Traditional French King's Cake Recipe (Galette des Rois) || William's Kitchen

almond cream

🥗Healthier: cashew cream

💰Cheaper: hazelnut spread

Cashew cream is lower in calories and still creamy.

puff pastry

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry

💰Cheaper: homemade pastry dough

Whole wheat pastry adds fiber while homemade can save costs.

Start by making the praline cream.

Make a syrup with granulated sugar and water, boiling until it reaches 118°C (244°F) for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Add roasted hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds to the syrup and mix until the sugar melts and becomes caramel.

Spread the caramelized nuts into a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper and let cool for at least 15 minutes.

Once cooled, mix the nuts to create a praline paste for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Prepare the almond cream by creaming room temperature butter with white sugar.

Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and several tablespoons of amaretto liqueur, mixing well.

Incorporate ground almonds and ground hazelnuts, then sift in cornstarch to thicken the cream.

Add the praline paste and mix until combined, then add homemade custard or pre-made custard and mix until thick.

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until thin and cut two circles of 20 cm (8 inches).

Place the first circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cut additional puff pastry to create a ring around the edge of the first circle to enhance puffiness when baked, using egg whites to adhere it.

Pipe the almond cream onto the first pastry circle, if desired, or spread it evenly.

Insert the lucky charm (golden bean) into the filling, ensuring it is hidden.

Seal with the second layer of puff pastry using egg whites, being gentle.

Brush the top with egg wash (beaten egg with water or cream).

Refrigerate the assembled cake for 45 minutes to 1 hour to set before baking.

Pierce the top of the cake to allow for even rising during baking.

Decorate the top and sides of the cake with a knife or fork as desired.

Refrigerate again for 30 minutes before baking.

Add a final layer of egg wash on top before baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Brush syrup on top of the baked galette for shine.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens