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King Cake

Celebrate Mardi Gras with this delightful King Cake, filled with cinnamon and topped with vibrant sanding sugar. A symbol of tradition and joy, this cake is perfect for gatherings and festive occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Creole
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze and Decoration
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 piece Plastic baby figurine (optional)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm milk, the active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture.
  4. Knead everything together for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
  5. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
  1. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter into a paste.
Baking
  1. Roll the risen dough into a 10x20-inch rectangle and spread the filling across its surface.
  2. Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a ring, sealing the edges.
  3. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rest for another 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
Decoration
  1. Mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to create a glaze.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
  3. If desired, hide the baby figurine under the cake before serving.

Notes

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped well for up to 2 months.