In 57 days · January 6, 2027
French king cakes for Epiphany
In France, Epiphany means galette des rois, a cake with a small charm (the fève) hidden inside: whoever finds it is crowned king or queen. Bake a frangipane galette from the north, a brioche crown from the south or a chocolate-hazelnut version, then draw the king (even without a fève) with our little tool.
- Galette or crown: two traditions
- Draw the king online
- Tips for a perfect galette
5 Epiphany recipes
Our galettes and crowns
Pick your side: puff pastry and frangipane, or brioche and candied fruit.
Galette des Rois with FrangipaneThe galette des rois is made of puff pastry filled with frangipane cream. 👑 Be sure to seal the edges well and brush with egg w…
Provençal Galette des RoisThe Provençal galette is a brioche crown studded with candied fruit. 👑 It replaces the frangipane version in the south of Franc…
Chocolate Hazelnut Galette des RoisPuff pastry galette filled with a chocolate hazelnut cream made from ground hazelnuts and melted chocolate, baked until the pas…
Brioche Couronne des Rois with Candied FruitProvençal Couronne des Rois made with a brioche dough scented with orange blossom water, decorated with candied fruit and pearl…
Rustic Pear GalettePear galette made with a crisp crust and a fruity, lightly caramelized filling. Oven-baked dessert, made without a pan, with fr…
Who gets the fève?
No fève, or want to leave it to chance, fair and square? Enter everyone's names and let luck pick the king or queen.
Getting your galette des rois right
The little things that make a difference.
Keep the dough cold
Puff pastry rises better after 30 minutes in the fridge once it's filled and sealed.
Two coats of egg wash
An egg yolk with a drop of milk, then a second coat after 15 minutes in the fridge: your galette will shine.
A steam vent
A small hole in the center lets the steam escape, so the galette rises evenly.
The fève near the edge
Tucked near the edge rather than in the center, it's less likely to get cut… or found with the first slice.
To serve with the galette
Hot chocolate, spiced tea or cider: something to toast the king with.
Your questions
When do you eat galette des rois?
Epiphany falls on January 6. In France, it's celebrated on the first Sunday of January, and galettes are often enjoyed all month long.
What's the difference between a galette and a crown?
In northern France, the galette is puff pastry filled with frangipane (almond cream). In the south, the crown (gâteau des rois) is an orange blossom brioche topped with candied fruit and sugar.
How do you draw the king?
The youngest person slips under the table and calls out who gets each slice. Whoever finds the fève becomes king or queen and wears the crown.
Can I make the galette the day before?
Yes: once filled and brushed with a first coat of egg wash, it keeps unbaked in the fridge. Brush it again and bake it the same day.
See also:Breakfast pastriesHot drinksCakes
More occasions this year
Every occasion of the year, the closest first.