How to Make Galette des Rois

How to Make Galette des Rois is a medium French recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by ChefSteps on YouTube.

Prep: 4 hrs 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 6 hrs 5 min

Cost: $21.37 total, $3.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g All-Purpose Flour (for homemade puff pastry, sifted)
  • 300 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes for puff pastry)
  • 200 ml Cold Water (ice‑cold, for puff pastry dough)
  • 5 g Salt (for puff pastry dough)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for frangipane)
  • 100 g Granulated Sugar (for frangipane)
  • 200 g Eggs (approximately 4 large eggs, room temperature)
  • 200 g Almond Flour (skin‑on) (ground almonds with skins for speckled appearance)
  • 20 g All-Purpose Flour (adds structure to frangipane)
  • 15 g Almond Extract (pure almond extract)
  • 10 g Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
  • 2 g Salt (pinch, for frangipane)
  • 250 ml Whole Milk (for pastry cream)
  • 50 g Granulated Sugar (for pastry cream)
  • 100 g Egg Yolks (about 5 yolks, room temperature)
  • 20 g Cornstarch (for pastry cream)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes, for pastry cream)
  • 5 g Vanilla Extract (for pastry cream)
  • 30 ml Heavy Cream (for egg wash)
  • 1 Egg (large, for egg wash)
  • 150 g Sugar (for simple syrup glaze)
  • 150 ml Water (for simple syrup glaze)
  • 15 ml Corn Syrup (light corn syrup for glaze)
  • 1 Bean or Small Figurine (traditional hidden trinket)

Instructions

  1. Divide and Roll Puff Pastry

    Take the 700 g batch of homemade puff pastry, keep one half covered, and gently beat the working half to soften. Using a rolling pin, roll from the center outward, turning the dough 90° after each pass, until the sheet is about 11 cm square and 3 mm thick.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Chill the Rolled Dough

    Transfer the rolled sheet onto a half‑sheet pan, cover with parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 12 hours) to relax the gluten and firm the butter.

    Time: PT1H

  3. Prepare Frangipane (Almond Cream)

    In the stand mixer, cream 100 g softened butter with 100 g granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add 200 g eggs (≈4 large) in three batches, alternating with 200 g skin‑on almond flour, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in 20 g all‑purpose flour, 15 g almond extract, 10 g vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Make Pastry Cream

    Heat 250 ml whole milk with 5 g vanilla extract until just simmering. In a bowl whisk 50 g sugar, 100 g egg yolks, and 20 g cornstarch. Temper the yolk mixture with hot milk, then return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (≈2 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in 30 g cold butter, and cool completely.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Combine Almond Cream and Pastry Cream

    Mix the cooled pastry cream (≈300 g) into the almond cream until a smooth, glossy filling is achieved. The final mixture should weigh about 600 g; set aside in a piping bag.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Pipe Filling onto Bottom Dough

    Place the chilled bottom dough on a parchment‑lined sheet. Using a ruler, mark an 8‑inch circle with a 6‑inch inner bowl as a guide. Pipe roughly 250 g of the almond‑pastry cream within the border, leaving a small margin. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula to form a flat dome.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Score Bottom Layer and Add Water Brush

    Using a small knife, create a cross‑hatch pattern on the filled surface. Lightly brush the outer lip of the dough with water to help the top layer adhere.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cover with Top Dough and Chill

    Roll the second 350 g portion of puff pastry to the same size, gently drape over the filled bottom, and press edges to seal. Place the assembled galette back on the parchment, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm the layers.

    Time: PT1H

  9. Trim, Crimp, and Vent

    Remove excess pastry with an X‑Acto knife, following the tart ring as a guide. Using a ruler, crimp the edge in ¼‑inch increments around the circumference. Locate the centre (floss or eye‑ball method) and make a 2 mm vent hole.

    Time: PT15M

  10. First Egg Wash

    Whisk together 1 egg, 30 ml heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and strain. Brush an even coat over the entire surface, avoiding the sides.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Dry Egg Wash and Second Coat

    Let the galette rest in the refrigerator until the first coat feels tacky (≈30 minutes). Apply a second brush of egg wash and return to the fridge for another hour to fully dry.

    Time: PT30M

  12. Final Chill Before Baking

    Keep the galette chilled for at least 1 hour before it goes into the oven. This ensures the butter stays solid for a controlled rise.

    Time: PT1H

  13. Bake the Galette

    Place the galette on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) convection for 20 minutes, then reduce to 325°F (165°C) convection and bake an additional 40 minutes. Finally, increase to 325°F (165°C) (still oven) and bake 5‑10 minutes until deep golden brown.

    Time: PT1H10M

    Temperature: 375°F (convection) then 325°F (convection) then 325°F (still)

  14. Glaze and Cool

    While the galette is still hot, brush a simple syrup glaze (150 g sugar, 150 ml water, 15 ml corn syrup boiled until sugar dissolves) over the surface. Allow the pastry to cool on a rack for 30 minutes to 2 hours before slicing.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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How to Make Galette des Rois

Recipe by ChefSteps

A classic French Galette des Rois made with buttery homemade puff pastry, rich almond frangipane, and silky pastry cream. Finished with a glossy sugar glaze and a hidden bean for the traditional Epiphany celebration.

MediumFrenchServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 40m
Prep
1h 55m
Cook
47m
Cleanup
7h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.37
Total cost
$3.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Properly chill the rolled dough to prevent butter breakage.
  • Seal the top and bottom layers tightly to avoid filling leakage.
  • Score and vent the pastry before baking for even puff and steam release.
  • Use compressed baking (weights) to keep the galette flat and uniform.
  • Apply two layers of egg wash with adequate drying time for a glossy finish.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot baking sheets and oven‑safe weights with oven mitts.
  • Use a sharp X‑Acto knife carefully; keep fingers clear of the blade.
  • Do not consume raw egg wash; ensure the pastry reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Galette des Rois in French cuisine?

A

Galette des Rois is a traditional French pastry served on Epiphany (January 6). It celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men and includes a hidden bean; the person who finds it is crowned king for the day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Galette des Rois in France?

A

In northern France the galette is a puff‑pastry almond frangipane cake, while in the south it is often a brioche‑like “king cake” called gâteau des rois, sometimes flavored with orange blossom or candied fruit.

cultural
Q

How is Galette des Rois traditionally served in French households?

A

It is usually served warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and enjoyed with coffee or tea. The person who finds the hidden bean (fève) is crowned king and often wears a paper crown.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Galette des Rois traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

The galette is specifically tied to the Epiphany holiday, marking the end of the Christmas season. It is also enjoyed throughout January at family gatherings, offices, and schools.

cultural
Q

How does Galette des Rois fit into the broader French pastry tradition?

A

It showcases classic French techniques: laminated puff pastry, frangipane almond cream, and pastry cream. These elements are foundational in many French desserts such as croissants, mille‑feuille, and fruit tarts.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Galette des Rois versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include butter‑laminated puff pastry, almond flour (skin‑on for speckled look), eggs, sugar, and a hidden fève. Substitutes can be blanched almond flour, store‑bought puff pastry, or a chocolate fève for the hidden trinket.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with Galette des Rois?

A

A light French coffee, a glass of chilled cider, or a simple fruit compote complement the rich almond flavor. Savory pairings include a cheese platter featuring Brie or Camembert.

cultural
Q

What makes Galette des Rois special or unique in French cuisine?

A

Its combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy almond frangipane, and the playful tradition of the hidden bean makes it both a culinary and cultural highlight during the Epiphany season.

cultural
Q

How has Galette des Rois evolved over time in French culture?

A

Originally a simple almond cake, modern versions often incorporate pastry cream for a lighter texture, use flavored fèves, and sometimes feature decorative icing. Commercial bakeries now offer mini galettes and gluten‑free versions.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Galette des Rois?

A

Many think the galette must be sweet almond‑filled only; however, regional variations include fruit fillings or even savory versions. Also, the bean is not always a literal bean—it can be a small porcelain figurine.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Galette des Rois?

A

Common errors include over‑rolling the dough (which thins the layers), failing to seal the top and bottom properly (causing leaks), and skipping the chilled rest, which leads to uneven puff and loss of shape.

technical
Q

Why does this Galette des Rois recipe use a 2:1 almond cream to pastry cream ratio instead of a pure frangipane?

A

Adding pastry cream lightens the dense almond mixture, giving a smoother mouthfeel and preventing the filling from becoming overly dry during the long bake.

technical
Q

Can I make Galette des Rois ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble up to the egg‑wash step, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, then glaze and let cool. Store the baked galette wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Galette des Rois is done baking?

A

The pastry should be uniformly golden‑brown, crisp on the edges, and slightly glossy from the glaze. The interior layers should be puffed but not overly airy, with a smooth almond‑cream filling visible through the scored top.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Galette des Rois is fully baked?

A

When the top is deep golden brown, the pastry feels firm to the touch, and a thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 190°F (88°C), the galette is done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ChefSteps specialize in?

A

ChefSteps focuses on modernist cooking techniques, scientific explanations of food, and detailed, high‑production video tutorials that help home cooks master advanced recipes and kitchen tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ChefSteps' approach to French pastry differ from other pastry channels?

A

ChefSteps combines precise temperature control, equipment hacks (like compressed baking), and a step‑by‑step scientific rationale, whereas many traditional pastry channels rely more on intuition and classic methods without detailed temperature data.

channel
Q

What other French pastry recipes is the YouTube channel ChefSteps known for?

A

ChefSteps is known for recipes such as Croissants, Kouign‑Amann, Mille‑Feuille, and their signature “Sous‑Vide Egg Custard” that showcase French techniques with modern equipment.

channel

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