Galette des Rois (French King Cake) Recipe

Galette des Rois, is a traditional French cake made with almond cream and a hidden trinket.

Galette des rois, is a traditional French cake. The name translates as "king cake," and features a Fève a little hidden trinket. The person who finds the fève in their slice of cake is given King or Queen status for the day.

For the Almond Cream (Frangipane):

• 100g unsalted butter, softened

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 100g ground almonds

• 1 tsp almond extract

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For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Icing sugar (for dusting)

• 1 fève (ceramic trinket)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Almond Cream (Frangipane):

• In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

• Stir in the ground almonds and almond extract until fully combined. Set aside.
  

1. Prepare the Pastry:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6.

• Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. If necessary, roll it out slightly to ensure it is an even thickness.

• Spread the almond cream evenly onto the centre of the pastry, leaving a border of about 2cm around the edges.

• If using, place the fève somewhere within the almond cream.

1. Assemble the Galette:

• Brush the border of the pastry with a little water.

• Unroll the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the first, pressing the edges together to seal.

• Use a knife to trim any excess pastry and ensure the edges are neat.

1. Decorate and Bake:

• Lightly score the top of the galette with a knife, creating a pattern (traditionally a spiral or diamond shape). Be careful not to cut through the pastry.

• Beat the egg in a small bowl to make the egg wash. Brush the top of the galette with the egg wash.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

1. Finish and Serve:

• Allow the galette to cool slightly on a wire rack.

• Dust with a little icing sugar before serving.

• Remember to warn guests about the fève!
  

Where can I buy a fève in the UK?

We now have a range of cute animal fèves in the Maison Cherie online shop, made by a small independent French artisan business.

Enjoy your homemade Galette des Rois!