King Cake
King Cake is a festive, sweet pastry traditionally served during Mardi Gras celebrations. It consists of a rich dough filled with cinnamon sugar, shaped into a ring, and topped with a sweet glaze and vibrant colored sugars. A small figurine or bean is hidden inside, and tradition dictates that the person who finds it must host the next celebration or buy the next King Cake.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
- ¼ cup warm water
- ½ cup warm milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix yeast with warm water and sugar, then combine with flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1-1½ hours.
- Shape the Cake: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with cinnamon-sugar (or desired filling), roll into a ring, and pinch the ends. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Breheat oven to 350°F. Brush dough with egg wash or milk, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Glaze & Decorate:Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze, drizzle over the cooled cake, and decorate with purple, green, and gold sugar.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your festive King Cake! Optional: hide a small baby figurine inside for a traditional touch.
Notes
- Substitute for Filling: You can use a cream cheese filling or add chocolate chips to the filling for a twist on the classic.
- Egg Wash Option: For a shinier finish, brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.