Gluten-Free Galette Des Rois (French King's Cake)

 The Galette des Rois, or "King's Cake," is a tradition that dates back centuries and has its roots in the Christian holiday of Epiphany. Celebrated on January 6th, Epiphany marks the visit of the three Magi to the baby Jesus, but this cake’s history predates Christianity, with links to ancient Roman festivals honoring the god Saturn.

The Galette des Rois is an indispensable part of this holiday in France. Traditionally made with puff pastry and frangipane (a creamy almond filling), it has become a symbol of warmth and celebration during the cold winter months. The fève, a small charm hidden inside makes the cake even more special. The lucky person who finds the fève is crowned King or Queen for the day—a delightful way to carry the festive spirit into the new year.

This year, I decided to give my Galette des Rois a twist. Instead of the traditional fève, I tucked two walnuts in their shells into the filling, a fun nod to tradition while keeping things simple. My version swaps puff pastry for a gluten-free tortilla and uses a tofu-almond blend as the creamy filling. It’s a lighter take on a cherished classic, but still as celebratory as ever.

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Galette des Rois 

Ingredients:

For the "pastry":

• 4 large gluten-free tortillas
• 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for brushing)

For the filling:

• 200g firm tofu, drained
• 100g ground almonds
• 3 tablespoons erythritol or sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• 2 tablespoons almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the fève:

• 2 walnuts in their shells

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:

   • Blend the tofu, ground almonds, erythritol, vanilla extract, rice flour, almond milk, and almond extract in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

2. Assemble the galette:

   • Place one tortilla on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the tofu-almond filling on top, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges.
   • Hide the two walnut shells in the filling, gently pressing them in.
   • Cover with a second tortilla and press the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining layers, brushing the edges lightly with plant-based milk to help seal them.

3. Decorate and bake:

   • Score a pattern on the top tortilla with a sharp knife, such as sun rays or geometric designs. Brush the top with plant-based milk for a golden finish.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

4. Serve:

• Let cool slightly before serving. Slice into wedges and enjoy with loved ones. Whoever finds a walnut gets crowned the King or Queen for the day!

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This take on the Galette des Rois is a beautiful way to honor tradition while making it your own. I love how food can connect us to history, yet still allow room for creativity and personalization.

So, whether you’re celebrating Epiphany or just indulging in a delicious dessert, this vegan Galette des Rois is bound to bring joy to your table. And remember, finding the walnut doesn’t just crown you royalty—it also comes with the responsibility of hosting next year’s galette party!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your version and who got crowned King or Queen. Happy baking, and enjoy the festivities!