Galette des Rois with Real Frangipane (French Almond King Cake)

Every January in France, bakeries fill their windows with golden Galette des Rois to celebrate Epiphany. Inside the crisp puff pastry hides a creamy almond filling and a small charm called a fève. Whoever finds it becomes the king or queen of the day!

This homemade version uses real frangipane (a mix of almond cream and pastry cream) for a rich, bakery-style galette that is surprisingly easy to make. At the end, I also provide a quick and simple almond filling for those who prefer a faster version.

Ingredients

Pastry

• 2 ready-made disks of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
• 1 fève (small charm)

Frangipane cream

• 60 g softened butter
• 120 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 100 g ground almonds
• 200 ml milk
• 20 g cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar until smooth.

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in ground almonds and almond extract.

3. Dissolve cornstarch in cold milk, then add vanilla extract.

4. Gradually pour milk mixture into almond mixture while stirring.

5. Heat gently over low heat, stirring 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool completely.

6. Assemble galette: Preheat oven to 200 °C (fan). Place one pastry disk on a lined sheet. Spread frangipane, leaving 2 cm border. Add fève. Brush edges with water or egg wash. Cover with second disk (flipped) and seal edges.

7. Decorate: Brush top with beaten egg, lightly score patterns, and make a small central hole.

8. Chill: Refrigerate 20 min for even puff.

9. Bake: Bake 30–35 min until puffed and golden. Brush lightly with sugar syrup or diluted honey for a shiny finish.

👉Easy Almond Filling (Quick Alternative)

If you prefer a faster version, you can use this simple almond cream instead of frangipane.

Ingredients

• 60 g softened butter
• 120 g sugar
• 140 g ground almonds
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract

Mix all ingredients until smooth and use as the filling.
Follow the same assembly and baking instructions.

Serving, Tips & Variations

• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
• The person who finds the fève becomes king or queen.
• Chill before baking to improve puff pastry rise.
• Apply two thin layers of egg wash for deeper golden color.
• Score lightly so pastry rises evenly.
• Add 1 tsp dark rum to the filling for classic flavor.
• Replace part of the almonds with pistachios or hazelnuts.
• Add thin pear or apple slices for a fruit variation.

Enjoy! And let me know what you think if you try it :) 
Here's what was left a few hours later the same day ...