Delicious King Cake Recipe for a Perfect Celebration

King Cake is a festive and delicious dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or any special occasion! This traditional cake is colorful, fun, and packed with flavor, making it a treat everyone will enjoy. Follow this easy recipe to make a delicious King Cake from scratch.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:

  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)

• For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

• For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (for decoration)
  • A plastic baby (optional, to hide inside the cake for a traditional touch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined. If desired, stir in chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.

4. Shape the King Cake: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough into a log and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together.

5. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shaped cake on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Glaze the Cake: While the cake is baking, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the glaze over the top.

7. Decorate the King Cake: Sprinkle the colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) over the cake, creating alternating sections of color. If using a plastic baby, carefully insert it into the bottom of the cake after it has cooled.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy your delicious homemade King Cake with friends and family!

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Why Make King Cake?

Making a King Cake at home is an excellent way to bring some festive spirit to your celebrations. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also a fun tradition to share with your loved ones. The combination of cinnamon, butter, and sugar, along with the sweet glaze and colorful decorations, makes this cake a standout at any party or gathering.

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