The King Cake with Frangipane (known in France as Galette des Rois) is a delightful pastry traditionally served during the Epiphany festival. This festive cake is filled with a rich almond cream (Frangipane) and pastry cream, making it both creamy and crumbly, with a golden, flaky exterior. Whether you’re celebrating Epiphany or simply want to indulge in a delicious treat, this galette is sure to impress. Plus, hidden inside the cake is a bean, and the person who finds it is crowned King or Queen for the day!
Ingredients
For the Galette:
- 2 puff pastries (ready to roll out or homemade)
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
- 1 bean (traditionally used to crown the King or Queen)
For the Almond Cream:
- 100 g almond powder
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon bitter almond extract
For the Pastry Cream:
- 250 ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 50 g sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream
- Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla extract over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and smooth. Add the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine the milk and egg mixture: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while stirring constantly. Once combined, return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Cool the pastry cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pastry cream cool completely. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Cream
- Make the almond cream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond powder and bitter almond extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Frangipane
- Combine the two creams: Once the pastry cream has cooled, add it to the almond cream mixture. Stir well until you have a smooth and creamy filling—this is your Frangipane.
Step 4: Assemble the Galette
- Roll out the pastry: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, roll out the first sheet of puff pastry.
- Spread the frangipane: Spread the Frangipane in the center of the pastry, leaving about 2 cm of space from the edges. Don’t spread it all the way to the edge; you need space to seal the pastry.
- Hide the bean: Place the bean somewhere in the frangipane filling, carefully so that it doesn’t get exposed through the pastry.
- Cover with the second pastry sheet: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filled base and press the edges together to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure it’s well sealed.
Step 5: Decorate and Bake
- Brush with egg yolk: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a little water and brush it generously over the top of the galette. This will give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Add decorative patterns: Use the tip of a knife to gently score the top of the pastry with decorative patterns (lines, rosettes, etc.), but do not pierce the pastry through.
- Prick the center: Lightly prick the center of the galette to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the galette: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the galette is golden brown and puffed up.
Step 6: Serve
- Let it cool: Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Celebrate: Serve the warm King Cake in slices, and enjoy the fun of finding the bean and crowning the lucky King or Queen!
Tips for Success
- Make ahead: You can prepare the Frangipane and pastry cream the day before, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the galette just before serving.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to add a bit of chocolate to the frangipane for a twist on the classic, or even some orange zest for a citrusy note.
- Use store-bought pastry: If you’re short on time, opt for ready-to-roll puff pastry to make the process quicker and easier.
FAQs
Can I freeze the galette?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked galette. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake it, just brush it with egg yolk and bake it from frozen at the same temperature for an extra 10-15 minutes.
What is the tradition behind the bean in the King Cake?
In French tradition, the person who finds the bean hidden inside the galette is crowned the King or Queen for the day. The lucky person is also expected to host the next celebration or buy the next galette.
Can I use a different filling for the King Cake?
Yes! While Frangipane is traditional, you can experiment with other fillings like chocolate cream, fruit preserves, or hazelnut cream for a unique twist.
Conclusion
The King Cake with Frangipane is not only a delicious dessert but a fun tradition that brings people together. With its flaky puff pastry, creamy almond and pastry cream filling, and the joy of the hidden bean, it’s the perfect way to celebrate special occasions like Epiphany. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or sharing it with friends, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table. Give it a try, and let the festivities begin!