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Traditional King Cake Recipe

Traditional King Cake Recipe
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Discover the authentic flavors of a Traditional King Cake with fluffy cinnamon-filled dough, rich fillings, and vibrant Mardi Gras icing. Perfect for celebrations, this festive treat blends a soft texture with sweet, spiced cream cheese or cinnamon sugar filling, complemented by colorful purple, green, and gold glaze. Whether a seasoned baker or novice, this recipe offers clear, easy steps to create a joyful King Cake experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)

Glaze Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or lemon juice
  • Food coloring: purple, green, gold

Optional

  • Plastic baby figurine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar in the milk and let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms and knead for 8 to 10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until elastic and slightly sticky.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix brown sugar with cinnamon and softened cream cheese if using. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste for a classic King Cake flavor.
  4. Shape the Cake: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving edges clear. Roll the dough lengthwise jelly-roll style, then form it into a ring and press the ends to seal tightly. Optionally place the plastic baby figurine inside before sealing.
  5. Second Rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  6. Bake the King Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped. Avoid overbaking to keep texture soft.
  7. Glaze and Decorate: Cool slightly. Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth. Divide glaze into three parts and tint with purple, green, and gold food coloring. Drizzle artistically over the cake to create the traditional Mardi Gras look. Add colorful sugar sprinkles if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast and check expiration for best rise.
  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Don’t rush rising times; it affects fluffiness greatly.
  • Seal edges well to prevent filling leaks during baking.
  • For even baking, consider using a baking stone or steel.
  • Wrap leftovers tightly to keep moist, store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes; avoid microwave to retain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon cake, traditional cake, festive dessert, cream cheese filling, cinnamon sugar filling, holiday cake

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/traditional-king-cake-recipe/