustic sweets built for clarity, with ingredients that stay visible and flavors that announce themselves early.

Career - founder, baker, and co-owner — Fat + Flour, Greater Los Angeles Area - morning baker — Influx, San Diego - pastry chef — Gjelina Group Education: San Francisco Art Institute

Signature

Nicole's signature dishes include Chocolate Chess Pie with Peanut Butter Meringue, Fat + Flour: The Art of a Simple Bake, and Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers.

Recognition

Nicole's honors include James Beard Award nomination and James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist.

FAQ What is Nicole Rucker's current role? As of 2026, Nicole Rucker is Head Chef and Owner. Where did Nicole Rucker train or study? Nicole Rucker trained at San Francisco Art Institute. What recognition has Nicole Rucker received? James Beard Award nomination.