Description
A traditional New Orleans dessert, the King Cake is a colorful and sweet treat often enjoyed during Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring a cinnamon-swirled cake, vibrant icing, and a hidden baby figurine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
- Food coloring (purple, green, yellow)
- 1 small plastic baby figurine
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log.
- Shape the log into a circle and pinch the ends together to form a ring.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool completely before icing.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create the icing. Drizzle over the cooled cake and decorate with colored sugar.
- Insert the baby figurine from underneath the cake before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- You can customize the flavors by adding almond or lemon extract.
- Traditionally, whoever finds the baby must host the next King Cake party.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg