Galette des Rois: More Than Just a French Cake

Galette des Rois: More Than Just a Cake

1. Introduction: Galette des Rois, a French Tradition

The Galette des Rois is a strong symbol of the winter season in France. It is closely linked to Epiphany, a Christian celebration that commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus.

Every year, at the beginning of January, families and friends gather to share a galette with a small hidden fève inside. The person who finds this tiny ceramic figurine becomes the king or queen for the day.

This tradition is not just about food—it is also cultural and social. Around the galette, people laugh, talk, and spend time together. It is a warm, shared moment that brings generations together year after year.

2. Key Vocabulary and Rituals Around the Galette

Before moving on to the recipes, here are a few essential words to know:

• Galette: the traditional King’s cake, usually made with puff pastry.

• Fève: a small object hidden inside the cake.

• Couronne: the paper crown that comes with the galette for the king or queen.

• Tirer les Rois: the act of sharing the galette to determine who becomes king or queen.

The sharing ritual is simple but full of symbolism:

• The fève is placed inside the galette before baking.

• The cake is cut into slices.

• The youngest guest hides under the table and decides who gets each slice.

• Chance determines who finds the fève. The lucky person wears the crown for the rest of the meal.

In my podcast episode, I explain this ritual in detail and teach you useful phrases you can use at the table when sharing the galette—you can listen to it here.

3. Frangipane Galette — A Specialty of Northern France (Including Paris)

The most well-known galette in France is the frangipane galette. It is made of two rounds of puff pastry filled with a rich almond cream called frangipane (made from almond flour, butter, and sugar).

The texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a classic January pastry. You’ll find it in every bakery and supermarket during this season.

👉 The Recipe:
I’m sharing not one, but two frangipane galette recipes:

• A video version: clearly explained, not too complicated, and very effective—your turn to try!

• A printable version to keep safely in your recipe book for next year.

My tip: to succeed, choose good-quality puff pastry and make sure the almond filling is not too runny—this helps prevent leaks during baking.
In French supermarkets, puff pastry is found in the refrigerated section near fresh pasta (see example photo below).

To my American readers: you can find excellent puff pastry at Trader Joe’s, in the frozen section, only during the winter months. The only downside is that it comes in square sheets—but it tastes just as good!

4. Brioche des Rois — A Specialty of Southern France

In southern France, people don’t eat a puff pastry galette. Instead, they share a Brioche des Rois, a ring-shaped brioche flavored with orange blossom water and decorated with colorful candied fruit.

This brioche, also called Gâteau des Rois, is perfect for large gatherings or festive afternoon snacks. Its soft, fluffy texture is similar to other celebratory sweet breads.

👉 Recipe to check out: a clear and easy Brioche des Rois recipe is available here.

I’ve personally never tried making it myself, so feel free to tell me what you think if you do!

5. Galette Franc-Comtoise — A Specialty from Eastern France (My Favorite)

Less well known outside of France, the Galette Franc-Comtoise is a version of the King’s cake made with choux pastry, traditionally flavored with orange blossom water.

Personally, I don’t like the taste of orange blossom, so I replace it with vanilla—and it’s just as delicious!

Originally from the Besançon region, this galette stands out for its lighter texture and very simple preparation.

👉 The Recipe:

• You’ll find the recipe I personally use here.

• If you prefer a video version, that’s available here as well.

Quick, delicious, and original, this is my favorite galette to make at home because it’s incredibly easy and always turns out great.

6. King Cake — The New Orleans Version (Cultural Bonus)

In New Orleans, a tradition similar to the Galette des Rois exists in the form of the King Cake. It is a braided brioche, often cinnamon-flavored, and decorated with colored sugar in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold.

This version is enjoyed between Epiphany and Mardi Gras, showing how the tradition traveled beyond France and adapted to local celebrations.

7. Conclusion

Now that you know the history, vocabulary, rituals, and regional recipes, it’s your turn: choose a recipe (frangipane galette, Brioche des Rois, or Galette Franc-Comtoise), share it with friends or family, and tell us who found the fève this year!

To go further, listen to my special Galette des Rois podcast episode to learn useful expressions and fun anecdotes. You’ll also discover how this tradition can help you strengthen your connections with French people around you.

Bonus: subscribe to my worksheet to receive exercices to discover and practice key vocabulary and daily idioms every week.

© Archive image: Raphaële Gigot