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+ servings

King Cake

A delightful treat traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring sweet dough and colorful icing, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Creole
Calories: 250

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (1/4 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed Make sure the milk is warm but not hot.
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

  • Colorful icing (purple, green, and gold sprinkles) You can mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and food coloring.
  • Optional: small plastic baby or coin (for hiding inside) The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity.

Method

Preparation

  • In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

Baking

  • Roll out the dough into a rectangle, and place the baby/coin in the center if using. Roll the dough into a log and shape it into a circle.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.
  • Once cooled, drizzle with icing and sprinkle the colors on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14g

Notes

To store any leftover King Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge before serving. For extra flavor, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Experiment with different icing flavors like almond or lemon for a unique twist. You can change the filling by adding cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips for a delicious surprise.
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