French King Cake

Galette des Rois, or “King Cake,” is a beloved French pastry traditionally enjoyed during Epiphany. With its flaky, golden puff pastry crust and rich almond frangipane filling, this elegant dessert is both simple and sophisticated. Often, a small trinket or “fève” is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic French Tradition – A time-honored dessert perfect for celebrations.
• Flaky and Buttery – The puff pastry creates a light, crispy texture.
• Rich Almond Flavor – The frangipane filling is nutty, sweet, and creamy.
• Easy to Make – Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

For the Frangipane Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the almond flour, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and rum (if using) until smooth.

Assemble the Galette:

3. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into two equal circles.
4. Place one sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread the frangipane filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Seal the Cake:

6. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press the edges together to seal.
7. Use a fork or knife to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Decorate:

8. Brush the top with the egg wash.
9. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a decorative pattern on the surface without cutting through.

Bake:

10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Cool & Serve:

12. Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8

Variations

• Chocolate Frangipane – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the almond filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Fruit-Filled Galette – Layer thinly sliced pears, apples, or raspberries over the frangipane before sealing the pastry.
• Nut-Free Version – Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds or a vanilla custard filling.
• Extra Crunch – Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.
• Citrus Zest – Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

What is the tradition behind Galette des Rois?

Galette des Rois is traditionally eaten on Epiphany (January 6th). A small trinket or “fève” is hidden inside, and the person who finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.

Can I make this without almond flour?

Yes, you can use hazelnut flour or make a simple vanilla pastry cream as a substitute.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.

What can I use instead of rum?

You can omit the rum or replace it with a tablespoon of orange juice for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure to press and crimp the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.

Can I prepare Galette des Rois in advance?

Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Should I serve Galette des Rois warm or cold?

It’s best served warm or at room temperature for the ideal texture and flavor.

Can I add a fève (trinket) inside?

Yes! Wrap a small, oven-safe fève (or a dry bean) in parchment paper and place it in the filling before sealing the pastry.

How do I get the perfect golden crust?

Brush the pastry generously with egg wash and bake until golden brown.

What should I serve with Galette des Rois?

It pairs well with a glass of Champagne, coffee, or a light vanilla sauce.

Conclusion

Galette des Rois is a delicious, flaky, and festive pastry that’s perfect for celebrating Epiphany or any special occasion. With its buttery crust and rich almond filling, this French classic is sure to impress. Try it today and bring a taste of France to your table!