Dish

Galette des rois

King Cake

Galette des rois is a sweet and flaky pastry that is made by layering puff pastry with almond cream and baking until golden brown. The pastry is typically served on Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th in France. A small figurine or bean is hidden inside the pastry and the person who finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Dessert› Cake

Origins and history

Galette des rois originated in France and has been a traditional dessert in the country for centuries. It is believed that the tradition of hiding a figurine or bean inside the pastry dates back to Roman times.

Dietary considerations

Suitable for vegetarians. Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts. Not suitable for vegans.

Variations

Variations of Galette des rois include using different flavors of cream such as chocolate or fruit-flavored creams. Some bakeries also offer mini Galettes for individual servings.

Presentation and garnishing

Galette des rois is typically presented on a plate and can be garnished with powdered sugar or a decorative icing design. To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, it is important to let it cool completely before serving.

Tips & Tricks

When serving Galette des rois, it is traditional to cut the pastry into equal portions and serve them to each guest. To ensure that the figurine or bean is evenly distributed, it is important to place it randomly in the pastry before baking.