Galette des Rois (France)

Galette des Rois (France)

Galette des Rois, or “King Cake,” is a traditional French pastry that is particularly popular during the Epiphany celebrations, which fall on January 6th.

This pastry, often enjoyed with friends and family, has become a beloved symbol of French culture, marking the arrival of the Three Kings to the newborn Christ.

The galette is made of buttery, flaky puff pastry, filled with a rich almond cream (frangipane), and is often served with a fun twist: hidden inside the cake is a fève, a small trinket or figurine.

Whoever finds the fève in their slice is crowned “king” or “queen” for the day and often gets to wear a crown as part of the celebration.

Though the tradition originates in France, the Galette des Rois has found its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of people around the world. Its delicious almond filling, combined with the crispy layers of puff pastry, makes it an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions.

Whether you’re celebrating the Epiphany, hosting a French-themed party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, making this pastry from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Ingredients

This recipe will yield one 9-inch galette, serving about 8 people.

For the Puff Pastry:

• 500g (about 1 lb) store-bought puff pastry (or homemade puff pastry if preferred)
• For the Almond Cream (Frangipane):
• 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 125g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 125g (1¼ cups) almond meal (ground almonds)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional, for added flavor)
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1 fève (a small trinket or figurine, optional but traditional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

How to Make Galette des Rois

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Cream (Frangipane)

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add the almond meal (ground almonds), eggs, vanilla extract, rum (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.

Once the frangipane is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and makes it easier to spread when assembling the galette.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

While the frangipane is chilling, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You’ll need two circles of pastry, one for the base and one for the top.

Using a plate or a cake pan as a guide, cut out two 9-inch (23 cm) circles of puff pastry. Try to keep the edges as neat as possible to create a clean and professional-looking galette.

Place one of the pastry circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will be the bottom layer of the galette.

Step 3: Assemble the Galette des Rois

Once the frangipane has chilled, spoon it onto the center of the pastry circle on the baking sheet, leaving a border of about 1 inch around the edge. Use a spatula to spread the frangipane evenly.

If you are using a fève, hide it somewhere in the almond cream, making sure it is placed near the edge, not in the center, to avoid anyone accidentally biting into it.

Brush the edge of the pastry with a little bit of water using a pastry brush. This will help the top layer of pastry stick to the bottom.

Place the second pastry circle on top of the almond cream. Gently press down around the edges to seal the pastry together. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges to create a decorative border.

To give the galette a beautiful finish, score the top lightly with a sharp knife in a spiral or a crisscross pattern. Be sure not to cut too deeply into the pastry, as you just want to create a visual design.

Brush the top of the galette with a beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Galette des Rois

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the assembled galette in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the filling is set. Keep an eye on it during the final few minutes of baking to ensure the pastry doesn’t over-brown.

Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

If desired, dust the top of the galette with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Slice the galette into wedges, and be sure to warn your guests to check for the fève before taking their slice. The person who finds the fève in their portion is crowned the “king” or “queen” of the day and typically wears a paper crown.

Enjoy the galette with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of Champagne to complete your French celebration.

Chef’s Notes

Puff Pastry Options: While you can certainly make your own puff pastry, using high-quality store-bought puff pastry saves a lot of time and effort. Be sure to choose a butter-based puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.

Fève Alternatives: Traditionally, a small porcelain or ceramic fève is used, but if you don’t have one, you can use a dried bean or a small piece of foil wrapped tightly. If you’re worried about guests finding the fève, you can use a more modern approach by placing it in a slice just before serving.

Frangipane Variations: While almond cream is the most common filling, you can customize it by adding a bit of chocolate, orange zest, or even a hint of cinnamon. This will add an interesting twist to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas: Galette des Rois is delicious served on its own or with a side of whipped cream or crème fraîche. It’s also perfect alongside a glass of dry Champagne or sparkling wine to celebrate in style.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note, the nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredients used.

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 2% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 2% of Daily Value
• Iron: 8% of Daily Value

Final Thoughts

Galette des Rois is not only a delicious dessert but also a fun, cultural tradition that brings people together. Its flaky, buttery layers of pastry paired with the smooth, nutty almond cream make each bite irresistible.

Whether you are celebrating the Epiphany or simply indulging in a French pastry, this galette will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

It’s a wonderful way to embrace French culinary heritage while enjoying the rich, decadent flavors of almond and puff pastry. So, gather your family and friends, hide the fève, and let the fun begin!

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