King Cake
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Whole milk (Warmed to activate the yeast.)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (To sweeten the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Melted for richness.)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, to help the dough rise.)
- 4 large Eggs (For moisture and structure.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (For flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (To add warmth and spice.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To enhance the flavors.)
- 4–5 cups All-purpose flour (To create the dough's structure.)
- 1 cup Brown sugar (Packed for a rich sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon (To complement the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Chopped pecans (Optional, for a crunchy texture.)
- 1/2 cup Raisins (Optional, for added sweetness and chewiness.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Softened to bind the filling.)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (For a smooth and sweet glaze.)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (To achieve the right consistency.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (For flavor.)
- to taste Colored sugars (Purple, green, and gold for decoration.)
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm, then stir in the sugar and melted butter until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, raisins, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a circle on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the shaped cake with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.
- Slice and serve the King Cake, enjoying the festive spirit of Mardi Gras!