How to Make Galette des Rois – A French Delight for the New Year

 

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Introduction

The Galette des Rois, or “King’s Cake,” is a beloved French pastry traditionally eaten on Epiphany (6th January) to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. With its golden, flaky puff pastry and rich almond frangipane filling, it's a treat that’s hard to resist. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make a classic Galette des Rois at home using ingredients readily available in the UK. This easy step-by-step guide ensures delicious results, whether you're celebrating Epiphany or simply fancy a decadent dessert.

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Why is it Called Galette des Rois?

The name translates to “Cake of the Kings” and comes from the tradition of hiding a fève (a tiny ceramic charm or a whole almond) inside the galette. The person who finds it in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day—complete with a paper crown!

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Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the puff pastry:

2 sheets of ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry (use high-quality for best results)

For the frangipane (almond cream filling):

100g unsalted butter, softened

100g caster sugar

100g ground almonds

2 medium eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp dark rum (optional but traditional)

1 whole almond or fève (optional – to hide inside)

For the glaze:

1 egg yolk, beaten with a splash of milk

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Method

1. Prepare the almond filling

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and rum. Fold in the ground almonds until well combined. Set aside in the fridge to chill slightly.

2. Roll and shape the pastry

Unroll your puff pastry sheets. Using a dinner plate as a guide, cut out two equal-sized circles (roughly 22cm in diameter). Place one circle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. Add the filling

Spoon the chilled almond mixture into the centre of the pastry circle, spreading it evenly but leaving a 2–3cm border around the edge. If you're using a fève or almond, press it gently into the filling now.

4. Seal the galette

Brush the edge of the bottom pastry with water. Carefully place the second circle of pastry over the top and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with the back of a fork for a decorative effect.

5. Decorate and chill

Brush the top of the galette with the egg yolk glaze. Using the tip of a knife (not too sharp), score a decorative pattern—such as swirls or sunrays—on the surface without cutting all the way through. Chill the assembled galette in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6. Bake the galette for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. If it’s browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

7. Cool and serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Traditionally, it’s eaten lukewarm or at room temperature. Don’t forget to crown your king or queen!

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Serving Tips

Serve with a glass of cider or Champagne for a festive feel.

Best eaten on the day it’s made, but leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven.

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Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes to refresh the crispness.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Making Galette des Rois at home is not only a fun baking project but also a meaningful way to celebrate tradition. The crisp puff pastry and soft almond filling make it an elegant dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.

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Conclusion

Whether you're introducing your family to a bit of French tradition or simply want to indulge in a luxurious pastry, this Galette des Rois is a must-try. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautiful bake worthy of royalty.

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Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe or crowned a king or queen! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media with the hashtag #GaletteDesRoisUK.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.