French King Cake (Galette des Rois)

The French King Cake, also called Galette des rois, is a buttery puff pastry filled up with a frangipane which is an almond-based filling. In France, this delicious golden treat is eaten on January 6 for the Epiphany but really also all January long.

If you enjoyed my Almond cake or my pear tart with almond cream, it is pretty certain that you will love this recipe as the almond flavor is dominant too.

Although it is originally a Christian tradition, the King Cake is enjoyed by all French at the beginning of the year. No one passes on this delicious tradition where a small charm is hidden and the person who gets the slice with it is crowned King or Queen of the day.

Jump to:

• What Is A King Cake?
• 🥣 Ingredients
• 🥧 How To Prepare It (with tips)
• 💭 FAQ
• 📖 French King Cake

What Is A King Cake?

It is a simple galette consisting of 2 sheets of puff pastry with almond filling. In the Christian religion, the Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem delivering a gift to baby Jesus.

In France, you can find these delicious desserts in all stores and bakeries from December to the end of January.

🥣 Ingredients

First, let gather the ingredients needed for this recipe:

• 2 rolls of puff pastry: I use a store bought one but you can definitely make you own if you wish
• Melted butter
• Eggs: Medium size is great
• Brown sugar: White sugar works too
• Almond flour or almond meal: I buy this one.
• Optional: Almond extract

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Also, it is helpful to prepare the utensils you will need for the recipe:

• A large bowl
• A whisk
• A large plate
• A baking brush
• A sharp knife
• A small charm or fève
• A baking sheet

🥧 How To Prepare It (with tips)

First, if like me, you are using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it out at room temperature 2 hours before.

Next, in a large bowl, you will mix your melted butter with the sugar. Mix some more until combined. Then, add the almond flour. Lastly, add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix well.

This is your almond filling or frangipane. Now, you need to put a film wrap to contact and place it in the fridge for an hour and this is a great time to preheat oven.

TIP: You can also place your almond filling 15 minutes in the freezer instead of an hour in the fridge.

Assembling

Next, unroll your puff pastry and grab the plate and the sharp knife. Place the plate upside down on the dough and with the knife cut around the plate to shape your cake. (see picture below).

With a little water and a baking brush, wet the borders of the dough. It will allow the other sheet to stick better.

TIP: You can use the discard to make these cinnamon puff pastry sticks or you can also make the King cake in a rectangular shape.

Now, take your almond filling out of the fridge and spread it in an even manner on the dough without going to close the edges. It is also the moment to add your little charm if you have one.

Using the same plate, cut the other puff pastry dough in a round shape and place it on top of the other one where your spread the frangipane.

With a fork, squeeze the edge to allow the 2 sheets to seal. And, with your sharp knife, make some designs on the top of the cake, you need to make light scar marks that do not go deep in the dough.

I made a few strips in different directions. You can also make marks starting from the centre.

Finally, the last step before putting your galette in the oven, brush the pie with an egg yolk to give it that beautiful golden color when it comes out of the oven.

At last, you can bake this cake and prepare yourself to eat a deliciously buttery and flaky almond cake.

💭 FAQ

More French Traditional Dessert Recipes:

Yule Log: For your Christmas table

French Mendiants: An easy traditional chocolate bark

Sweet Bread: Part of the Christmas desserts

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