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Traditional King Cake Recipe

Traditional King Cake Recipe
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The Traditional King Cake is a vibrant Mardi Gras classic featuring soft, fluffy enriched dough filled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with festive purple, green, and gold icing. Perfect for celebrations, this delightful pastry offers customizable fillings and a joyful surprise hidden inside, bringing family and friends together in festive spirit.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 3 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese or fruit preserves (raspberry, peach)
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans or almonds

Glaze and Decoration

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • Colored sugars: purple, green, and gold (about 1/4 cup each)

Additional

  • 1 small plastic baby or charm for tradition

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast activates and bubbles. Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon and sugar mixture across the surface. If desired, add cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chopped nuts evenly over the filling.
  3. Shape the Cake: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Shape the log into a circle, sealing the ends together firmly to resemble a crown. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake sounds hollow when tapped. Avoid overbaking to keep the interior soft and moist.
  5. Glaze and Decorate: While the cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar with milk to make a smooth glaze. Brush or drizzle evenly over the warm cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold colored sugars to create the classic Mardi Gras look.
  6. Insert the Baby: After the cake has cooled or during serving, carefully insert the small plastic baby into the cake. Warn guests about the hidden baby to ensure safety and keep the tradition alive.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better dough texture.
  • Do not skip or rush the rising times – proper proofing is key for a light, fluffy cake.
  • Roll dough evenly to prevent thin spots and burning.
  • Optionally brush with an egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
  • Apply glaze while the cake is slightly warm so it melts in without running off.
  • Insert the plastic baby last minute after baking to keep it safe and intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, Traditional, Cinnamon, Festive, Dessert, Enriched Dough, Celebration

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/traditional-king-cake-recipe/