Galette des Rois

Galette des rois is France's beloved Epiphany cake: golden, flaky puff pastry hiding a sweet almond frangipane filling, with a lucky charm tucked inside. Whoever finds the charm is crowned king or queen for the day, making it as much fun as it is delicious.

Prep time

25 mins

Cook time

35 mins

Total time

1 hour

Servings

4 servings

Calories

520

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 100 g ground almonds
• 100 g soft butter
• 100 g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornflour
• 1 egg yolk, for glazing
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 small dried bean or charm (optional)
• Icing sugar, to dust

Instructions

1. Beat the butter and sugar until pale, then mix in the ground almonds, eggs, rum, vanilla and cornflour.
2. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a baking tray and spread the filling over it, leaving a 2 cm border.
3. Tuck the dried bean or charm into the filling if using.
4. Brush the border with water and place the second sheet on top, pressing the edges to seal.
5. Score a decorative pattern on top and brush with the egg yolk and milk glaze.
6. Bake at 190°C for 30 to 35 minutes until puffed and deep golden.
7. Cool slightly, dust with icing sugar and serve warm.

Pro tips

• Keep the pastry cold so it puffs up properly in the oven.
• Seal the edges firmly or the filling will leak out.
• Score the top lightly; do not cut through the pastry.
• Serve warm, when the frangipane is at its softest.

Frequently asked questions