French King Cake "Galette des Rois"

Learn how to create the ultimate French King Cake, known as 'Galette des Rois,' a beloved traditional dessert in France, especially on Epiphany day. Crafted with homemade puff pastry and filled with almond cream, this King Cake is a delightful treat that's sure to impress.

More French Recipes? Give these a try, Almond Phitivier cake, French Meringue, French Crepes,

Jump to:

• What is Galette des Rois ?
• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients Notes
• How to Make Traditional French Almond Galette des Rois
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage and Freeze
• Variations & Substitutions
• FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
• More Kings Cake Recipes
• French King Cake "Galette des Rois"

What is Galette des Rois ?

Galette des Rois, also known as the French King Cake, is a classic French dessert traditionally enjoyed in January to celebrate Epiphany on January 6th. This holiday marks the arrival of the Three kings to visit baby Jesus.

This delicious galette des rois I'm sharing with you here is the traditional version, composed of two layers of puff pastry and filled with a real frangipane cream, which is a blend of vanilla pastry cream and the almond filling cream.

Ingredients Notes

You need these ingredients to make this Almond French King Cake:

• Puff pastry: Make your homemade puff pastry; it will be better than store-bought puff pastry, with a crispier texture and beautifully buttery layers.
• Vanilla Pastry Cream: Vanilla pastry cream serves as the base for the frangipane filling. It provides a rich, custard-like texture and a distinct vanilla flavor. The pastry cream is typically made with ingredients like milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
• Almond cream: This almond paste is made from unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, almond meal or almond flour, and almond extract, or rum for flavor.

How to Make Traditional French Almond Galette des Rois

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Make the Puff pastry

Step 1: Follow the recipe for homemade puff pastry, quick puff pastry, inverted puff pastry or use direct 2 discs of ready-made puff pastry.

Make the almond filling

Step 1: Make the almond cream first, mix in a large bowl all the ingredients, the softened butter, sugar, eggs, and ground almonds, then set aside in a cool place.

Step 2: Then prepare the pastry cream, heat the milk with the vanilla bean and let it infuse for a few minutes. Whisk the sugar with the egg yolks then add the flour and mix again.

Add the hot milk to the yolk mixture, then return to the heat and cook the cream until it reaches a thick consistency.

Place the pastry cream in a dish and cover it with plastic wrap and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Combine the almond cream filling and pastry cream with an electric mixer for 2 minutes to make the frangipane and set aside in a cool place until ready to assemble.

Assemble the cake

Step 1: Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a large square about 3 mm thick.

Step 2: Place the first circle of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and fill the inside with a piping bag with almond filling, leaving a 2-inch / 5 cm border. (Place your bean inside)

Step 3: With a pastry brush moisten the edges with water to stick the second disc and cover with the second disk of puff pastry and press the edges together to weld them.

Scratch

• Use a small knife or special bakery blade and score in the pattern of your choice. (Be careful not to press too hard or the filling may leak out during baking)
• Apply the egg wash with a pastry brush (you can also apply the egg wash before scratching) on top of the puff pastry.

Baking

• Place your galette des Rois in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or 10 minutes in the freezer while the oven is preheating.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 180°C and bake the galette des Rois for about 45-50 minutes until it is golden brown on top.
• Let the cake cool down a bit before serving it a little warm with a good coffee.

Storage and Freeze

At room temperature: The frangipane galette des rois can be kept at room temperature, covered with a cloth, under a cloche or plastic wrap for about 3-4 days.

You can slightly reheat it in the microwave on low power or place it in the oven for a few moments to give it some more freshness.

How to freeze it?

When the king cake is completely cooled, place it in a storage box or large tart dish and cover with plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Just let it thaw gently at room temperature.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Can Galette des Rois be enjoyed year-round?

While traditionally associated with the Epiphany, Galette des Rois is enjoyed by many throughout the entire month of January. Some bakeries and patisseries offer it year-round, allowing people to savor its delicious flavors whenever they desire.

Is Galette des Rois a regional specialty in France?

Galette des Rois is not limited to any specific region in France and is enjoyed nationwide. However, some regions may have their unique variations and traditions associated with the dessert.

More Kings Cake Recipes

I hope you love these French Almond Galette des Rois. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

Print