Description
This King Cake is a must-try with its irresistible flavor and colorful icing. Perfect for celebrations, it’s easy to prepare and delightful to share.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- ¼ cup water (60 ml)
- ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided (70 grams)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (85 grams)
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 4 ½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (565 to 625 grams)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (57 grams; ½ stick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water (15 ml)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole milk (30 ml)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Tiny plastic baby
- Green, purple, and gold/yellow sanding sugar
Instructions
- Heat the milk and water until it reaches 110°F to 115°F and pour into a mixing bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until combined and then knead the dough until smooth and elastic, adding flour as necessary.
- Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a rectangle, cut in half, and spread with melted butter and the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll each rectangle tightly into a rope and braid them together before forming a circle.
- Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour while preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Prepare the egg wash, brush it over the cake, and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before mixing the icing and decorating with sanding sugar.
Notes
Ensure the milk and water are at the proper temperature for yeast activation.
Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Wait for the icing to set before storing to prevent it from smudging.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg