King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert that’s enjoyed throughout the Carnival season, particularly in New Orleans. It’s a sweet, braided cinnamon-flavored pastry, often decorated in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Inside the cake, a small plastic baby figurine is hidden, and tradition dictates that the person who finds it is responsible for hosting the next King Cake party. This recipe will guide you through making your own King Cake to celebrate this festive occasion.
King Cake Recipe
King Cake is a delicious, sweet pastry with a rich history in Louisiana. It's often enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, but you can make it anytime you want to savor its flavors. This recipe includes a simple cream cheese filling and colorful icing.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- rolling pin
- electric mixer
Ingredients
- colored sugars
- warm milk
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- nutmeg
- all purpose flour
- powdered sugar
- sprinkles
- dry yeast
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, sugar, eggs, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth, about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 20x10 inches.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Starting from one long side, roll up the dough into a log. Place the seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape it into a circle and pinch the ends together to seal.
- Cover the shaped King Cake with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the King Cake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the King Cake cool on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
- Once the King Cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle purple, green, and gold colored sugars or sprinkles over the top in alternating sections.
- If using a plastic baby figurine, insert it into the bottom of the cake
- Slice and serve your homemade King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras with friends and family.
Video
Notes
- If you can't find colored sugars or sprinkles in Mardi Gras colors, you can make your own by mixing regular colored sugars (purple, green, and yellow).
- Be cautious when serving King Cake with the hidden figurine; inform your guests so they don't accidentally bite into it.
Nutrition
Serving: 400g
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