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King Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 135 reviews

This classic King Cake recipe is a festive and delicious treat, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any special occasion. Featuring a soft, sweet yeast dough filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese, and adorned with the iconic purple, green, and gold colors, this King Cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making it tender and flavorful, and the final baked cake boasts a golden crust with a luscious cream cheese swirl inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs

Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Decoration

  • Food coloring (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for several minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated and alive.
  2. Make the dough: Gradually mix the melted butter and eggs into the yeast mixture. Then, slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it is elastic and smooth. This develops the gluten for a tender structure.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a sweet filling for the cake.
  6. Shape the cake: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then form it into an oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Second rise: Allow the shaped cake to rise for an additional 30 minutes to develop more volume and a light texture.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
  9. Cool and decorate: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the traditional colorful glaze or sprinkles using the purple, green, and gold food coloring to complete the festive look.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For easier rolling, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
  • You can add a hidden figurine inside the dough before baking for a traditional King Cake surprise.
  • Use vibrant food coloring to create the iconic Mardi Gras colors in your glaze or sugar decorations.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Yeast Bread, Southern Dessert, Holiday Bread

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/king-cake-recipe/