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Traditional King Cake Recipe

Traditional King Cake Recipe
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A traditional, festive King Cake featuring a soft, buttery cinnamon sugar swirl with optional cream cheese filling, vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar decorations, perfect for Mardi Gras and celebrations that bring people together.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk, lukewarm
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 cup Water (for yeast activation)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar (cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar)
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (optional, softened)

Glaze and Decoration

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons Water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Colored Sugars (Purple, Green, Gold) for topping
  • 1 Egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and stir in active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit about 5 minutes until bubbly. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Filling: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Optionally blend in softened cream cheese to add richness. Prepare this filling while the dough rises.
  3. Shape the Cake: Punch down the risen dough gently and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar (and cream cheese if using) over the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll it tightly into a log. Form the log into a circle and pinch ends to seal.
  4. Second Rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased round pan. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 to 60 minutes until puffed.
  5. Bake the King Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush cake top with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  6. Glaze and Decorate: Combine powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over cooled cake. While glaze is wet, sprinkle colored sugars in purple, green, and gold stripes to create the signature festive look.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and proper yeast activation.
  • Do not overfill the cake to avoid leakage or sogginess during baking.
  • Allow ample rising time after kneading for a fluffy texture.
  • Seal dough ends firmly to prevent unrolling while baking.
  • Cool cake completely before glazing to maintain vibrant colors and prevent glaze melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, Cinnamon Sugar Cake, Festive Cake, Traditional King Cake, Cream Cheese King Cake

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