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Mardi Gras King Cake

Classic Mardi Gras King Cake

A festive and traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a colorful glaze in purple, green, and gold.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Mardi Gras, New Orleans
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g flour All-purpose flour.
  • 100 g sugar Granulated white sugar.
  • 1 packet active dry yeast About 7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon For the dough.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature.
  • 240 ml milk Warm, about 40°C (105°F).
  • 75 g unsalted butter Melted.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
  • 100 g brown sugar For the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon For the filling.
  • 50 g chopped walnuts or almonds Optional, for added crunch.
  • 50 g raisins or dried fruit Optional, for extra sweetness.
  • 200 g powdered sugar For the glaze.
  • 3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
  • 1 assorted food coloring Gel colors in purple, green, and yellow (gold).

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Rolling Pin
  • baking sheet
  • oven

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and the dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
  3. Mix everything until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using) to make the filling.
  6. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 30x40 cm (12x16 inches).
  7. Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Pinch the edges together to seal and shape it into a ring.
  9. Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  11. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before decorating.
  12. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
  13. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and decorate with purple, green, and yellow (gold) colored icing or sprinkles.

Notes

Traditional King Cakes sometimes include a small plastic baby inside to symbolize luck. If using one, insert it into the cake before serving!