The Galette des Rois, or King Cake, is a beloved French pastry traditionally enjoyed during Epiphany, but its delicious layers of flaky puff pastry and creamy almond frangipane filling make it worthy of celebration all year long. This classic dessert is easy to prepare at home and offers a crisp, golden exterior with a soft, nutty center that melts in your mouth.
If you’re ready to bring a slice of French tradition to your table, this step-by-step recipe will guide you from prep to presentation with ease.
Ingredients
Yields 8 servings
For the Frangipane Filling:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g ground almonds (almond flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional, but traditional)
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (round or trimmed to fit)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 teaspoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 whole almond (la fève or trinket, optional but traditional)
Prep and Baking Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30–35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Frangipane Filling
- In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in ground almonds, vanilla extract, and rum if using. Mix until smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to firm slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Galette
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place one puff pastry round on the tray. Spread the frangipane evenly on top, leaving a 2 cm border around the edge.
- If using a fève (ceramic trinket or almond), gently press it into the filling near the edge.
Step 3: Seal and Decorate
- Brush the border with water, then place the second pastry round on top.
- Press edges to seal, then crimp with a fork or knife.
- Brush the top with egg wash and use a knife to lightly score decorative patterns (such as spirals or diamonds). Avoid cutting through the dough.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Chill the assembled galette for 15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Traditionally, the youngest guest hides under the table to assign who gets which slice — whoever finds the fève is crowned king or queen!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or sparkling cider.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Fat | 27 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 11 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams |
| Sugars | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 170 milligrams |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on brand of puff pastry and whether rum or trinket is included.
Baking Tips
- For a glossy finish, apply a second layer of egg wash halfway through baking.
- Keep ingredients cold, especially puff pastry, for optimal puff.
- If you’re not using a fève, tuck in a whole almond — the winner still gets to wear the paper crown!
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Frangipane: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or chopped dark chocolate to the filling.
- Apple-Almond Twist: Add a thin layer of stewed apples under the frangipane for extra depth.
- Pistachio Version: Substitute half the ground almonds with finely ground pistachios.
The Galette des Rois is more than just a dessert — it’s a cultural tradition that brings people together with flaky pastry, creamy almond filling, and the fun of discovering the hidden fève. Whether you bake it for Epiphany or any special gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.