Galette Des Rois À LA Frangipane La vraie recette traditionnelle
GALETTE DES ROIS À LA FRANGIPANE 👑 La vraie recette traditionnelle is a medium French recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking by Nissou on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 18 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $40.14 total, $5.02 per serving
Ingredients
- 60 g Egg Yolks (approximately 4 large yolks)
- 60 g Granulated Sugar
- 25 g Cornstarch (Maïzena)
- 150 g Whole Milk (approximately 150 ml)
- 0.5 bean Vanilla Bean (Half a bean, seeds scraped)
- 90 g Unsalted Butter (25 g for pastry cream, 65 g softened for frangipane)
- 2 pcs Large Egg (One for frangipane, one for egg wash)
- 65 g Almond Flour (Finely ground sweet almonds)
- 0.5 ml Almond Extract (A few drops (≈2 drops))
- 500 g Inverse Puff Pastry (Store‑bought, thawed; cut into two equal discs)
- 1 pcs Fève (Traditional small figurine)
- 15 ml Water (For brushing edges)
Instructions
Prepare Pastry Cream Base
In a mixing bowl whisk together the egg yolks, 60 g sugar, and 25 g cornstarch until the mixture is pale and smooth.
Time: PT5M
Heat Milk with Vanilla
In a saucepan combine 150 g whole milk, the seeds of half a vanilla bean and the pod. Heat over medium until just simmering, then remove the pod.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Pastry Cream
Slowly pour the hot vanilla‑infused milk into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over the lowest heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT7M
Finish Pastry Cream
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 25 g butter until fully melted. Transfer the cream to a clean container, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Time: PT31M
Make Frangipane
In a bowl combine 65 g softened butter, 1 whole egg, 65 g sugar, 65 g almond flour, and a few drops of almond extract. Mix until smooth, then fold in the chilled pastry cream (65 g).
Time: PT5M
Prepare Puff Pastry Discs
Roll each half of the inverse puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thickness. Using a 26 cm round cutter (or a plate), cut two perfect circles. Keep the scraps for another use and freeze them.
Time: PT15M
Assemble the Galette
Place one pastry circle on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Spread the frangipane evenly, leaving a 2 cm border. Insert the fève near the centre. Lightly brush the border with water, then place the second pastry circle on top. Press the edges gently with fingertips to seal, being careful not to crush the layers. Brush the top with a beaten egg (egg wash) and, using a skewer, make decorative cuts or a “chimney” pattern.
Time: PT10M
Bake the Galette
Preheat a convection oven to 180 °C. Bake the assembled galette for 40‑45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully risen.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 180°C
Cool and Serve
Remove the galette from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Almonds, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Caster sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour (for thickening)
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half‑and‑half, Almond milk (will change flavor)
- Instead of Vanilla Bean: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (will affect flavor)
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg substitute for wash (milk)
- Instead of Almond Flour: Ground almond meal
- Instead of Almond Extract: Almond essence
- Instead of Inverse Puff Pastry: Traditional puff pastry (will need extra butter)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rolling Pin
- Circle Cutter or Plate
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Bag with Tip
- Pastry Brush
- Baking Sheet or Galette Pan
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Skewer or Toothpick (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pastry cream over low heat without curdling
- Cooling the pastry cream completely before folding into frangipane
- Sealing the pastry edges gently to avoid crushing the layers
- Placing the fève before the final refrigeration step
- Creating decorative cuts without cutting through the top layer
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the pastry discs for a few minutes after rolling to keep the butter firm.
- Use a small pastry brush for a thin, even egg wash to achieve a glossy finish.
- For a decorative touch, draw a simple pattern with a knife before baking; the cuts allow steam to escape and create a beautiful lattice.
Troubleshooting
Pastry cream curdles or becomes grainy.
Cook over the lowest heat, whisk constantly, and remove from heat as soon as it thickens. If curdling occurs, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Pastry layers do not puff and stay flat.
Do not over‑press the edges; keep the water brush light and avoid sealing too tightly. Ensure the oven is fully preheated and use convection setting.
Frangipane is too runny.
Make sure the pastry cream is fully chilled before folding; add a little extra almond flour if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover galette in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Not recommended; pastry loses crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pastry cream can be made up to 2 days ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.
- Frangipane can be prepared a day before and kept refrigerated.
- Assemble the galette, cover, and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Galette des Rois in French tradition?
Galette des Rois dates back to the Roman "Saturnalia" festival and was adopted in France for Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The cake traditionally hides a fève, and the person who finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.
What are the traditional regional variations of Galette des Rois in France?
In northern France the galette is made with puff pastry and frangipane, while in the south a brioche‑like "king cake" called "galette à la couronne" is popular, often flavored with orange blossom water and decorated with candied fruits.
How is Galette des Rois traditionally served in French households during Epiphany?
The galette is served warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges. The person who finds the hidden fève is crowned with a paper crown and traditionally buys the next year's galette for the group.
What occasions or celebrations is Galette des Rois traditionally associated with in French culture?
Galette des Rois is most closely linked to the Epiphany holiday on January 6th, but many French families enjoy it throughout January and even into February as a festive treat.
What makes Galette des Rois special or unique in French pastry cuisine?
Its combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry with a rich almond‑filled frangipane creates a contrast of textures, while the hidden fève adds an element of surprise and tradition that few other French desserts have.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Galette des Rois at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the pastry cream, pressing the pastry layers too hard, forgetting to place the fève before chilling, and using too much egg wash which can prevent the layers from puffing properly.
Why does this Galette des Rois recipe use an inverse puff pastry instead of traditional puff pastry?
Inverse puff pastry has a higher butter content layered between the dough, giving an even richer, more buttery lift that is ideal for a galette where the top and bottom need to rise dramatically without a lot of lamination steps.
Can I make Galette des Rois ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. You can prepare the pastry cream and frangipane up to two days ahead, keep them refrigerated, and even freeze the cream. Assemble the galette, cover, and refrigerate; bake it just before serving. Leftovers store in the fridge for 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when my Galette des Rois is done baking?
The pastry should be deep golden‑brown, crisp on the outside, and visibly puffed with a hollow sound when tapped. The frangipane filling should be set but still moist, not dry.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking by Nissou specialize in?
Cooking by Nissou focuses on classic French pastries and home‑cooking techniques, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional recipes with modern kitchen tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking by Nissou's approach to French pastry differ from other French cooking channels?
Cooking by Nissou emphasizes practical home‑cook adaptations, such as using store‑bought inverse puff pastry and providing detailed timing cues, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate, professional‑level techniques.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






