Homemade Galette des Rois (King Cake) Recipe

There’s something magical about a Homemade Galette des Rois, with its golden, flaky crust and rich almond filling. This classic French King Cake is a celebration of textures—crisp pastry giving way to a creamy, fragrant frangipane center. In just 20 minutes of prep and a short chill, you’ll create a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless.

As it bakes for 45 minutes, your kitchen will fill with the warm, buttery aroma of almonds and vanilla. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon, this galette is a treat that feels as good to make as it does to eat.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Galette des Rois

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (2½oz/71g) apricot jam (substitute with other fruit jams if preferred)
• 1 recipe homemade frangipane (almond cream filling)
• 1 whole almond, dried bean, or feve (optional, for tradition)
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)

How to Make Your Galette des Rois

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the puff pastry into two 9-inch (23cm) circles. Place one circle on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spread the apricot jam over the pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch (3cm) border around the edges.
4. Spread the frangipane over the jam. If using, place the whole almond, dried bean, or feve anywhere on the frangipane. (The finder becomes king or queen for the day!)
5. Moisten the edge of the pastry with egg wash and place the second circle on top. Press and crimp with your fingers to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Brush the top with egg wash and cut 5 or 6 slits in the pastry for venting.
7. Bake on a center rack for 40-45 minutes, until the galette is puffed and a deep golden brown.
8. Let it cool for at least an hour before serving. Serve at room temperature.
9. Storage tip: Best served the day it’s made, but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Recrisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Creative Topping and Serving Ideas

Elevate your Galette des Rois with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for added decadence. For a festive touch, crown the cake with gold leaf or edible glitter. Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the frangipane.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While the galette is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil. To revive its crispiness, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Recipe Variations to Try

Experiment with different fillings like pistachio cream or chocolate ganache for a unique twist. For a seasonal touch, swap the apricot jam for raspberry or cherry preserves. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of almond extract to the frangipane for extra depth of flavor.

Time-Saving Hacks

Use store-bought puff pastry to cut down on prep time without sacrificing quality. Prepare the frangipane filling a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to use. If you’re short on chilling time, pop the assembled galette in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of the fridge for 30.

Equipment You’ll Need

Ensure you have a 9-inch (23cm) round template or a plate to trace perfect circles. A pastry brush is essential for applying the egg wash evenly. For precise venting, a sharp knife or small kitchen scissors works best. A baking sheet with parchment paper guarantees easy cleanup.