The surprising King Cake-inspired French toast creation by Pierre Hermé

For Epiphany 2026, Pierre Hermé puts a modern spin on the traditional king cake with a daring new creation inspired by his favorite dessert. The "pain perdu" style galette will be showcased from January 2 to 26, 2026, across the Paris boutiques of the renowned pastry chef, as part of his Abysses collection.

As pastry chefs and Parisian bakers and confectioners compete to showcase their versions of the King’s King, Pierre Hermé surprises us with a bold and unexpected creation. This year, the renowned French pastry chef takes us deep into the ocean’s depths with his Abysses collection, a mysterious dive into coral reefs, anemones, and sea sponges that serve as inspiration for his Epiphany confections. At the heart of this 2026 lineup, we find a pain perdu-style galette that redefines traditional pastry norms while staying true to the spirit of Maison Pierre Hermé.

This unusual pie draws inspiration directly from the renowned Fetish dessert, one of the signatures of the house. Pierre Hermé playfully transforms the traditional flaky puff pastry by incorporating a soaked brioche dough, resulting in a delightfully spongy texture reminiscent of lost bread. Not quite a lost bread, nor a classic galette, this creation is bound to surprise and intrigue.

The technique used by the pastry chef is nothing short of culinary brilliance. He employs a reinverted puff pastry as the shell, enclosing a carefully soaked brioche dough, and layers it generously with almond cream and luscious caramel. This bold combination elevates the traditional king cake into an extraordinary experience, balancing the crispness of the pastry with the soft, bread pudding-like interior. If you're seeking a fresh twist on the classic galette, this creation might appeal to you with its unique blend of familiarity and innovation.

What other galettes does Pierre Hermé offer for 2026?

The 2026 Epiphany collection by Pierre Hermé goes beyond this bold, iconic creation. Chocolate lovers will be delighted by the Infiniment Chocolat Flan Tart, an exclusive available only at the Infiniment Chocolat boutique in the 7th arrondissement. Purists can opt for the Infiniment Almond Tart, offered in individual size for €7.90 or in larger formats suitable for 4, 8, or 12 guests. The Mogador Tart, another signature of the house with its passionate and chocolatey notes, also makes a return this year.

For those seeking the extraordinary, the Faubourg Saint-Honoré laminated brioche stands as the epitome of elegance. This gourmet creation features a generous size designed to serve 8 people, priced at €45, and perfectly showcases the artisanal expertise behind it. All these culinary masterpieces are part of the Abysses theme, crafting an intricate flavor journey inspired by the depths of the ocean.

Where to Find Pierre Hermé's King Cake and French Toast in Paris?

The “Pain Perdu” style galette is now available across all Pierre Hermé Paris boutiques in the capital and the Île-de-France region. You can find it, for example, on Rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondissement, Avenue de l’Opéra in the 2nd, or Rue Vieille du Temple in the Marais. The galette is offered in three sizes: enough for 4 people at €38, 8 people at €62, or 12 people at €78. Just a heads-up: this special creation requires a preorder, which can be placed directly on Pierre Hermé’s official website or at your favorite boutique.

The availability window runs until January 26, 2026, giving you ample time to celebrate Epiphany and extend the festivities far beyond the traditional date. In short, if you're eager to try a galette that truly stands out this year, this bold creation is well worth a visit—it's a delightful twist on the comforting joys of French toast, encased in a flaky pastry worthy of the finest Parisian patissiers.