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King Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Ganache King Cake

A festive King Cake filled with rich chocolate ganache, perfect for celebrations like Mardi Gras.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the King Cake
  • 1 cup Warm milk 110°F, activates the yeast.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast Essential for dough rise.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Melted, for richness.
  • 3 large Eggs Provides moisture and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds flavor.
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Colored sugar For decoration (purple, green, gold).
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For making ganache.
  • 8 ounces Semi-sweet chocolate Chopped, for ganache.
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter For richness in ganache.

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • baking sheet
  • wire rack
  • saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Plastic wrap
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk with active dry yeast and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir well.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, and spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache over it. Roll tightly to form a log and shape into a circle.
  6. Place the shaped cake on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
  8. While the cake cools, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream until simmering, then adding chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth.
  9. Once the cake is cool, pour the ganache over the top and sprinkle with colored sugar while the ganache is still wet.

Notes

This King Cake is a festive treat perfect for celebrations, especially Mardi Gras. Customize with different fillings and ganache flavors.