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Easy King Cake Recipe

Easy King Cake Recipe
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This Easy King Cake Recipe combines soft, sweet dough with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling and a smooth vanilla icing decorated with traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold sugar. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, family gatherings, or festive occasions, this cake delivers comforting flavors and a charming presentation that will brighten any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Icing Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (to achieve desired consistency)
  • Colored sugar (purple, green, gold) for decorating

Optional

  • Plastic baby figurine (for tradition, inserted after baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk slightly and mix it with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar, letting it bloom until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a mixer until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If desired, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  3. Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture uniformly across the top.
  4. Shape the Dough Roll: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, sealing the edges to prevent filling leakage.
  5. Form and Rise Again: Shape the rolled dough into a large circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing the ends together to seal securely. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before decorating.
  7. Decorate: Whisk powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, then generously sprinkle with colored sugar in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.
  8. Add Baby Figurine (Optional): Insert the plastic baby charm into the cake after baking and icing to prevent melting or choking hazards during the baking process.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
  • Knead dough until slightly tacky and elastic, avoiding stickiness for the best texture.
  • Distribute filling evenly across the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transferring the cake easier.
  • Add the baby figurine after baking to avoid melting or baking hazards.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon roll, festive dessert, sweet bread

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-king-cake-recipe/