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Traditional King Cake

Freshly baked Traditional King Cake on white plate
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Traditional King Cake is a festive, sweet yeast bread decorated with vibrant colored sugar, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a hint of cinnamon and rich cream cheese filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 large eggs
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Colored sanding sugar (purple, green, gold) for topping
  • 1/4 cup water (for egg wash)
  • 1 hidden plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. While dough rises, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth for the filling.
  7. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
  8. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a ring, pinching ends to seal. Optionally hide the plastic baby inside the dough.
  9. Place the ring on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the cake with egg wash (water mixed with egg).
  11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
  12. Decorate by sprinkling purple, green, and gold colored sugars in stripes over the top.

Notes

For best results, serve the King Cake the same day it’s baked to enjoy its freshness, and store leftovers tightly wrapped to maintain softness.

Find it online: https://youreverydayfoodie.com/traditional-king-cake-delicious-holiday-treat/