Galette de Rois Recipe: How to Make French King Cake

For the frangipane almond filling

• 1¼ cup almond meal or almond flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ tablespoons fresh orange zest
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the assembly

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
• all-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 oven-safe trinket, whole almond or hazelnut
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon whole milk

1. 1

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, stir together almond meal, sugar, salt, and orange zest until evenly mixed.

2. 2

   Add the butter and beat on medium speed until the butter is fully incorporated and lightly whipped.

3. 3

   With the mixer running, add the eggs one at a time, waiting until each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. 4

   Add the almond extract and vanilla extract to the mixture.

5. 5

   Cover and refrigerate the frangipane until slightly firm, 15–30 minutes.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the center position and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. 7

   On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet and trim as needed to create 10-inch circles.

8. 8

   Chill the puff pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet until firm, about 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Spread the frangipane in an even layer over one of the puff pastry rounds, leaving a 1-inch border.

10. 10

    Place the trinket somewhere in the filling.

11. 11

    Brush the exposed border with water and lay the second puff pastry sheet over the frangipane. Press the borders to create a firm seal. Using your fingers, crimp the edges of the galette, if desired.

12. 12

    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush all over the galette.

13. 13

    Using a paring knife, lightly score a design into the top of the galette, taking care not to cut through the dough. Poke a small venting hole in the center of the galette.

14. 14

    Transfer the galette to the oven on the center rack and bake until puff pastry is golden brown all over, puffy, and crisp, 30–35 minutes. You can serve galette des rois warm or at room temperature.

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