Servings
Font
Back
Galette des Rois (Pithivier)
5 from 4 votes

Galette des Rois (Pithivier)

Pithivier is a traditional galette des rois (King Cake) from the Centre region of France. This recipe uses almond paste instead of frangipane.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 25 oz puff pastry
  • 1½ cup ground almonds
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
  • 3 egg
  • almond extract a few drops
  • icing sugar (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Divide the pastry into two if necessary, and spread to a thickness of 1/6 inch (4 mm) so as to obtain two doughs which cover a circle of desired size.
  2. Combine the ground almonds and sugar in a bowl and stir.
  3. Add butter, almond extract and continue stirring.
  4. Beat 2 eggs separately.
  5. Add eggs slowly in the preparation. Stop when reaching a consistency that can be spread and is not too liquid.
  6. Roll out the first disc of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Separate the last egg.
  8. Brush the egg white around the circle over a width of ½ inch from the edge.
  9. Spread the almond cream inside the circle leaving ½ inch space from the edge.
  10. Place the second circle of dough on top.
  11. Tap around the circle to ensure that the two circles are well bonded.
  12. Dilute the egg yolk in a teaspoon of water.
  13. Brush the egg yolk all over the top circle.
  14. Draw patterns on the top circle using a knife or other sharp utensil.
  15. Bake in a preheated oven at 380 F / 190 C. Check galette des rois after 25 minutes and continue baking for a few minutes if necessary until the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • Tip for professional look: Take the galette des rois out of the oven, lightly sprinkle with icing sugar and put back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the icing sugar has completely dissolved for a shiny professional appearance.