He treats young and old for L’Épiphanie. In Provence, if the frangipane pancake, popular further north, is gaining ground, the kings cake is still a very tasty tradition. This crown-shaped brioche, topped with candied fruit and sugar chips, has its origins in Roman times. At the time of the winter solstice, masters and slaves shared a cake, often filled with honey and date, in which a bean was hidden. Whoever pulled it was then designated king for the day.
This pagan festival was taken up and adapted by the Church. It was then that the kings cake took the shape of a crown, to recall that of the three wise men while the candied fruits represented the precious stones adorning it. Discover in video, its making and its history.