How to Make an Authentic Galette des Rois

Galette des Rois, or “King Cake,” is a traditional French pastry typically enjoyed during the Epiphany season, which runs from January 6th to the end of the month. This delicious cake is made with layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry and filled with a rich almond cream. It’s a symbol of the visit of the Three Kings to the baby Jesus and is often served with a figurine, called a “fève,” hidden inside. Here’s how to make an authentic Galette des Rois at home.

Ingredients

For the almond filling (frangipane):

• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (1 cup) ground almonds
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the pastry:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 fève (optional, but traditional)

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan or a baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Knife

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the ground almonds: Stir in the ground almonds until well combined.
3. Incorporate the egg and almond extract: Add the egg and almond extract and mix until smooth.
4. Add the flour: Stir in the flour to bind everything together. The filling should be smooth and thick but spreadable. Set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the puff pastry: If using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases and ensure even thickness. If you’re using homemade puff pastry, roll it out to about 3mm thick.
2. Cut the pastry: Using a round template, such as a plate or cake pan, cut out two 9-inch circles from the pastry. You will use these as the top and bottom of the galette.

Step 3: Assemble the Galette

1. Place the first layer of pastry: Place one of the pastry circles on a baking sheet or a cake pan. Ensure the sheet is lined with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Spread the almond filling: Using a spatula, spread the almond filling evenly over the pastry, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of space along the edges to ensure the pastry can seal properly.
3. Add the fève: If you’re using a fève, carefully place it somewhere within the almond cream, ensuring it’s hidden. The fève is traditionally small, so make sure it’s not visible once the top layer of pastry is added.
4. Cover with the second layer of pastry: Gently place the second pastry circle on top of the filling. Press down the edges to seal the two layers together, crimping with a fork or your fingers to ensure a tight seal.
5. Create a decorative edge: You can use the back of a knife to create a decorative border by gently scoring the edge of the galette, but be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Decoration

1. Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create the egg wash.
2. Brush the galette: Brush the top of the galette with the egg wash to give it a golden, glossy finish.
3. Decorate the top: Use the back of a knife to gently score the surface of the galette in a spiral pattern or with a simple crisscross design. This will help the pastry expand evenly and add a beautiful decorative effect.

Step 5: Bake the Galette

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the galette: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
3. Cool the galette: Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Cut the galette into wedges and serve. Traditionally, the youngest person at the table hides under the table and chooses who gets each slice to ensure fairness in finding the fève.
2. Enjoy: Whoever finds the fève in their slice becomes the king or queen for the day and must wear a crown. This adds a fun element of tradition to the dessert!

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality puff pastry: While store-bought puff pastry works perfectly well for this recipe, using a high-quality brand will make a big difference in flavor and flakiness.
• Chill the pastry: If the puff pastry becomes too warm while working with it, it can become difficult to handle. Chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes between steps to maintain its flaky texture.
• Do not overfill: Be sure not to overfill the galette, as the almond cream can leak out during baking and create a mess. A generous layer is enough, but it should not be piled on.
• Add a twist to the filling: While almond cream is traditional, you can add variations to the filling by mixing in a bit of orange zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of rum for added flavor.

Making a Galette des Rois at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to partake in a beloved French tradition. Whether you’re celebrating Epiphany or simply want to enjoy a delicious, flaky pastry, this treat is sure to impress your friends and family.