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homemade galette des rois king cake copycat recipe

Homemade Galette Des Rois King Cake Recipe

Erin Rains
When the holiday season knocks at the door, so do the delightful smells of baked goods wafting through the air. Amidst this deliciousness, Galette des Rois, or King Cake, holds a special place.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 389 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 14 tablespoons chilled butter cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 – 5 fl oz ice-cold water
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups almond meal
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
  • ¾ cup organic granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 whole dried almond or bean
  • ¼ cup apricot preserves or fig jam
  • Egg wash

Instructions
 

  • Start by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the chilled butter cubes. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until crumbly. Think of it like giving the butter a gentle massage – you want it to be soft, but not melted.
  • Next, add in the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and ice-cold water gradually. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it!
  • Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step, helping the butter rest.
  • While the dough rests, let's whip up the frangipane! In a bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. After that, add the eggs one at a time.
  • Continue to mix until smooth. Gently fold in the almond meal, flour, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. The scent is nothing short of heavenly. Set the mixture aside in the fridge; it will firm up a bit.
  • Once the dough is chilled, flour your surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Then cut two large circles - one for the base and one for the top. Transfer one circle carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Spread a thick layer of frangipane over the bottom disc, leaving a bit of space around the edges. Don’t forget to hide your almond or bean in the filling – it's a delightful surprise. Brush the edges with egg wash for a pretty seal. Lay the other circle on top and crimp the edges to seal it.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the top of the galette in a decorative pattern, allowing steam to escape. Brush the top with egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown.

Notes

  • Chill Your Butter: Cold butter is crucial for flaky pastry. Don’t skip this step!
  • Use Quality Almonds: Fresh almond meal makes all the difference in flavor.
  • Let the Dough Rest: Don’t rush the resting times; it creates a tender pastry.
  • Decorate Freely: Feel free to get artistic with your scoring on top. It’s your masterpiece!
  • Taste Test the Frangipane: Before sealing, give the filling a tiny taste. Adjust sweetness as you like!

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 242mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
Keyword homemade galette des rois king cake recipe
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