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    Home » Desserts » French King Cake (Galette des Rois)

    French King Cake (Galette des Rois)

    Published: Jan 2, 2022 · Modified: Apr 30, 2022 by Mélanie · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Side view of a king cake slice on a white plate with a vintage spoon
    Top view of a baked French King cake sliced on a gold plate
    Side view of a plate with a slice of king cake with a mini red crown on the side and more slices in the bake and the rest of the cake on a cake stand.
    Side view close up of a french king cake on a white plate.

    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.

    Side view of a king cake slice on a white plate with a vintage spoon
    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.

    Top view of a french king cake sliced and 2 white plates with a slice each.

    🥣 Ingredients

    First, let gather the ingredients needed for this recipe:

    Top view of the ingredients needed for a King cake: almond flour, butter, puff pastry, sugar and eggs.
    • 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
    Side view of a plate with a slice of king cake with a mini red crown on the side and more slices in the bake and the rest of the cake on a cake stand.

    🥧 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.

    Melted butter and sugar
    Almond cream ready

    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.

    Contouring the plate to shape the cake
    Brushing some water on the edges

    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.

    Top view of the almond filling on the puff pastry dough with a charm in the filling

    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.

    Sealing the 2 sheets of dough
    Scaring the dough
    Brushing egg yolk

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

    Top view of a baked French King cake sliced on a gold plate

    💭 FAQ

    What is the best way to eat the French King Cake?

    I would say there are 2 main ways, either at room temperature or slightly warmed up. I prefer the latter. Not straight out of the oven, this would be too hot but rather, warmed up 10 seconds in the microwave.

    How do you store the King Cake?

    The cake can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it once baked and cooled down.

    What does it mean if I get the charm?

    You are crowned King or Queen for the day. French bakery provides a golden crown so you get proudly wear it. Also, it is a sign of luck for the new year!

    Is the charm supposed to be baked on the cake?

    Yes, you will need to use a porcelain or ceramic charm. Do not worry if you do not have one, you can skip this part, it just adds some fun to the tradition.

    Could I use homemade puff pastry?

    Absolutely, there is a great one on Baked's website here.

    Side view close up of a french king cake on a white plate.

    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

    Print Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    📖 French King Cake

    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.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: French
    Servings: 8 slices
    Calories: 526kcal
    Author: Mélanie

    Ingredients

    • 2 rolls of puff pastry 450g
    • ¾ cup butter
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • 1 and ¼ cup almond flour
    • 2 eggs medium size
    • 1 egg yolk

    Instructions

    • If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it out at room temperature 2 hours before.
    • In a pot, melt the butter.
    • In a bowl, pour the melted butter and sugar. Stir well.
    • Pour all the almond flour at once and stir well.
    • Add the eggs one by one. Mix some more.
    • Put a film wrap to contact on the almond filling and place it in the fridge for an hour.
    • Preheat oven at 400F.
    • Unroll the puff pastry and grab a plate (25 cm/10 inch) and the sharp knife. Place the plate upside down on the dough and with the knife cut around the plate to shape your cake.
    • With a little of water and a baking brush, wet the borders of the dough. It will allow the other sheet to stick better.
    • Take your almond filling out of the fridge and spread it in an even manner on the dough without going to close the edges.
    • 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 design on the top the cake, you need to make light scar marks, do not go deep in the dough.
    • Brush the pie with an egg yolk.
    • Bake for 30 minutes.

    Notes

    www.bonappeteat.ca

    Nutrition

    Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim Osborne says

      January 09, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      I've seen these in French Patisseries and always wondered what was inside! Now I know :)

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 11, 2015 at 9:34 pm

        Now you know Kim but you also need to try it ;)

        Reply
    2. [email protected] everybody loves pretty says

      January 09, 2015 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      Your Daughters little hands are so precious!! These lok delicious Melanie!!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 11, 2015 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks Candice, i love those little fatty hands too :)

        Reply
    3. Shareba says

      January 09, 2015 at 7:38 pm

      5 stars
      These look delicious!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 11, 2015 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks Shareba!

        Reply
    4. Melissa says

      January 09, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! I love your daughter's little hands helping you. Makes a great photo :)

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 11, 2015 at 9:35 pm

        Thank you Melissa, she's my little assistant!

        Reply
    5. Alina says

      January 05, 2022 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      It is absolutely delicious! It is spectacular! We don't even wait for it to cool down to try it. I highly recommend it! It is VERY goooood! We do not like very sweet sweets, and this one particularly has the exact point of sugar. It's delicious! And perfect for Epiphany Day!!! Go for it!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 07, 2022 at 11:03 pm

        Thank you so much Alina! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. SKG says

      January 12, 2022 at 11:29 am

      I think you mean 25cm (12 inches) for the plate. Headed to the grocery store to get the pastry puff!

      Reply
      • Mélanie says

        January 16, 2022 at 8:51 pm

        Oh yes! It was 25 cm/10 inch. I corrected it. How did you enjoy the cake?

        Reply

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