Galette des Rois is a recipe I posted years ago, but which I think merits a second look. It’s perfect for anyone in search of an easy yet interesting French pastry. It's easy thanks to two convenience ingredients, almond paste and store bought puff pastry. Plus it's interesting, as it is tied to The Feast of the Epiphany.
A Feast of the Epiphany Pastry
The Galette des Rois is a French dessert traditionally served on or around January 6 to celebrate the day of Epiphany, when the Magi visited the Christ child. It is a golden cake with an almond cream filling called frangipane, but the special touch is small china figurine called la fève. Back in the day, a dry white bean was used instead of a figurine; fève means fava bean en français. The fève is baked into the cake, and the person who finds it in his or her slice becomes King or Queen for the day.
Galette des Rois
7 oz roll of almond paste (Odense)
½ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs, medium or small
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
Dry kidney bean or plastic favor
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions
Place the almond paste and half of the sugar in a food processor. Process until well blended. Add the butter and remaining sugar using and process until smooth, then blend in 1 egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, flour and salt. Empty mixture into a bowl and place in refrigerator for 2 hours or until slightly firm.
Roll one sheet of the thawed puff pastry into an 11 inch square. Using a large pie plate or cake pan, trace an 11 inch circle onto the dough using the tip of a small knife. Place the circle of on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Repeat with second sheet of dough, placing the cut out circle on another sheet of parchment.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Mound the almond filling onto the center of the pastry that is on the baking sheet. Leave about 1 ½ inch margin at the edges. Press the bean or feve down into the filling. Place the second sheet of pastry on top, and press down the edges to seal.
Beat the second egg with a fork, and lightly brush onto the top of the gallette. Use a knife to make a criss cross pattern in the egg wash, and then prick several small slits in the top to vent steam while baking.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Do not open the oven until the time is up, as the pastry will not fully puff. Remove from the oven, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Return to the oven, and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Lay a golden paper crown gently on top of the cake. This will be used to crown the person who finds the bean or feve. Serves 8 people
Anna says
Hi Anne,
Good luck with the pastry! I hope you like it.
Anne Ardoin says
Happy New Year! I'm a French teacher here in New Orleans and have searched for an "easy" galette des rois cake and I have found it here! Can't wait to make it! Love your blog....I've baked many things from it....all delish! Merci beaucoup!!!
Katrina says
Have a wonderful Christmas with Todd, Fuzz and Lizzie!
Jess @ Bakericious says
Anna, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Judy B. - Texas says
Waiting for the ham to defrost; then preparing crock pot ham (pineapple juice, brown sugar and maple syrup) - made it last year - delish.
Merry Christmas, Anna - thanks for all your efforts in supplying us with superb recipes. Blessings to you.
Sue says
I've never heard of that, but I know I'd like it! What's not to like about puff pastry and almond paste!? Merry Christmas Anna and fellow Cookie Madness readers!
vanillasugar says
this is perfect. i can make this i know i can. lol
merry christmas anna!
Louise says
Merry Christmas, Anna. I'm busy in the kitchen preparing cranberry sauce and roasting sweet potatoes that will be used in tomorrow's dinner. I created a turducken two days ago and how have it defrosting. And finally, I'll prepare some crab cakes for tonight's dinner, so I just have to saute them later. We're having those, asparagus, and oven roasted smashed potatoes tonight after we get back from looking at Christmas lights. And, I still have presents to wrap. 🙂
Louise says
Merry Christmas, Anna. I'm busy in the kitchen preparing cranberry sauce and roasting sweet potatoes that will be used in tomorrow's dinner. I created a turducken two days ago and how have it defrosting. And finally, I'll prepare some crab cakes for tonight's dinner, so I just have to saute them later. We're having those, asparagus, and oven roasted smashed potatoes tonight after we get back from looking at Christmas lights. And, I still have presents to wrap. 🙂
CindyD says
Merry Christmas, Anna! I am making Christmas Salad (whipped topping, cherry pie filling, condensed milk whipped together then mandarin oranges, pineapple, and coconut added) to share with neighbors instead of cookies this year.
ps - I found cinnamon chips at Albertson's!