King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with this luxurious homemade King Cake—a festive, braided sweet bread filled with a rich cream cheese and cinnamon-sugar filling. This stunning dessert is crowned with a glossy glaze and decorated in the signature colors of Carnival: purple, green, and gold. Classic yet customizable, this recipe features a light and airy dough, a decadent filling, and the option to include the traditional hidden plastic baby figurine for an authentic nod to the vibrant New Orleans tradition. Perfect for gatherings or celebrations, this show-stopping King Cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a centerpiece for the table. Delight your guests with this irresistible dessert that's both eye-catching and steeped in festive tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.25 cups Unsalted butter
- 3 pieces Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.75 cups Brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles
- 1 piece Plastic baby figurine (optional, for tradition)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast.
In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat until warm (do not boil).
Pour warm milk mixture into the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, make the filling by mixing brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 16-18 inches.
Flatten each rope slightly and spread a thin layer of the filling along the length of each piece. Pinch and seal the edges to enclose the filling.
Braid the three filled ropes together, pinching the ends to seal. Form the braid into a circle and pinch the ends together to close the ring.
Transfer the braided ring onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the King Cake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
If desired, insert the plastic baby figurine into the bottom of the cake after baking.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Immediately sprinkle the glazed cake with the purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles in alternating sections for a festive finish.
Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.0 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.3 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.2 g | ||
| Protein | 8.0 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 114 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
