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Spread the almond filling evenly over the first sheet of puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. You can gently smooth the filling with a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed. If you have a fève, now is the time to hide it inside the filling, somewhere towards the edge (so that you don’t accidentally cut it when you slice the galette).
Once the filling is in place, carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry over the top. Press the edges down firmly to seal the two sheets together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a teaspoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the top of the pastry to give it a beautiful golden finish when baked. For extra decoration, you can lightly score the top of the pastry in a diamond pattern with a knife—this gives the galette a lovely traditional look.
Step 5: Bake the Galette
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the galette for about 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The top should be beautifully puffed up and slightly caramelized.
Once the galette is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, slice the galette into wedges. If you’ve used a fève, remember that the person who finds it in their slice is crowned king or queen! You can dust the galette with a little powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness, though this is optional.
Why You’ll Love This Galette des Rois Express
- Quick and Easy: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With store-bought puff pastry and a no-fuss almond filling, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in under an hour.
- Festive and Fun: Galette des Rois is a beloved French tradition, and making your own at home adds a personal touch to your celebrations. Plus, it’s always fun to find the fève and crown the king or queen!
- Delicious and Indulgent: The buttery, flaky puff pastry combined with the rich, almond filling is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable: You can make this recipe your own by adjusting the filling. If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet filling, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Feel free to experiment with other flavor additions like a hint of orange zest or a splash of amaretto.
Tips for a Perfect Galette des Rois Express
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the galette with almond cream—leave some space at the edges so the pastry can puff up and bake evenly. Too much filling may cause it to spill out during baking.
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: If your puff pastry gets too warm while you’re working with it, it may lose its ability to puff up. Work quickly and return the pastry to the fridge for a few minutes if needed.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the galette in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking. Just brush the pastry with egg wash right before baking to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
A French Tradition in a Flash
The Galette des Rois Express brings a taste of French tradition to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re celebrating the Epiphany or simply craving something delicious and festive, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy a rich, buttery pastry filled with almond goodness. It’s a treat that will impress your family and friends, and it’s so simple, you might just find yourself making it more often than once a year!
