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Traditional King Cake

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A festive and colorful French Mardi Gras pastry featuring a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • Purple, green, and gold colored sanding sugar for decoration
  • 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. While dough rises, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  5. Once risen, roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
  6. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges.
  7. Optionally, place the small plastic baby figurine somewhere inside the dough (usually near one end).
  8. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
  9. Shape the log into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.
  10. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  12. While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  13. Remove cake from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle glaze evenly over the top.
  14. Immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in sections on the glaze before it sets.
  15. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, serve with coffee or spiced tea. If you include the baby figurine, be sure to warn guests and remove it before slicing to avoid choking hazards.

Find it online: https://auntyspices.com/traditional-king-cake-delight/