Chocolate Galette des Rois King Cake Recipe

Chocolate French Galette des Rois is a quick and easy king cake recipe to enjoy for Epiphany or any festive winter gathering. This French dessert is made with flaky puff pastry and a rich chocolate almond cream, also known as an easy chocolate frangipane.

This chocolate galette des rois is a delicious twist on the traditional French king cake. Instead of the classic almond-only frangipane filling, this version combines almond flour with melted chocolate for a richer, more indulgent dessert. It is perfect for celebrating Epiphany and can be enjoyed throughout January, as is often done in France.

The recipe is simple and approachable. You can prepare it with quick homemade puff pastry, classic puff pastry, inverted puff pastry, or two ready-made puff pastry sheets if you want to save time. The filling comes together in just a few minutes with butter, sugar, eggs, almond flour, vanilla, and semi-sweet chocolate.

Once baked, the galette becomes beautifully golden and crisp on the outside, while the inside stays soft, chocolatey, and fragrant with almonds. It is a comforting family dessert, ideal for sharing around the table and enjoying the traditional king cake moment.

Ingredient Notes

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this chocolate almond king cake. For the best result, use cold puff pastry and a smooth chocolate almond cream.

• Puff pastry: Use quick puff pastry for a fast homemade version, classic puff pastry for a more traditional result, inverted puff pastry for extra flakiness, or two commercial puff pastry sheets.
• Chocolate almond cream: The filling is made with softened butter, sugar, eggs, almond flour, vanilla extract, and melted semi-sweet chocolate.
• Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate gives the filling a balanced flavor without making it overly sweet.
• Almond flour: Almond flour gives the cream its classic frangipane texture and pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to make the Chocolate French King Cake

Here are the main steps for making this chocolate galette des rois. The full recipe with exact quantities is included in the recipe card below.

• Prepare the puff pastry by mixing cold butter, flour, salt, and ice water until a dough forms, leaving visible pieces of butter.
• Fold the dough several times to create layers, then cover and refrigerate it until assembly.
• If using ready-made puff pastry, keep it chilled until you are ready to roll and cut it.

• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
• Place the softened butter, sugar, almond flour, eggs, vanilla, and melted chocolate in a mixing bowl.
• Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until the chocolate almond cream is smooth and evenly combined.

Assembly

• Roll out the puff pastry to about 3 mm thick on a lightly floured work surface.
• Cut out two large pastry disks using a pastry ring or a large plate.
• Place the first disk on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Spread or pipe the chocolate almond cream in the center, leaving a wide border around the edge. If using a fève or bean, place it in the filling before closing the galette.
• Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry with water using a pastry brush.
• Cover with the second disk of puff pastry and press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal.
• Brush the top with egg wash, then score a decorative pattern with a small sharp knife without cutting all the way through the pastry.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
• Bake the galette des rois on the middle rack for about 45 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown.
• Let the chocolate king cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Storage and Freeze

Room temperature: Store the chocolate galette des rois at room temperature under a clean tea towel or wrapped in plastic wrap for about 2 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked galette for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing.

Let it thaw gently at room temperature, then reheat it briefly in the oven or microwave before serving if you prefer it warm.

More Kings Cake Recipes

I hope you enjoy this chocolate king cake. It is crisp, buttery, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Chocolate Galette des Rois “King Cake”

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings

Description

A chocolate galette des rois made with puff pastry and a smooth chocolate almond cream. This recipe makes one 10 inch / 25 cm galette, serving about 10 to 12 people.

Ingredients

250 g quick puff pastry

Chocolate almond cream

• 100 g (3.5 oz) semi-sweet chocolate
• 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 60 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 100 g (1 cup) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Chocolate almond cream

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, then let it cool slightly.
2. Place the softened butter and sugar in a bowl and beat briefly with an electric mixer.
3. Add the almond flour and mix again until combined.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate. Mix until the cream is smooth and homogeneous.

Assembly

1. Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and cut it in half.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to about 3 mm thick.
3. Cut out two large disks using a pastry ring or a large plate.
4. Place the first pastry disk on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread or pipe the chocolate almond cream in the center, leaving a border around the edge.
6. Brush the border lightly with water.
7. Cover with the second disk of puff pastry and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers.
8. If needed, trim the galette with a 10 inch / 25 cm pastry ring for a clean round shape.
9. Carefully turn the galette over for a smoother surface, then brush the top with egg wash.
10. Score the top with a sharp knife or baker’s blade, taking care not to cut through the pastry.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F / 180°C for about 45 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Notes

Storage: Keep the galette covered at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Calories: 377
• Sugar: 11
• Sodium: 353
• Fat: 28
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Carbohydrates: 29
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 5
• Cholesterol: 81