Caramelized Apple Galette des Rois: A Modern French Epiphany Delight

This caramelized apple galette des rois is a classic French recipe enjoyed in early January in honor of Epiphany, reimagined for a contemporary palate.

France is renowned globally for its rich culinary heritage and charming traditions, many of which are beautifully centered around food. Among these cherished customs, one of our absolute favorites emerges right after the joyful whirlwind of Christmas and New Year festivities: the exquisite galette des rois.

As January unfolds, while people across the globe might be embarking on resolutions for healthier eating and post-holiday detoxes – a sentiment we certainly understand and even participate in with recipes like our recent miso soup with leeks and carrots – the French present a delightful contrast. It always brings a smile to our faces that as the rest of the world tightens its belt, the French are busily preparing yet another delectable cake: the galette des rois.

The French Way: January’s Sweet Indulgence

The traditional galette des rois, or “King’s Cake,” is typically a flaky puff pastry tart filled with a rich, dense layer of frangipane (almond cream). It’s famously sweet, wonderfully indulgent, and a staple of French bakeries and homes throughout January, leading up to Epiphany on January 6th, which commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. While we adore this classic version for its irresistible charm and deep-rooted history, we also saw an opportunity to create a delightful variation that offers a touch of freshness and a nuanced sweetness.

A Lighter, Brighter Galette: Our Caramelized Apple & Honey Twist

Our inspiration for this particular galette des rois came from a desire to lighten the traditional recipe slightly without sacrificing any of its festive spirit or deliciousness. We aimed for a version that is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, allowing other flavors to truly shine. This led us to incorporate two exquisite ingredients: organic honey and beautifully caramelized apples. The combination proved to be a stroke of genius, offering a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. The tender, sweet-tart apples, enhanced by a luscious caramelization, pair perfectly with the delicate flakiness of the puff pastry, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

The galette des rois is a flaky, puff pastry tart traditionally made with a thick layer of frangipane – or marzipan – on the inside. It is very sweet and although we love it, we thought it would be fun to do a revisit. We created our very own version that is a touch lighter. It is sweet but not too sweet because it is made with delicious organic honey. We also threw in some caramelized apples because you can never go wrong with caramelized apples. #truestory

The Magical Tradition of the Fève

This delightful tart isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, especially with the cherished Epiphany tradition in France. Integral to the festivities is the inclusion of a tiny ceramic figurine, known as a fève, baked hidden within the galette. The excitement builds as slices are distributed, and the lucky individual who discovers the fève in their piece is crowned the king or queen – roi ou reine – for the rest of the day or evening. This honor comes with a golden paper crown, which is traditionally provided by every French bakery when you purchase a galette des rois. The game often involves the youngest person present sitting under the table and calling out names for each slice, ensuring impartiality. It’s a moment of joyous anticipation and shared laughter, making the galette much more than just a cake; it’s a centerpiece of family fun and tradition.

Sourced with Care: The Delight of Knobel Honey and Spotted Gum

Our inspiration to feature honey in this recipe was sparked by a generous gift from our wonderful friends at Knobel Honey, all the way from Australia! Their commitment to organic, high-quality honey truly made a difference. We specifically used their Spotted Gum honey, which comes from a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia. This unique floral source imbues the honey with a distinct, rich, and creamy flavor profile that’s truly exceptional. Knobel Honey is a family-run business, passionately producing organic honey in the vast and pristine Australian outback, where their bees feast on the nectars of Spotted Gum eucalyptus (among other varieties depending on the season). The depth and complexity of the Spotted Gum honey added a truly special and pronounced flavor to our galette des rois, elevating the caramelized apples and creating a memorable taste experience that we absolutely adore when you bite into the tart.

Crafting Your Own Galette: Tips for a Perfect Bake

Making this darling tart is a joyful process, and a few tips can help you achieve perfection. For the apples, choose varieties that hold their shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which also offer a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness of the caramel and honey. When working with puff pastry, remember to keep it as cold as possible to ensure maximum flakiness. Handle it gently and quickly to prevent the butter from melting. For caramelizing the apples, patience is key. Allow the honey and sugar to gently melt and bubble before adding the cream, creating that rich, golden base. Once the apples are in, ensure they are cooked until tender but still retain some bite, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Finally, don’t rush the baking; the dual-temperature method ensures the pastry cooks through and achieves that beautiful, golden-brown crust while the filling remains moist and delicious. The egg yolk wash is not just for shine; it helps seal the pastry and gives it that professional, appealing finish.

Beyond Epiphany: A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

While the galette des rois is famously tied to Epiphany, our caramelized apple and honey version is so wonderfully adaptable that it truly shines on any occasion. Its elegant simplicity and heartwarming flavors make it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, a sophisticated addition to a brunch spread, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the caramelized apple and honey flavors to truly melt in your mouth, or enjoyed chilled, this galette promises a moment of pure culinary bliss. It’s a reminder that some traditions are simply too good to limit to a single season.

So, what culinary delights are you indulging in at the moment? Are you diligently detoxing after the festive season, or are you, like us, still finding room for delightful holiday-inspired sweets? We invite you to try this caramelized apple galette des rois and bring a piece of French tradition, with a fresh twist, into your home. Share your experience and let us know how this lovely tart brightens your day.