Galette Des Rois, also known as the King Cake, is a traditional French dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicious treat is typically served during the Epiphany or Three Kings Day and symbolizes the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
Brief History and Origin
It is believed to have originated in France during the Middle Ages, but its exact origins are unknown. The earliest records of Galette Des Rois date back to the 14th century in France. It was traditionally prepared for Epiphany celebrations and was meant to symbolize the visit of the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts to Jesus. The cake was usually made with puff pastry and filled with frangipane, an almond-based custard filling. Over time, different variations were created, including versions with chocolate or other fillings such as apples or cream.
In some regions of France, it is customary to hide a small trinket inside the cake before baking it. This trinket is called a “fève”, and whoever finds it in their cake is crowned king or queen for the day. In addition to this custom, there are many regional variations on how Galette Des Rois is prepared, including baking it in a special mould or adding a crown before serving.
Galette Des Rois – The Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 mins
- Cooking Time: 30 mins
- Total time: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 400g puff pastry, ready-made
- 2 tbsp. apricot jam
- 100g butter, softened
- 100g white sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 100g almond, ground
- 2 tbsp. cognac
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp. Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 180 degrees C. Also, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Divide puff pastry into half, place each piece on the cutting board and cut into 25cm round.
- Transfer 1 round piece to the prepared baking sheet and spread apricot jam using the back of the spoon. Leave 2cm edges without jam.
- In a bowl, add sugar and butter, whisk until fluffy and light, then add eggs and beat until everything is well combined. Finally, add almonds and cognac and whisk again.
- Spread the mixture over the apricot jam using a spoon, place over other pastry pieces and press the edges to seal using a fork.
- Mark the pastry top in a zigzag pattern from the centre to the edges, then brush with beaten egg.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15, then remove from oven, dust with confectioners’ sugar and bake again for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- When ready, remove from oven, allow to cool for some time, then slice and serve.
Popular variations
Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:
- Galette des Rois with Chocolate and Almond Filling: This version has the traditional flavors but with the added richness of the chocolate to make it extra decadent. It is crispy, creamy, and delicious.
- Rum and raisin galette des rois: Rum and raisin galette des rois is more like cake. It has layers of Galette and layer of rum soaked Raisins. It is perfect for the Christmas with only adults of the family!
- Galette des Rois, bitter orange and spices: This Galette has layers of Orange and spices in it. it is beautiful in construction and the taste is to die for.
- Blueberry Galette with Lemon and Cinnamon: This destructive version has base of Galette and filling of blueberries with notes of lemon and cinnamon. It is overwhelming with tartness and spice.
- Peach galette with brown sugar crust: The roasted peached enclosed in the buttery brown sugar pastry. We love the crunchy the brown demerara sugar gives to the dessert overall.
