Galette des Rois Recipe (French Kings Cake)

1. On a floured surface roll the puff pastry and cut 2-23cm (9-inch) circles. Keep in the fridge while making the filling.
2. Make the filling: in a large bowl mix softened butter and sugar. Then, add 3 eggs, one at the time and mix until incorporated. Add ground almonds and mix until combined. Add vanilla extract, orange zest and mix until combined. Transfer the filling into a piping bag.
3. Take the pastry out of the fridge and brush the edges with egg/water. Pipe the filling on the pastry, leaving about 1-inch of space. Place the second pastry on top and seal the edges.
4. Brush the pie with beaten egg and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
6. Take the pie out of the fridge and brush with a beaten egg again. Using the back of the knife, decorate the pie as desired.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Make simple syrup (optional): in a small saucepan combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
9. Take the cake out of the oven, brush with syrup and allow to cool.

What is Galette des Rois?

Galette des Rois, also known as the "King's Cake," is a traditional French pastry that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season, particularly on Epiphany, a Christian holiday that falls on January 6^th (the 12^th day of Christmas). It is also sometimes called Three Kings' Day, and in some traditions celebrated as Little Christmas. The pastry is made with layers of flaky puff pastry, with a filling of either frangipane (a sweet almond cream) or fruit compote. A small ceramic figurine, called a "fève," is also hidden inside the pastry.

The tradition of the Galette des Rois dates back to ancient Rome, where a cake was baked to honor the gods and bring good luck to the household. In France, the tradition was adopted and evolved to become a celebration of the three kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

The Galette des Rois is usually served as a dessert, and it is typically sliced and served with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. The person who finds the fève in their slice of cake is crowned the "king" or "queen" for the day and is given the privilege of choosing their partner, who becomes the "prince" or "princess."

In some regions of France, the Galette des Rois is accompanied by a special crown or headpiece, which is worn by the person who finds the fève. The person who finds the fève is also expected to host the next Galette des Rois celebration, or to provide the pastry for the occasion.

The Galette des Rois is a beloved tradition in France, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, and it is a delicious treat that is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Why Do You Put Lucky Charm (Fève) Into Galette Des Rois?

The tradition of placing a small ceramic figurine, called a "fève," inside the Galette des Rois dates back to ancient Rome, where a cake was baked to honor the gods and bring good luck to the household. In France, the tradition was adopted and evolved to become a celebration of the three kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

The fève, also known as a lucky charm, is hidden inside the pastry and is traditionally made of ceramic or porcelain. It can be a small figurine, such as a shepherd or a king, or it can be a more modern design, such as a cartoon character or a sports team logo.  If you don't want to put a ceramic toy into your cake, you can use an almond or something small and edible and not dangerous.

The person who finds the fève in their slice of Galette des Rois is crowned the "king" or "queen" for the day and is given the privilege of choosing their partner, who becomes the "prince" or "princess." In some regions of France, the person who finds the fève is also expected to host the next Galette des Rois celebration, or to provide the pastry for the occasion.

The tradition of the fève adds an element of fun and surprise to the Galette des Rois, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a beloved tradition in France and is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.

What Is The Filling Of The Kings Cake Made Of?

The filling of Galette des rois  (King's cake) is called Frangipane. Frangipane is a sweet almond cream filling that is commonly used in the Kings Cake. It is made by combining butter, sugar, eggs, and almond flour to create a smooth, creamy filling. The frangipane filling is spread over the layers of puff pastry before the cake is baked, and it adds a rich, nutty flavor to the pastry. You also can add extracts of your choice, such as: vanilla extract, rum extract and more. You also can add orange or lemon zest that gives a nice kick to the filling.

Frangipane is a versatile filling that can be used in a variety of pastries and desserts. It is often used in tarts and pies, and it can also be used to fill cookies, cakes, and other pastries. Frangipane can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, fruit, or spices, to give it a unique twist.

In addition to frangipane, the Kings Cake can also be filled with fruit compote, which is a mixture of cooked fruit, sugar, and spices. The fruit compote filling is made by simmering fruit, such as apples, pears, or berries, with sugar and spices until it is thick and jam-like. The fruit compote is spread over the layers of puff pastry before the cake is baked, and it adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the pastry.

How to Store Galette Des Rois?

To store a Galette des Rois, you can follow these steps:

1. Place the Galette des Rois in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
2. Store the Galette des Rois in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The puff pastry will stay crisp and the filling will remain fresh in the cool temperature of the refrigerator.
3. If you want to store the Galette des Rois for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, wrap the Galette des Rois in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
4. To defrost the Galette des Rois, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can place it in the microwave on the defrost setting for a few minutes until it is thawed.
5. When you are ready to serve the Galette des Rois, you can warm it up in the oven or microwave to refresh the pastry and bring out the flavor of the filling.

By following these simple steps, you can store your Galette des Rois and enjoy it at a later date.