When I first started learning about French culture, I discovered a “cake” that is traditionally made in France during the month of January. A Galette des Rois, or King’s Cake, is a puff pastry filled with almond cream. It is usually served on the Epiphany (January 6^th) to commemorate the arrival of the Three Kings (les rois) to visit baby Jesus. Some refer to this day as Little Christmas. There is a trinket or bean (la fève) baked inside the cake. Usually, there is a crown on top. Whoever gets the “fève” in their slice of the pastry is crowned “king” for the day.

It’ll be no surprise to you that I love integrating French traditions into my life and have wanted to have this dessert with my family for years. Finally, I got to do just that this year!

When I was visiting my family in Boston, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work in the kitchen. Not without a Kir Royale, of course!

I was surprised at how easy it was to make. And my family raved about how delicious it was!

(Note to self: take it out of the oven a minute or two earlier next year.)

And what made the dessert even better? I got the fève!

If you’d like to try making one on your own, here is the recipe that I used.

Enjoy!

Photos by Living Frenchly