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Traditional King Cake Recipe

Traditional King Cake Recipe
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This Traditional King Cake Recipe captures the authentic Mardi Gras flavor with its soft, buttery dough filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold icing and sprinkles, it’s a festive centerpiece perfect for celebrations. The fun tradition of hiding a tiny plastic baby inside adds excitement and symbolizes luck and prosperity. Whether for Mardi Gras or any special occasion, this cake brings warmth, tradition, and joy to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)

Icing and Decoration

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (purple, green, and yellow)
  • Colored sugar or sanding sugar in purple, green, and gold

Additional

  • Mini plastic baby, wrapped in parchment paper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine 1 cup warm whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. Add 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until combined. This mixture will form the signature sweet and spicy filling.
  3. Assemble the Cake: Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top uniformly. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a ring, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
  4. Second Rise: Place the ring onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy.
  5. Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
  6. Decorate with Icing and Sprinkles: Mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into a smooth glaze. Divide into three portions and color each with purple, green, or yellow food coloring. Drizzle the colorful icing over the cooled cake and generously sprinkle matching colored sanding sugar on top.
  7. Add the Baby: Before serving, hide the mini plastic baby (wrapped in parchment paper) inside the cake as part of the fun Mardi Gras tradition.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal yeast activation.
  • Knead the dough only until smooth to maintain a tender, airy texture.
  • Allow the dough to rise twice for a lighter, more flavorful cake.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperature.
  • Brush the cake with butter before baking for a beautiful brown crust.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing to avoid melting and messy decoration.
  • Wrap the plastic baby in parchment paper before inserting it for hygiene purposes.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, Cinnamon Sugar Cake, Traditional Dessert, New Orleans Cake

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