What Is the Cake Traditionally Eaten in Epiphany?

People have barely digested the feasts from Christmas and New Year’s Eve when January 6th comes around the corner, with more traditional food. However, hearty meals aren’t part of the Epiphany tradition. In fact, the menu is entirely different: enter the epiphany cake tradition, a creamy pastry that’s been enjoyed for centuries on that date.

A Tasty Tradition 

The king cake epiphany has been part of Catholic culture for a while. The Epiphany, which is also called the “TwelfthNight,” is the day when the three wise kings finally arrive in Bethlehem. Catholics have been celebrating January 6th since the 6th century, and a few Lutheran churches joined them later. 

Since many people observe the “dry January,” there’s no alcoholic drink for this dessert. Yet, people celebrate with non-alcoholic aperitifs and cocktails. Those who visit Dolceterra will see how varied the options can be, including alcohol-free gin and vermouth. 

Unsurprisingly, there are many recipes related to the date, depending on where it’s celebrated. Still, none of them stuck quite as much as the “Gallete des Rois,” the king cake epiphany recipe. The recipe involves a cream made from eggs, sugar, butter, and sweet almonds. The cream is called “frangipane,” and it was named after the French nobleman who created it, the Marquis of Frangipani. 

However, the epiphany cake tradition has a special ingredient: a trinket, which could be a coin or a pea and a bean. In the old days, when the date was celebrated in public masses and festivities, the lucky recipient of the trinket would get to play the king (or queen) for a day. Until today, many people still put a trinket inside their homemade cakes. In the United States, the king cake with a plastic baby inside is a staple during the Mardi Gras.  

Shaping the Crown 

While frangipane cream is the most common filling for this recipe, it’s also possible to make it chocolate and fruits. In Portugal, this cake can also take candied fruits and nuts. Despite local variations, one ingredient is always there: the trinket, be it beans and peas or a plastic baby. At this time of the year, bakeries get overwhelmed by orders. However, since cooking can reduce stress, why not try it at home?

Another important aspect of the epiphany cake tradition is its crown-like shape. To get this shape, the chef must cut the dough into a rectangular shape and fold its corners into the middle. The rest is easy: the dough must be cut halfway, then braided or twisted. The cream must be spread over the dough while it’s still rectangular. The dough will take half an hour to rise, and then it should be put into a 350-degree oven for about 50 minutes. 

The Last Slice

On January 6th, if the cake’s filling is optional, the king cake is not. However, it’s always time for a sweet treat somewhere. New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras in March, which is the perfect excuse to devour this historical pastry again.