Galette des Rois anyone? How to make it vegan 🌱

Happy New Year and all my best wishes for the New Year! In France, this time of year rhymes with Galette des Rois munching!

What is it? And why?

Galette des Rois, which means the “King’s Cake”, is a traditional French delight, a delicious almond-filled pastry encased in layers of puff pastry, enjoyed during Epiphany which marks the end of the holiday season – a sweet farewell to the festive chaos.

This delicious treat is not only a celebration of the three wise men but also a culinary masterpiece that brings friends and family together, often an occasion for families and friends to come together for a festive meal or tea time; an occasion to give our best wishes for the new year. It’s a common tradition in workplaces and social groups as well.

This delectable treat is typically enjoyed in France and other French-speaking regions on January 6th, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, known as La Fête des Rois; the Feast of the Kings, but the entire month of January is often dedicated to enjoying this sweet tradition. In France, bakeries and patisseries start selling Galette des Rois (sold with a paper crown! learn more below ⬇️) well before the day itself, allowing people to enjoy the delicious treat for an extended period.

It can usually be found in French bakeries in London, especially in Kensington or even at Paul bakeries. I haven’t found a vegan Galette des Rois in London yet…let me know if you do! In the meantime, I have been making my own (and also my own crown…this year my youngest son made one at school for the King’s coronation…that saved me a task!)

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What are its particularities?

Puff Pastry

The galette is typically made with layers of buttery puff pastry. This pastry is known for its flaky and light texture, creating a delightful base for the sweet filling.

Almond Filling

The heart of the Galette des Rois is its almond filling. This filling, known as frangipane, is made from almond flour, sugar and butter. It has a rich and nutty flavor that complements the buttery layers of the puff pastry.

Fève

A unique feature of the Galette des Rois is the hidden trinket or charm called the “fève” (bean), traditionally a small porcelain or plastic figurine, or even a raw dry bean. The fève is hidden within the almond filling before the galette is assembled. The person who discovers the fève in their slice is crowned the king or queen for the day and may wear a paper crown that often accompanies the galette.

Crown Tradition

In addition to the fève, it’s customary to crown the person who finds it. Many Galette des Rois are sold with a paper crown, making the moment of discovery both delicious and regal.

Variations

While the classic Galette des Rois features almond frangipane, variations exist. Some galettes may incorporate other fillings such as chocolate, fruit, or cream, offering a creative twist on this traditional pastry.

RECIPE

It can also be made just as delicious without the use of animal products. This plant-based adaptation allows you to savour the sweet flavours of almond and puff pastry while embracing a compassionate approach to dessert-making. Here are the ingredients you will need to make it.

Ingredients:

For the Vegan Puff Pastry:

• 2 sheets of vegan puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

For the Almond Filling:

• 1 and 3/4 cups of almond flour
• 2/3 cup of powdered sugar (I use coconut sugar in my video, this works as well)
• 6 tbsp of vegan butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons of applesauce (as an egg substitute, or 1 tbsp of ground flax seeds mixed with 2 tbsp of vegan milk, ideally almond milk)
• 1 tsp of almond extract (add 1 extra tsp for added flavour)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

For the Assembly:

• 1 fève (small figurine or bean)
• 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for brushing)

Appliances I use:

• Kitchenaid (this saves me so much time and effort)
• Measuring cups

Video

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Almond Filling.

In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and softened vegan butter. Mix until you achieve a smooth and homogenous paste. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax seeds with the almond milk. Let it sit 5 minutes until thickened. OR add applesauce to the sugar/butter paste. Add the almond flour, the almond extract and the vanilla extract. Mix until you achieve a smooth and homogenous almond cream, called frangipane.

Step 2: Prepare two discs of vegan puff pastry.

Roll out the Vegan Puff Pastry sheets. Cut two discs slightly larger than your round dish. Arrange one disc on a baking sheet at the bottom of your round dish.

Step 3: Create the Vegan Galette Base.

Spoon the almond filling onto the center, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Insert the fève somewhere in the almond filling. Avoid the middle of the base or it would be discovered when cutting the galette into slices.

Step 4: Seal the Vegan Galette.

Moisten the border of the pastry with water using a pastry brush. Carefully place the second sheet of vegan puff pastry over the almond filling, pressing down the edges to seal the galette. Trim any excess pastry if needed, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Step 5: Brush with Plant-Based Milk.

Brush the top of the galette with plant-based milk to give it a beautiful golden shine when baked.

Step 6: Give a beautiful pattern to your galette.

Step 7: Bake to Vegan Perfection.

But really, the Galette des Rois is more than just a delicious pastry; it’s a symbol of togetherness, celebration, and the joy of sharing good moments with loved ones for the end of the festive season (which lasts for most of January, no blue Monday in France??).

Bon appétit 😋🌱

With love,

Caroline