Galette Des Rois  – Easy Version

The Galette des Rois is a cake traditionally eaten in France to celebrate the epiphany, the famous visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus on the 6th January. This puff pastry cake filled typically with a frangipane filling also includes a small charm hidden inside. Tradition dictated that when the cake was sliced up and divided between the guests at a dinner party, the one who got the small charm was “crowned” as King for the evening.

The galette can be severed in various forms; here is a simple but delicious recipe so you can still enjoy it without all the hassle!

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients (makes For 6 People)

  • 2 pâtes feuilletées or readymade puff pastry
  • 100g ground almonds
  • 75g caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 50g soft butter
  • A few drops of almond extract
  • 1 egg yolk to glaze
  • 1 small charm (la fève)!

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 210°C (thermostat 7).
  2. Place one pâte in a tart mould and prick it with a fork.
  3. Mix all the ingredients (ground almonds, sugar, eggs, soft butter and almond extract) together in a bowl.
  4. Pour the mixture over the pastry making sure to include the charm (it is best to put it on one side of the cake to minimise the chances of landing on it with the knife when cutting the cake).
  5. Seal the cake with the second pâte and weld down the edges.
  6. Using a knife, decorate the dough with drawings and glaze with the egg yolk (dilute it with a little water, if necessary).
  7. Pierce the top with some small holes to allow air to escape (otherwise it may swell and dry out).
  8. Bake for around 30 minutes. (Check the cake at about 25 minutes to see if it is done but do not worry if you end up cooking it for 40 minutes)