Every year, the same question arises: traditional recipe or original twist? The King Cake or Galette des Rois, must-have dessert savored during the month of January, offers countless possibilities to vary the flavors. However, it’s never easy to choose, especially when it comes to finding the perfect recipe. To help you in your search, we’re sharing some tips and recipe ideas. With our guidance, there’s no doubt you’ll become the true king of Epiphany.
How to make a homemade King Cake? A few tips before you start
You’re eager to make a traditional almond cream filled king cake worthy of a top chef. The secret to success in your king cake recipe begins with choosing a good puff pastry. If you're hesitant to make puff pastry from scratch, don't hesitate to ask your local baker for help. The proportions of the filling are also important. Don’t put too much pastry cream compared to the almond cream; a third is more than enough. Also, be mindful of your oven temperature. Baking is a crucial step—don’t rush it! Allow both creams to cool thoroughly before mixing them. They should be at the same temperature. Lastly, getting the right amount of filling is key. Too little, and your galette will be dry. Too much, and it might overflow.
You’re ready now! All that’s left is to dive in. Once you’ve tried the traditional version, why not experiment with other delicious recipes featuring chocolate?
Homemade King Cakes: our recipes
Original King Cake recipe: Mango and hazelnut praline
This year, go for something unique with a king cake featuring mango, hazelnut, and vanilla!
Between two layers of inverted puff pastry, place a 100% indulgent filling. Start by making a vanilla hazelnut cream. For this step, we recommend using roasted hazelnuts and Norohy vanilla beans.
Once the insert is frozen, the next step is to add a mango compote along with almond-hazelnut praline.
A recipe you must try right away!
Dark chocolate King Cake recipe
Not everyone enjoys the traditional almond filled king cake. While some are fans, others are less enthusiastic about it. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives, including chocolate versions. You can soften the flavor of the almond filling by adding chocolate chips, for example. Or, skip the classic version entirely and opt for a king cake with a more intense chocolate flavor.
Try this chocolate king cake recipe. This indulgent and nostalgic treat will delight both kids and adults. To make it, you'll need 250g of Valrhona Caraïbe 66% dark chocolate. You’ll also need vanilla beans from Madagascar by Norohy. A nice bonus of this recipe: it comes with very detailed instructions, so there’s no risk of getting it wrong.
Preparing a King Cake: what are the basic ingredients?
Although recipes may vary, the basic ingredients for homemade king cake remain the same:
- Puff pastry: either homemade, purchased from your baker, or bought in stores
- Eggs (whole eggs as well as egg yolks for brushing the top of the galette)
- Almond powder
- Sugar
- Soft butter
- Milk, if you're making pastry cream
Which fèves to choose for your king cakes?
These king cakes and brioche recipe ideas have made your mouth water. Now, all that’s left is to get into the kitchen. And don’t forget to add fèves to all your creations. Don’t have any at home? Use a dry bean, a coffee bean, or an almond for a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option. You can also create your own fève out of ceramic. Let your imagination run wild. Your homemade touch will be complete and sure to impress your guests.
What are the different types of King Cakes?
Frangipane: the best king cake?
Frangipane holds a special place in the hearts of galette lovers. It consists of a blend of almond cream and pastry cream, giving it a creamy texture and a subtly fragrant flavor.
What is the true king cake?
Traditions vary from region to region! Galette with frangipane, brioche des rois, galette comtoise, pogne... these are all delightful local recipes.
Traditional recipes in Europe
- In Spain, there is the Roscon de Reyes, also called Tortell de Reis in Catalan. It’s a brioche crown flavored with orange blossom and adorned with candied fruits. This Kings’ cake is similar to the brioche offered in the south of France.
- In Portugal, we find the bolo rei. This brioche, hollowed out in the center, is filled with raisins and candied fruits covered in sugar.
- If you go to Greece, you'll enjoy the vassilopita, Saint Basil’s Galette. This traditional cake is made to celebrate New Year’s Day. Instead of a fève, there is a coin hidden inside. Finding it means luck will be on your side all year long.
The tradition behind the King Cake
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. In Christianity, this date corresponds to the presentation of Jesus to the Three Wise Men. Guided by the Star of Bethlehem, Melchior, Gaspard, and Balthazar came to offer their homage to the child. According to the Bible, they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The making of the galette on Epiphany is an occasion to celebrate this day of the kings. However, this custom is not originally Christian but pagan. In ancient times, the Romans celebrated the Saturnalia in honor of the god Saturn. During these festivities, a great feast was organized, during which a cake was eaten. This cake hid a black or white bean (a legume). The person who found it became the king of the day and had the right to give orders. It wasn’t until the 16th century that the Church adopted this tradition, which we all know today.
We hope these galette recipes have inspired you to awaken the baker within you. This dessert can be demanding, but it’s a great opportunity to practice making puff pastry. However, if you'd prefer an easier option, think about visiting your local baker-pastry chef! You’ll find delicious galettes at the nearest pastry shop.
To discover more chef recipes, head to the Recipes section. Finally, don't forget to order your baking ingredients from Valrhona Collection. Bake with the ingredients of chefs, at home!
